By Emma del Sol
In the continuation of Thursday’s darkness-delayed game, Dillon Dobson had his second walk-off single of the season in the bottom of the tenth inning, giving the ‘Sters the 10-9 win over the Oaks. In the second game, starting pitcher Andrew Lantrip had another spectacular outing, going six innings, striking out five, and only giving up three runs on five hits in the ‘Sters 8-3 victory.
The Oaks went quietly in the top of the tenth inning off pitcher Cody Van Aken. Van Aken retired the side. AJ Balta led off with a triple to right that was just feet away from a home run. Ford Stainback and Jaylin Davis were intentionally walked so the Oaks could have a force out at any base. The Oaks even brought in a fifth infielder to keep the ball on the infield, but that didn’t stop Dobson. Dobson had a single up the middle that brought home Balta, the winning run, giving the ‘Sters their sixth straight win.
In the second game, the ‘Sters fell behind in the third inning 2-0, but were able to come from behind with big five, sixth, and seventh innings. Lantrip pitched six solid innings and was relieved by Jon Williamson and David Graybill who both pitched three scoreless innings.
The ‘Sters bats didn’t become alive until the fifth inning, but that was all they needed. AJ Kennedy had the ‘Sters first hit since the first inning. The next batter, L Grant Davis, hit the first pitch he saw up the middle of the infield for a single. Colt Atwood then had a single up the middle scoring Kennedy. L Davis then came home on Atwood’s attempted steal of second, allowing the ‘Sters to get within one of the Oaks.
The Foresters bats were on fire again in the sixth scoring three more runs off of two doubles, a single, and a walk. Jeremy Montalbano led off the inning with a double to right. Granger Studdard then walked. David Greer had a first pitch single to right, loading the bases. Brett Boswell then hit the second double of the inning bringing home Montalbano and Studdard and giving the Foresters the 4-3 lead. The ‘Sters weren’t done yet. Kennedy then had a blooper to right, scoring Greer.
The ‘Sters tacked on some extra insurance runs in the bottom of the seventh thanks to a three-run homerun by Studdard. On a 1-0 pitch Studdard ripped the ball over the fence in left, bringing home Stainback and Jake Vickerson who had both reached on walks.
Graybill came in to close out the game in the top of the ninth and was helped out by L Davis who made a jumping catch for a double play.
Mr. Walk-off, Dillon Dobson, is the first of two EP Beverage Players of the Game after his walk off single in the bottom of the tenth inning. Starting pitcher Andrew Lantrip was the second EP Player of the Game. Coach Pintard said this about Latrips performance, “Lantrip pitched with a heavy heart and he did a great job going out there and getting the W for us”. The ‘Sters came from behind once again and won their seventh consecutive game and are still undefeated in their central division.
The Foresters are back in action tomorrow night at 5pm as they take on archrival SLO Blues!
