Majors
Majors
Nationals vs. Athletics – On Monday, May 11, the Nationals defeated the A’s 8-3 behind a strong pitching performance by Daniel Butler, who pitched a complete game, striking out six while allowing only five hits. On defense, the Nationals were led by Justin Trainor, Cole Casteel and Casey Lauer, all of whom made key plays as the Nats played six error-free innings. At the plate, Nate Thatcher (3-4) was one hit shy of hitting for the cycle, while Daniel Donovan (3-4) and Nate Jones (2-4) also helped the effort. The A’s Patrick Evans had two hits, including a two-run homer in the third inning. But after that hit, Butler silenced the A’s bats in the final three frames, securing the victory for the Nats.
Nationals vs. Red Sox – On Saturday, May 16, Noah Anderson took the mound and yielded only two hits over four strong innings, leading the Nationals to a 9-1 victory over the Red Sox. The Nationals bats got hot early when Nate Thatcher hit a two-run homer in the first inning, capping a three-run inning. The Sox’s starting pitcher Sean Brown was effective in holding the Nationals scoreless over the next two innings, but the Nats’ offense surged again in the fourth, with consecutive hits by Cole Casteel, Matt Salvador and Chris Meador leading to four runs. A heads-up double play initiated by Sox’s reliever Jimmy Major slowed the Nationals, but they would score two more runs in the fifth inning with hits by Stanley Skocki, Matt Salvador and Chris Meador. Casey Lauer and Skocki pitched the final two innings, allowing only one base runner.
Athletics vs. Mason District Orioles – The Swingin’ A’s beat the MDLL Orioles 5-4 on Saturday, May 16, behind the solid pitching of Aidan Fitzpatrick, who had five strikeouts in three innings of work; Joey Kammerer, who pitched two innings and had five strike-outs; and Logan Nesson, who closed out the game with two strikeouts. Seven A’s players singled, including Fitzpatrick, who was three for three on the day; Jimmy Porter, who hit two singles and had one RBI; and Patrick Evans, who hit a single and a bases-clearing double. Orioles’ pitchers William DiGiulian and Jared Lefbom each struck out five over three innings.
Yankees vs. Cubs – On Saturday, May 16, the Yankees defeated the Cubs in a remarkable come- from-behind win, rallying for an 8-7 win after the Cubs had taken a 7-0 in the third inning. For the Yankees, Gabe Terry pitched four and one third innings while getting two strikes outs. Terry also contributed a single, an RBI-double and a two-run go-ahead home run. Evan Tracy singled, doubled and scored three times. Evan Davis doubled and Barrett Nixon and Jordon Cole added key hits for the winners. The Cubs opened the game with a strong five-run first inning, highlighted by a grand slam by Ben Torpey. The Cubs’ Ryan Leonard delivered an outstanding pitching performance, striking out eight Yankees over four and one third innings of work. Wesley Coupard added two key hits and scored twice.
Yankees vs. Orioles – In a rain delayed game begun on Monday, May 11, and completed on Wednesday, May 13, the Yankees defeated the Orioles 9 – 4. For the Yankees, Mike Behrens had four hits in four trips to the plate, including a three-run home run in the third inning to give the Yankees the lead. Behrens later closed out the game for the Yankees by striking out the side.
Evan Davis was sharp on the mound, striking out eight Orioles. Jordan Cole and Jack Rasmussen each had RBI-doubles, with Davis, Paul Abbracciamento, Evan Tracy and Shane Doherty adding key hits. For the Orioles, pitcher Keiran Menon struck out three. Marsden Davis, Jack Manon, Jake Abruzi and Jamie Handley all contributed hits for the Orioles.
Cubs vs. Red Sox – On Wednesday, May 13, the Cubs utilized strong pitching from starter Will Iacobucci, Ben Torpey and Johnny Peterson to take a 10-4 victory over the Red Sox. The Cubs scored four runs in both the second and third innings to take an early lead. The Cubs were led by shortstop Thomas Beddow who had a key RBI-single and two spectacular plays in the field to smother a Red Sox rally. Iacobucci hit a towering homer. Ryan Leonard and Torpey added two hits apiece. The Red Sox cut in to the Cubs lead in the third as Brant Cole and Austin Clark scored on a hit by Ted Terwilliger. Jackson DuBro of the Red Sox made a two-run homer to close scoring for the game.
Dodgers vs. Mets – On Thursday, May 14, the Dodgers outlasted the Mets by a score of 12-8. Dodgers’ pitcher Jacob Plata had an impressive day on the mound, striking out eight batters in four innings. Sam Whitaker came in from the bullpen to retire the final batter. At the plate, the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter Ryan Henderson stole four bases and scored three runs. Max Miller had a hit, three stolen bases and he also scored two runs, while Jack Goggin and Tommy Stevenson added key hits. Another strong performance was turned in by the Mets’ hitters, led by Conner Robinson’s home run in the top of the third inning. Michael Parella, Sam Paggioli and Liam Strobel also added big hits for the Mets.
On Saturday, May 17, the Mets defeated the Dodgers 9-3. The Mets jumped out to four-run lead in the first inning. Mets’ pitcher Noah Galvin was on fire, striking out nine batters. Dodgers’ pitchers David Miller, Jack Fletchall, and Sam Whitaker combined for seven strikeouts. The Mets third baseman Joe Andres made a great throw to catcher Michael Parrella for the final out of the third inning.
Pirates vs. Marlins – In a rain shortened, hotly contested game, the Pirates prevailed over the Marlins by a score of 9-8 on Thursday, May 14. The Marlins struck early with a five-run first inning, sparked by Ramon Martinez’s two-run double. Christian Kelly and Nick Lillis. Peter Byman stole home in the fourth inning to give the Pirates their the lead. Dylan Galt threw five strikeouts over two scoreless innings to seal the victory.
Cardinals vs. Mets – The Cardinals defeated the Mets 6-1. The Cardinals’ starter Henry Middlebrook allowed no hits over three innings to earn the win, while teammate Connor Freeman gave up only one hit in three innings of relief work. On defense, the Cardinals’ Jaunte Walker made a game-saving catch in the third inning. Mets’ ace Michael Parrella allowed no hits over four innings and teammate Noah Galvin contributed an RBI-single.
Marlins vs. Rangers – On May 12 the Marlins defeated the Rangers 18-4. Chris Beddow was the Marlins’ player of the game, pitching a perfect first inning with three strikeouts on seven pitches. The Marlins came out swinging in the fourth inning, scoring seven runs. The Marlin’s Matt Nicholson had four hits in four trips to the plate. The Rangers’ Louis Klarfeld contributed one single, two doubles and two RBIs.
Pirates vs. Dodgers – With solid slugging, the Pirates overcame an early deficit to roll on to a 14-6 victory over the Dodgers on May 12 at Westgate 2. Dodgers’ pitcher Grinden Collins held the Pirates to two runs in the first two innings. David Miller hit a two-RBI double in the first to take a 3-2 lead. The Pirates added five runs in the fourth with singles by Nick Hutzell, Steven Doherty, Tracy, Lillis, Laassili and Manning. Pirates pitchers held the Dodgers in check with strikeouts by Manning (six), Christian Kelly (seven) and Doherty (two).
Sand Gnats vs. Scrappers – On a game played on May 14 at Jefferson Village, the Sand Gnats began the second half of the season with an 11-9 win against the Scrappers. Kenneth Peralta helped the Scrappers keep the score close by making a great play from second base and driving in two runs. Sand Gnat Max Ashton was the first player to steal home under the new rules for the second half of the season.
Storm vs. Sidewinders – The Storm rallied from a seven-run deficit to secure a 15-15 tie with the Sidewinders on May 14 at Idylwood Field. Sidewinders’ pitcher Coleman Blakely held the Storm to four runs through three and one third innings, while Sam Naeher singled to spark a second-inning hit-fest. Justin Gemond had three RBIs in two trips to the plate. The Storm’s Matthew O’Cadiz singled to spark a fourth-inning rally, with Conor Rowe and John Fleming adding hits in the fifth.
Raptors vs. Bees – On Saturday, May 16, the Raptors escaped with a one-run victory, defeating the Bees 10-9. Ian Thompson went three for three, and scored a key run. Alexander Savinski had three hits in three trips to the plate, while also contributing an out at first base. The Bees had great defense from Ian Alvano, who made an unassisted tag out at third base to end the third inning, and Garrett Mayes caught a pop-up in the fourth.
Express vs. Ironbirds – The Express beat the Ironbirds 8-3 on May 16. On a key play in the second inning, Express pitcher Colin Nininger threw to catcher Jakob Wegmueller for a force out. The Ironbirds closed out the fourth inning with a double play.
