The slightly tweaked lineup, which featured Donovan--who during pregame proved it is in fact possible to eat an entire Chicken Mini in one bite while also holding a pair of doughnuts as backup--in the leadoff spot, began producing immediately. The 'Cats scored seven runs in the first inning, marking their biggest first inning of the season and tying for the second-biggest inning overall of the year. Almost the entire order came to the plate in the first, and by the time the morning was over, 11 different Mudcats had scored at least one run. The 18 total runs were more than the All Blacks had scored in the previous three games combined, and thirteen of the 18 runs came with two outs.
Just as impressively, the 'Cats didn't relax after the big early output, and stayed focused enough to outscore the Scrappers in every inning except the third. "The Mudcats," Coach Sean told the team as they gathered after the game, "are back!" Everyone received a sticker for the victory, while Brenner (defense), Donovan (defense) and Will (offense) received bonus stickers.
Assuming no rain for the rest of the day, the 'Cats have practice Sunday at 1:30 at West Raleigh.
Saturday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
The Mudcats' two-out offense returned, as the 'Cats plated seven runs with two outs. First, Gavin and Brady scored on Bryce's hard-hit ball to the right side. Gabe's hard shot to shortstop put runners on the corners, and Asher drove in Bryce with an infield single. Ben's infield single loaded the bases for the biggest play of the inning--a bases-clearing opposite-field triple from Colin. Brenner completed the scoring with a single to left, and the All Blacks had a big early lead.
Score after one-half inning: Mudcats 7, Scrappers 0
Second inning
In his first game in the leadoff position, Donovan ripped a one-out double, then came around to score on Gavin's single. Charley's two-out double scored Gavin.
Score after one a half innings: Mudcats 9, Scrappers 0
Fourth inning
Noah got the inning started with a one-out double to right-center. Will followed with a hard shot back up the middle that scored Noah, then moved to second on Donovan's twisting liner to left. Gavin picked up his second RBI of the day with a single to center. Charley (1 RBI) and Bryce (2 RBI) picked up important two-out RBIs, giving the Mudcats five runs in the inning and invoking the 10-run rule.
Score after three and a half innings: Mudcats 14, Scrappers 1
Fifth inning
Gabe singled and moved to third on Asher's double. Ben scored Gabe with an RBI fielder's choice, and Colin collected his fourth RBI of the day with a double to left-center that scored Asher.
Score after four and a half innings: Mudcats 16, Scrappers 1
Sixth inning
A two-out single from Gabe scored a pair, giving Gabe three hits and scoring the 17th and 18th runs of the day for the Mudcats.
Score after five and a half innings: Mudcats 18, Scrappers 2
Saturday's Web Gems
- On the very first hitter of the game, Brenner picked a line drive out of the air in right-center to set the defensive tone for the game.
- Not content with just one highlight-reel play, the Mudcat outfield turned in two of them in the first inning. Donovan took a couple steps in from center field to make the play more exciting and create some drama, then raced back and made a leaping one-handed catch to end the first.
- The Mudcat infield was tested all day, and responded with just two errors. Only four Scrappers came to the plate in four of the six innings, as the 'Cats infield made 13 of the game's 18 outs. Gavin, Charley, Gabe, Bryce, Asher, Brady, Colin and Brenner all had a hand in at least one out in the infield.
| Saturday's line score | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H |
| Mudcats | 7 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 18 | 21 |
| Scrappers | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
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