By Emma del Sol
The Foresters came from behind to sweep the Crawdads and win the game 10-6. The Crawdads struck first scoring five runs in the first three innings, but the Foresters were able to come back and scored eight runs with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. The rally began with a single from Cody Walker, today’s EP Beverage Player of the Game. Walker reached base in all four of his at bats and provided key hits in the seventh inning to help the ‘Sters gain the victory.
The Foresters looked to get back the runs they gave up in the first few innings, but after having runners on the corners in the second inning with no outs, they were unable to capitalize on anything because of a triple play from the Crawdads defense.
The ‘Sters got on the board in the bottom of the fifth inning, thanks to a lead off blooper from Bret Boswell, a double down the right field line from AJ Balta and then both batters were brought home when Walker hit a fly ball that dropped to left, scoring two runs.
“Two out hits win championships” and that is just what the Foresters did in the bottom of the seventh inning. The ‘Sters scored eight runs on eight hits, a couple of walks, and one error. The Foresters had two runners on again in the bottom of the seventh inning; Reggie Southall and Ford Stainback who reached on a fielder’s choice and a single respectively. L Grant Davis had a single to center that scored Southall and advanced Stainback to third, L Davis went to second on the throw home. On a 0-2 pitch, the next batter, Jaylin Davis had a blob single, tying the game. Cleanup batter Jeremy Montalbano had a single to left. Granger Studdard was on fire again today with a single bringing home J Davis. Montalbano then cam home on a wild pitch. The ‘Sters had five straight singles all with two outs. Balta, who made the first out of the inning, singled to right and Studdard came home. In the first pitch of his at bat Southall drops one into left field bringing home two more runs for the ‘Sters.
Starting pitcher out of UCSB, Kenny Chapman, gave up five runs in the first three innings, but was able to keep the Crawdads off the board after that. Jon Williamson came in to relieve Chapman for three innings. The Crawdads threatened in the top of the ninth scoring one run off of relief pitcher Brandon Quintero, but that run wasn’t enough to beat the ‘Sters, who have now won four consecutive games.
The entire offensive team, who all came to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning, provided the offensive power the ‘Sters needed to pull out the win. Cody Walker received today’s top honors as EP Player of the Game for his exceptional offensive performance as well as his stellar performance behind the plate. The Foresters completed their third game without an error, showing just how strong they are defensively.
The ‘Sters are back in action Tuesday for the completion of Thursday’s game against the Conejo Oaks at 3pm followed by the second game of the day at 5 pm.
