By Jim Buckley (photos by Kylie Koeper): Back up the big guy: That was the theme of the Foresters’ 4-3 victory over the Oaks on Sunday, the team’s tenth straight win coming out of the July 14 All-Star break. With a big assist from left-fielder Kade Higgins, Ben Abram continued his summer-long dominance, getting 13 of his 15 outs in a five-inning stint on strikeouts and moving his record to a team-best 4-0.
When your teammates see that sort of pitching prowess, they make sure the bats do their thing.
Higgins surely did his part. He was instrumental in putting together the first run by singling and moving up to second via Jack Reidel’s hit. While swiping third, Higgins saw the catcher’s throw sail into left and he scored the first run.
Higgins scored the second run as well, coming in to score on Dylan Leach’s single. The Foresters made it 3-0 when Carson Wells knocked in Leach.
Higgins was a key part of what proved to be the winning fourth run in the fifth inning. His sac fly scored Tanner O’Tremba.
Up 4-1 in the ninth, the Foresters watched the Oaks come close on a late two-run homer, but it was not enough.
Abrams was virtually unhittable, scattering three hits and allowing only an unearned run; his season ERA improved to 1.68. His 41 total strikeouts more than lead the team, they place him among CCL leaders, too.
After 11 games in 12 days, the Foresters earn a well-deserved day off Monday in preparation for the final week of the regular season. It starts with away games on Tuesdday at Arroyo Seco (6:00) and Wednesday at OC Riptide (4:30). Catch all the action on AM 1290. We’re back at Pershing Park Thursday for the final homestand, with a 6 pm game vs. these same Oaks.
