Mudcats Fall in Game 2

Fresh off their victory, the Mudcats faced the Riverdogs. Having scrimmaged them in the pre-season, the Mudcats felt good about the match-up. Commemorating the official opening day, the field was in great condition, and the batters boxes were painted in red and blue. The early start meant long shadows across the field, and a gossamer mist of dew in the grass.

The Mudcats were the home team, and held their foe to zero runs in the first. Jacob made the third out, as “Smiley” covered third base.

Again, Leyton gets the Mudcats started with a lead-off shot to center right. The Riverdogs get two outs (including the lead runner, Leyton), but the Mudcats weren’t finished.  “Sticks” hits a scorcher down the third base line, bringing in Adam.  Tyler “T-Rex” hits a fly ball to center for a hit, and the Mudcats close the inning with three runs.

The Mudcats’ defense was tested by the Riverdogs in the third and fourth innings. Drew made a diving catch for an out in the third. Gabe stopped a grounder, and quickly got the ball back to the infield, stopping extra bases. Jacob stabbed a line drive over his right shoulder at short, and Tyler ends a tough inning for the Mudcats by catching a would-be foul ball.

Fighting from a deficit, the Mudcats were not without offense. In the third, Colby and Adam hit balls into the outfield, advancing runners. Jacob got on base with a pop-up, and “Sticks” drove him in.

At the bottom of the 6^th, the Riverdogs had  scored 13 runs, and the Mudcats were down by 6 runs. With a true fighting spirit, the boys made a charge. Adam, "Sticks"  and "T-Rex" loaded the bases, setting up RBIs for Colby, Drew and "Tex". The dugout was alive, as the boys chanted for their batters, and cheered on what felt like a rally.

Nevertheless, the spirited comeback couldn’t close the gap, and Mudcats suffered their first loss of the season. The final was Riverdogs 13, Mudcats 10. Check out the pictures from the game and opening ceremonies.

Write-up by Scott Hart
Pictures by Tonya Proctor