The game marked the All Blacks' third game in three days and fourth game in five days. Still, even on a warm day, the Mudcats started fast, getting a couple highlight reel defensive plays early and following that with a 5-run first inning. But the Thunder, led partly by a 3-for-3 day for former Mudcat Tyler Key, fought back. When the 'Cat bats slumbered a little in the middle innings, the Thunder took advantage and eventually seized a 12-7 lead in the top of the sixth.
When the team ran in from a somewhat demoralizing top of the sixth, Coach Sean met them before they ever made it to the dugout. As the home team, the Mudcats had one final chance to tie or win the game. "Can you imagine how much fun it's going to be to score six runs and win this game?" Coach Sean asked them.
As it turns out, the answer is: very, very fun. It was a All-Blackout in the sixth, as the 'Cats scored six quick runs before they even made two outs. The day's hero was Brenner, who drove in the game-winning run and prompted a quick but hearty celebration on the field. It is believed to be his first career walk-off hit.
Postgame stickers were awarded to all Mudcats for the victory, and to Brenner (game-winning hit), Donovan (sweet catch in left field) and Asher (game-tying hit and some serious hustle on the game-winning run) for key plays.
On the way home, Asher was describing the game on the phone to a friend whose son plays for Carolina's baseball team. After describing the tense final inning (well, I wasn't tense, but Coach Mike was a little nervous) and the subsequent celebration, Asher put it this way: "I think now I know what it feels like to go to Omaha." Not through talent but through sheer good fortune, I have been in some dugouts after a team advances to Omaha. It's amazing in that moment how very similar it does feel...although the Tar Heels have never played well enough to earn a practice being canceled. Tuesday's scheduled practice is off, and the Mudcats will reassemble on Thursday at 6:30 at West Raleigh.
Monday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
The Mudcats started hot, with Gavin and Brady reaching on back-to-back liners. That set up Charley, who came through with a two-RBI double.After a fielder's choice moved Charley to third, he scored on Colin's grounder to make it 3-0. Donovan drove in a pair with a rip to left-center to finish the scoring
Score after one inning: Mudcats 5, Thunder 0
Second inning
The 'Cats did it again with two outs, as Ben--enjoying a 2-for-2 day--drove home Christopher.
Score after two innings: Mudcats 6, Thunder 4
Third inning
With Channing on third, Gavin drilled a line drive to deep center for a sacrifice fly.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 7, Thunder 4
Sixth inning
In one of the all-time great West Raleigh comebacks, Brady started the inning with a hard-hit single to right. Charley followed with another single to put two runners on base. With one out, Gabe sliced a single to left, scoring Brady and cutting the deficit to 12-8. Colin's grounder plated Charley, and the once-somber Mudcat dugout was starting to come to life. Donovan singled, and when the Thunder experienced some infield issues, used his blazing speed to advance all the way to third base, with Gabe and Colin scampering home to cut the Thunder lead to just 12-11. That brought Asher to the plate, at which point I blacked out. I have been told he singled up the middle, scoring Donovan. Noah singled to left, moving Asher to third, which brought up Brenner. Without any hesitation, Double B came up huge in the clutch, smashing a ball that was too hot to handle, and Asher sprinted home with a perfectly legal feet-first slide to plate the walk-off game-winning run.
Walk-off score after six innings: Mudcats 13, Thunder 12
Monday's Web Gems
- The 'Cats retired the Thunder 1-2-3 against the formidable top of the Thunder order, helped along by Asher starting the team's fourth double play in seven games by spearing a line drive at pitcher, then throwing to Bryce at first base, who made a nice stretch to ensure the runner was doubled off.
- On the very next hitter, Donovan soared to make a leaping, one-handed catch in left field to end the inning and lead all evening highlight shows.
- The middle of the Mudcat infield came through in the second, as with a runner on first, the Thunder hitter smacked a single to center. Charley alertly ran to cover second, where he received the throw from Asher to record the forceout.
- Bryce made a solid scoop of a low throw in the third inning to retire the Thunder's leadoff hitter.
- Gavin and Gabe helped limit what could have been an even bigger Thunder fourth. With runners on first and second, Gavin stopped a grounder to shortstop and fired to Gabe at third to force the lead runner.
- Gabe made what turned out to be a very big play leading off the sixth, as he stayed in front of a sizzling grounder and threw all the way across the diamond to record the first out of the final inning.
| Monday's line score | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | R | H |
| Thunder | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 13 |
| Mudcats | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 13 | 12 |
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