10-Time National Baseball Congress World Series Champions
Santa Barbara Foresters

Studdard’s Three-Run Home Run Lifts ‘Sters Over Oaks

Player batting

By Emma del Sol

In the last home game of the season, the ‘Sters were able to come from behind in the bottom of the eighth inning to beat the visiting Oaks 5-3. Granger Studdard, today’s EP Player of the Game, hit a monster two-run home run to left field in the bottom of the eighth, giving the ‘Sters the two-run lead. Studdard went 3-4, with three RBI and a run scored.

The Oaks jumped out to an early lead in the top of the first inning off of back-to-back doubles by Manny Jefferson and Cody Lenahan. The Oaks then tacked on two more runs in the top of the second off of two errors, and two hits.

The ‘Sters looked as if they were going to come back in the bottom of the third inning after a lead-off single by Studdard and back-to-back walks, but the ‘Sters left the bases loaded.

After a rocky first two innings, starting pitcher Dylan Bein got into a groove and struck out the side looking in the top of the third. Starting in the bottom of the second, Bein struck out seven of eight batters and retired nine consecutive batters. Bein’s final four innings of work were phenomenal. He only allowed one base runner in those four innings and struck out eight batters.

John Williamson pitched two innings of shutout baseball. Matt Withrow came in to relieve Williamson in the bottom of the ninth. After giving up a hit and two walks, Withrow had loaded the bases with Oaks and two outs. However, Withrow was able to get Jefferson to strike out swinging to end the game.

The ‘Sters began their comeback in the bottom of the eighth. After AJ Kennedy led off the inning with a double to center, Cody Walker then smashed another double to center, putting the ‘Sters on the board. The ‘Sters were able to get another run off of a ground- out by Colt Atwood.

Granger Studdard gave the ‘Sters the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning after a monster three-run home run to left field. Jaylin Davis led the inning off with a walk and stole second. Jeremy Montalbano then had a single to right, advancing Davis to third.

The ‘Sters final regular season game of the year is tomorrow at 5pm against the Oaks at Cal Lutheran University. The ‘Sters have a chance to win the out-right league title tomorrow with a win.

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