When Lexi Brown tells you to do something, you do it. The Foresters knew that their beloved Hugs for Cubs Kid Lexi Brown, who tragically passed away this past May, wanted them to win on “her” day. Well, wearing purple-and-gold Foresters hats in her honor, and in front of her family who were the team’s honored guests, the ’Sters won one for Lexi. Along the way to an 8-0 win over the Blues, Santa Barbara proudly “fought like a girl,” just like she did.
Kyle Johnston was masterful on the mound, scattering five hits in seven shutout innings. After the game, Johnston said that he was especially proud to have pitched so well after learning how much Lexi meant to the team and to Manager Bill Pintard. “It was an honor to be able to help us win one for her,” he said.
He got plenty of offensive help, starting with Hunter Stovall’s three-run homer in the third. The ’Sters added a run in the fourth on a Tyler Adkison groundout. In the sixth, a collection of three hits, a walk, and a Blues error led to two more runs.
In the eighth, perhaps inspired by Lexi, Steven Wells got his first hit of the summer after going 0-for-12, and he made it count, driving in the final two runs of the game.
On a day tinged with sadness, but buoyed by wonderful memories and love, purple indeed did reign at Caesar Uyesaka. More tears on tap on Sunday as the Foresters play their final game ever at the ol’ ballpark, starting at 1:30. Make sure not to miss this once-in-a-lifetime event. —JB
Lexi’s family with the purple-hatted Foresters (photo by Kurt Stoffer).
