Game 4: Mudcats 9, Riverdogs 7

In general, the Mudcats discourage visitors in the dugout during the game. That rule was lifted before Thursday night's game against the Riverdogs, as the pregame speech was delivered by some goofy guy wearing a straw hat and googly glasses. This is one occasion where words simply aren't sufficient--you'll need to check the pictures (and don't forget volume 2 of the pictures as well). Suffice it to say that the speech seemed to get the 'Cats fired up, and they responded in what might have been one of the better games played in the Minor League this year, with tremendous plays on both sides. In a battle of the unbeatens, the All Blacks prevailed, 9-7, plating nine runs in the first three innings and then relying on solid defense over the final three innings to seal the win.

That defense, which included multiple highlight reel plays, helped limit a formidable Riverdogs offense that came into the game averaging 15 runs per game. The performance was so impressive that the Dogs' Coach Lance even stopped by the Mudcat huddle to offer his congratulations.

The win was actually a departure from the All Blacks' typical outing, as it was just the second time this season that they held the lead from wire-to-wire. Just to make sure they still provided some drama, however, the 'Cats had to survive a very stressful sixth inning. Someone, and I am not sure who, may have actually scratched a hole in his scorebook on one particular play in the sixth. But it all worked out, with Gavin scooping up a blistering line shot and tossing to Bryce for the final out of the game.

One of the only errors of the game came from the Coach Sean/Coach Mike combination, as they teamed up to forget the stickers on a day when dozens of stickers probably would've been given out. That led Coach Sean to make a generous proposal: if the 'Cats play well on Saturday against the Bees--and the coaches don't break the camera during team pictures--Tuesday's practice will be scrapped.

Before the Mudcats can go through their three-games-in-three-days set coming up this weekend, they have practice Friday night at West Raleigh at 5 p.m. Make sure to check your ESPN Classic listings for possible replays of tonight's game.

Thursday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
Gavin started the game with a single to right, then advanced all the way to third on Brady's line drive to right-center. With one out, Bryce smacked the ball back to the pitcher, and aggressive Mudcats baserunning scored two runs when the Riverdogs had trouble in the infield. Gabe connected for the first of his 3-RBI day with a single to left that scored Bryce to complete the three-run inning.
Score after one inning: Mudcats 3, Riverdogs 0

Second inning
Once again, the Mudcats got the leadoff man on. This time it was Noah, and he moved to second on Brenner's fielder's choice. Chris connected for an RBI opposite field single, and then Ben scored Christopher with a single right back up the middle.
Score after two innings: Mudcats 5, Riverdogs 2


Third inning
One of the biggest Mudcats innings of the season started with the leadoff man--Channing--reaching first for the third straight inning. That set up the top of the order, and Gavin and Brady knocked back-to-back singles. With the bases loaded, Charley's RBI fielder's choice scored the first run of the frame. Bryce's single loaded the bases again, and Gabe came through again, this time driving in a pair with a single to left. Donovan completed the scoring with a perfectly placed Texas leaguer to left, scoring Bryce and giving the All Blacks a four-run inning.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 9, Riverdogs 2


Thursday's Web Gems

• With a man on in the first inning, Bryce made a solid play backpedaling at first base and hauling in a looping liner.
• Charley went deep in the hole between short and third in the second inning, made a backhanded stop, and tossed a solid throw to Gavin covering second to short-circuit a Riverdogs rally.
• With a man on in the third inning against the top of the Riverdogs order, Chris raced into left-center to spear a line drive, then alertly fired to Brady covering second base for the double play. The inning-ending double play took on even more importance in the next inning, when the next Riverdog hit a solo homer--that would have been a 3-run homer without Chris's great play.
• I think that's about it for the standout defensive pla...ow! What's that sharp stick in my ribs? Oh, that's my wife. I almost forgot. Asher made a nice diving catch of a pop foul in the final inning with two men on as the Riverdogs were threatening with the meat of their order.

Thursday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Riverdogs	0	2	0	4	0	1	7	10
Mudcats	3	2	4	0	0	X	9	11