The Mudcats (11-0) defeated the Scrappers (8-3) in a methodical come-from-behind win. The game featured a pair of key two-out rallies and one bottom-of-the-order scoring frame to post the runs necessary to win. After giving up 7 in the first, the Mudcats tightened up, only allowing 3 more through the 5 remaining innings.
The Scrappers late pregame batting practice was brought to the plate, as their first 8 batters hit the ball solidly, scoring 6 runs before the Mudcats would earn their first out. A 7th run scored on the first out, a 1-6 FC from Dane to Ryan. Then Ryan and Joseph connected for a 6U-3 double play to get out of the inning.Down 7-zip quick, the Mudcats had a rare offensive start, with Dane lining out to the pitcher, and then a P5 by Ryan. Heads were down in the Mudcats’ dugout, but good teams don’t quit. After an encouraging pep talk by Coach Vaughn to the team, Joseph got a 2-out rally started with a 1B hard grounder to LC. Matt pulled one into the LC gap for a deuce, scoring Joseph. Cade lined one to LC, scoring Matt. Bags put one into right, getting Cade to 3rd. Luke hit a rope that wanted to knock down the outfield fence for 3-bags, clearing the lead runners. After on inning the Mudcats chipped back into it, down 7 runs to 4.
Not wanting to get down further, the Mudcats staged a great top of 2, putting the Scrappers down in order on a 1-3 from Bags to Joseph, and then a pair of 6-3 putouts from Ryan to Joseph.
The bottom of the order came through in the 2nd for the ‘Cats. Leyton led off with a double to the LC gap. Jacob lined on hard, right at the pitcher for out one. Andrew pulled one down the left-field line, for 2-bags and scoring Leyton. Then Jacob Mitchell knocked one into center, moving Andrew to 3rd. Dane hit an RBI 6-4FC, scoring Andrew. After 2, the Mudcats got to within 1, down 7 runs to 6.
Solid D continued in the 3rd. Scrappers led off with a single, then a P5 to Matt, and then a 6-4FC from Ryan to Cade. Another 1B gave the Scrappers runners on 1st and 3rd with 2-down, only to have it snuffed by another 6-4.
The Scrappers held serve in the bottom half. Joseph cranked one into the Moe’s sign, but a friendly bounce of the wall, and a perfectly executed play by the Scrappers caught him going for 2 bags. With 1 down, Matt followed with a line-drive smash to LC for to bases, sliding. But a P1 and a 6-3 would get the Scrappers out of the inning, holding on to their 1-run advantage.
Top of the 4th, the defensive showdown continued. The Mudcats earned their first out on a textbook Ryan/Joseph 6-3. The Scrappers then hit a single, to put 1 on with 1 out. The Mudcats then ended the inning on a 6-4 double play attempt, in which interference was called on the runner going into 2nd standing.
Bottom of the 4th, Scrappers held their 1-run lead again, shutting down the Mudcats quickly. Four batters stepped to the plate, with only Leyton taking the ball down the 3rd base line, property of the Mudcats. After 4, the score remained at 7 to 6, Scrappers up.
Top of the 5th, Scrappers pad their lead by one, but the Mudcats play excellent defense to give up just that one run. Scrappers led off with 2 solid base hits. With runners on 1st and 2nd, none out, the 3rd batter nailed a base hit to center, tracked down by Dane, making a quick throw to Ryan, who in turn threw it to home where Luke was ready to make the catch and tag on the runner coming from 2nd. It was a huge out, but the Scrappers still had runners on 2nd and 3rd with just 1-down. A base hit scored the runner from third. Still just one out and runners on 1st and 3rd, Ryan pulled in a P6, then a Jacob to Joseph 1-3 ended the threat.
Now down by two, bottom of the 5th, and the bottom two hitters go down. It was time for another 2-out rally by the Mudcats, and they put on a show. Line drive by Dane to LC, then Ryan smashed one at short, literally taking the player down. 1st and 3rd Mudcats, and Joseph hits one up the middle scoring both Dane and Ryan and the game is tied. Matt doubled down the proprietary Mudcats’ left-field line while Joseph scored. Then Cade put one down the left-field line, followed by Bags, who wanted a piece of that prime real estate. Now bases loaded for Luke, who advances all runners 1B. Then Adam hits one to RC, scoring Cade and Bags. Then Leyton gets in on the left-field line action, scoring Luke. Jacob loaded the bases again for Andrew, who led off the inning. He’d line out to 1, but not before the Mudcats scored 7 runs, taking a 6-run lead to the 6th.
The Scrappers made a great effort to come back in the 6th. After an L4 to Cade, back-to-back doubles scored 1. Then Joseph made an excellent plan on a sharply hit ball taking an ugly hop for the 3U putout, lead runner advancing to 2nd. The Scrappers scored a 2nd run on an infield hit. Matt connected with Joseph on a 5-3 to end the game at 2:34 PM. Mudcats win 10 runs to 13 and are able to sit out the bottom of the 6th after trailing heading into 5… Amazing.
Another great win for the boys!
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