Game 11: Mudcats 11, Bats 11

No, my 11 key isn't broken. It's just that in the eleventh game of the season, the Mudcats and Bats played to an 11-11 tie on Nowell Field. The tie was the first in recent memory for the 'Cats, as the time limit prevented an extra inning--when both sides would have had some of their toughest hitters due up--from being played.

The tie was the second straight game the Mudcats played without the services of Christopher, who despite a wrist injury likely to keep him out for the remainder of the season made the effort to be in the 'Cats dugout during the game. Everyone lined up after the game to sign his Mudcat-red cast and is hopeful that Chris, who is well-known for having one of the best attitudes on the team, will continue to be an important part of the squad whenever his busy schedule allows him to make it to the field.

Tuesday marked the third time in the last four games that the All Blacks have had to battle back from a first-inning deficit. This time, it was a 3-2 Bats lead after the first. But the 'Cats turned in a big five-run third to retake the lead, then flashed some quality defense in the fifth to hold an 11-8 advantage going into the final inning.

That's when the Bats mounted a three-run rally to tie the score and ultimately force the tie. Coach Sean, who had a coaching doubleheader on Tuesday night, told the 'Cats they will reemphasize defense at Thursday night's practice (West Raleigh at 6:30). No stickers were handed out for a tie, but Coach Tom mentioned there could be a potential double-sticker opportunity at Saturday's game.

By the way, a special shout-out to former Mudcat Anthony Alberghina, who checked in on the blog recently. The 'Cats definitely miss him and wish he and his family well in Alabama, where Nick Saban is reportedly already keeping an eye on Anthony.

Tuesday's Mudcat scoring plays
First inning
To begin his 3-for-3 day and lead off the first inning, Donovan smacked a single. With two down, he moved to second on Charley's single, and then back-to-back singles from Bryce and Gabe plated a pair of two-out runs.
Score after one inning: Bats 3, Mudcats 2


Third inning
The 'Cats' biggest inning of the game started with Will's single. Channing reached on a fielder's choice, then moved to second on Donovan's single. With two on, Gavin ripped an RBI single the other way. Brady, who pummeled the ball all night, crushed a double that scored Donovan, and then Charley cleared the bases with a two-RBI single. After some aggressive baserunning allowed him to take second on a throw in the Bat infield, Charley scored on Bryce's hard shot to center.
Score after three innings: Mudcats 7, Bats 6


Fifth inning
Donovan once again led off with a single, then ran hard to advance to third on Brady's single. Charley drove in his third run of the day with a single to left-center, and Bryce and Gabe followed with run-scoring hits to complete the scoring.
Score after five innings: Mudcats 11, Bats 8

Tuesday's Web Gems

• In the first inning, Bryce ranged over almost into the Mudcat dugout to haul in a foul pop fly for the second out of the frame.
• Channing recorded his first career outfield assist by cleanly fielding a hard-hit ball to right, coming up aggressively, and hosing the runner at first base leading off the second.
• Bryce probably saved a run by picking a throw out of the dirt at first base and stayed on the bag long enough to record the force.
• Asher made a good hustle play by grabbing a pop foul at catcher to finish the fifth.
• With the potential go-ahead run at third base with two down in the sixth, Gabe made a steely play at third, fielding a grounder and making a strong throw to first to retire the side.

Tuesday's line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Bats	3	0	3	0	2	3	11	14
Mudcats	2	0	5	0	4	0	11	17