Jey Young / Ball Boy Blog
GESA Stadium welcomed back fans Saturday afternoon for attempt number two of a double header, a game that was suspended the previous night due to rain. The game was initially suspended due to weather in the first place back in early May. This game was a long time coming for both sides. The pitching matchup for the first game featured Dust Devils RHP Jake Smith and Canadians RHP Alex Nolan.
The game resumed in the bottom of 3rd, with the bases loaded for the Dust Devils. 2B Osmy Gregorio immediately hit the first pitch he saw and broke his bat, causing a double play to ensue; DH Kenyon Yovan was able to score. However, 1B Gabe Matthews came up and grounded to end the frame. Dust Devils leading 2-0.
It was a quick 4th for both sides as both pitchers could get 1-2-3 innings. Smith returned for the 5th and got another 1-2-3 frame to bring up the offense. RH Mike Peabody got the bottom of the frame going with a broken-bat chopper to get on safely at first. Peabody was in motion as he reached 2B on a successful stolen base attempt. With 1-out, CF Jordyn Adams hit an RBI double to score Peabody and put the Dust Devils up 3-0. However, this was all that could be done at the play in the bottom 5th, as Kasser and Gregorio couldn't get Adams in from 3rd.
The Canadians began to fight back in the 6th with two quick singles by CF Garret Spain and SS Hugo Cardona. The two hits were followed up with two strikes by Smith to get Canadians C Anthony Morales and RF Steward Berroa out. Berroa's strikeout was particularly impressive as Dust Devils C Straton Podars bobbled with a foul tip but recovered it successfully for the out. Canadian LF Davis Schendier was brought up to hit after 2-3 no calls by the Umpire; he put a ball in play just back the diving 3B Kasser allowing Spain to score. Smith played around a little more, walking DH Addison Barger, but could leave the bases loaded, getting 2B Miguel Hiraldo to fly out.
The Canadian's offense was not done producing in the 6th as 3B Tyler Keenan led off the frame with a solo HR to bring the score to 3-2. Canadians 1B Sosa almost tied the game on another HR, barely sliced found. After Smith allowed Sosa on with a BB, the Dust Devils turned to RHP Emilker Guzman to collect the save. Guzman came on to BB CF Spain. SS Cardona landed a successful sac bunt to the mound to advance both runners into scoring position for PH #27 Mack Mueller; he was able to score Keenan from 3rd to tie this game and send into it extras; Guzman was charged with a Blown Save.
Guzman came on in the 8th again and could hold the Canadians in place and keep the game tied for the Dust Devils' offense. Adams was the man on 2nd to start the bottom of the 8th; 3 B Kasser attempted a sac-bunt that moved Adams to 3rd; however, a hesitation by Canadian pitcher Mcaffer allowed the play to turn into an infield single, runners on the corners. Gregorio and Matthews followed with a strikeout and fly-out. SS D'Shawn Knowles hit one hard to Canadians SS Cardona. However, he bobbled the ball just enough, and with Knowles's speed, he reached 1st; Adams came across to score, and Knowles plays Walk-off hero, Dust Devils WIN 4-3. Guzman earned both the BS and the W in this one.
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