By Emma del Sol
The ‘Sters were able to come back in extra innings of the title game to beat the Seattle Studs 3-2. Jaylin Davis saved the game for the ‘Sters in the bottom of the tenth after he threw out the runner at the plate on a bullet from center. A phenomenal tag by AJ Kennedy prevented the Studs from winning. In the top of the twelfth inning, Ford Stainback led off with a single up the middle. Granger Studdard then hit a double off the left fielders glove to give the ‘Sters the lead. Troy Cruz was able to shut down the top of the Studs order in the twelfth, giving the ‘Sters the victory.
The ‘Sters pitching staff was spectacular today and three of the four pitchers were from Division II schools. Starter, Brandon Quintero, went six innings only giving up one run off of five hits and striking out five.
The ‘Sters and Studs went back and forth in today’s game. After the Studs got a run in the third, the ‘Sters were able to get one back in the top of the sixth. Jaylin Davis, who went 4-6 in the championship game, had a double to start off the inning. With two outs, Bret Boswell had another double, to bring home Davis and tie the game.
The Studs took the lead in the seventh, but the resilient ‘Sters were not going to let this one slip away. On a 3-2 count, Davis ripped his second double of the game to center field for a lead off hit. Jeremy Montalbano then hit a lazar to left to bring home Davis and tie the game. For the next four innings the ‘Sters and Studs pitchers battled it out.
Kyle Kubat came in to relieve Quintero in the top of the seventh inning, and gave up an unearned run while striking out one. Kubat did his job by retiring all the left-handed batters he faced. Ryan Helsey came out of nowhere and pitched one a two third innings of shutout baseball. Helsley was by far the ‘Sters hardest throwing pitcher, reaching pitches into the upper ‘90’s with some of his throws. Helsley only allowed one base runner and struck out three.
In the bottom of the tenth inning, the Studs had runners on first and second with one out. After a single up the middle by Eric Peterson, Connor Savage was rounding third attempting to score, but a lazar to the plate by Davis and a plate blocking tag by Kennedy prevented the Studs from scoring.
In the top of the twelfth with two outs and Ford Stainback on second, Granger Studdard hit a double to left field that bounced off of the left fielders glove and scored Stainback. The ‘Sters dugout, bullpen, and fans in attendance went crazy.
Troy Cruz, who had come in to pitch in the ninth inning, was able to shut down the Studs lineup and record the last out of the game, a chopper to second base. Cruz pitched three scoreless innings, striking out two and only allowing two hits. The ‘Sters than ran out onto the field and dog-pilled on top of Cruz and Kennedy.
Several of the Foresters received accolades from the NBC. Jon Duplantier was named the NBC World Series MVP, Top Major League Prospect, and was selected to the All-American Team. Jaylin Davis won the Home Run Hitter award and Coach Pintard was named Manager of the Year.
‘Sters want to thank their fans and supporters for helping to make it a great season.
