By Emma del Sol
Jon Duplantier was on point today in his seven innings of work, striking out nine and only giving up one run as the ‘Sters beat the Sedalia Boomers 5-3 in their first game of the NBC World Series. Duplantier’s nine strikeouts give him 69 on the year, which is just eight shy of the Foresters record. Granger Studdard’s two-run single in the top of the eighth gave the ‘Sters the extra run support they needed to overcome a ninth inning rally by the Boomers.
The ‘Sters scored their first run in the top of the third inning on an RBI double to center by Colt Atwood. Brett Boswell led off the inning with a single down the right field line, which was the first hit of the game for either team.
The ‘Sters extended their lead in the top of the fourth after Dillon Dobson’s double to center and an RBI single past the second baseman’s glove by Jaylin Davis.
The ‘Sters scored again in the top of the fifth inning off of three consecutive base runners. Jake Vickerson led the inning off with a bunt single to first. Atwood then reached on an error to the shortstop advancing Vickerson to third. And Ford Stainback gave the ‘Sters the 3-0 lead with a single up the middle.
The Boomers were able to get one run in the bottom of the fifth off of singles up the middle.
In the top of the eighth inning the ‘Sters were able to add on key insurance runs that would prove to be the winning runs of the game. Atwood and Stainback led off the inning with back-to-back singles. With two outs, Studdard hit a single up the middle bringing home Atwood and Stainback, giving the ‘Sters the 5-1 lead.
Ty Culbreth made his Foresters debut in the bottom of the eighth inning. With two outs the Boomers loaded the bases, but Culbreth was able to get out of the jam by having Alex Ree fly out to deep center.
Dylan Hecht also made his ‘Sters debut today in the bottom of the ninth. Troy Cruz came in to pitch with two runners on and no outs. Cruz was able to strike out the first batter he faced but then walked the next. The Boomers get two more in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and two outs but, Cruz got Tony Sandifer to fly out to Stainback to end the game.
The ‘Sters will face the Saint Joseph Mustangs tomorrow. As soon as we know the time, we will let you all know. Check our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages for constant updates about the tournament.
