Crush split week four doubleheader
GAME ONE: Gray Bats even season series with Crush in 10-6 victory
(2-1)
(1-1)
A 14-2 win over the Gray Bats on Fall Ball Opening Day had the Crush poised for another offensive showcase in the week four match-up.
In the first inning, however, it was clear that the Crush had underestimated their foe.
Holy Molars Batman!
The Bats strung together three runs in the first after Mike Martin’s leadoff fly ball to left hid itself behind the sun and bounced past the Crush defense.
The Crush picked up two runs in the bottom of the inning after a pair of hits from Joe Graff and Anthony Talotta lead off the frame. A single from David Yokitis plated Graff for the first run. Brian Strom singled in Yokitis two-hitters later to pull the crush within one.
Martin singled and scored on a BJ Rankin drive in the second inning to put the Bats ahead by two. The insurance run settled Bats starting pitcher Rankin, who fanned five and held the Crush to one more run over the next three innings.
As for the Bats, a two-out, bases-clearing triple from Rankin kicked off a five-run third frame and that proved to be all they needed to walk away with a 10-6 victory.
Game One notes:
– Rankin earned Player of the Game honors after pitching four strong innings and knocking in four runs. It is the second-consecutive week he has received the honors.
– Bats OF Mike Martin finished 3-for-5 with three runs scored in an incredible performance at the plate.
– Crush slugger Jaron Minford has not been heard of since knocking in four of his teams five runs two weeks ago. It’s only a matter of time before he re-appears in a Ghostbusters uniform.
– Crush C/2B Joe Graff was 2-for-4 with a stolen base and two runs scored against the Bats.
– Crush OF/P Brian Strom finished 2-for-4 with two RBI’s.
GAME TWO: Crush edge Ghostbusters, 3-2
(2-2)
(1-3)
The Crush opened the second game with two-runs in the bottom half of the first, determined to put an end to the team’s two game losing skid. Graff and Talotta both singled to lead off the affair. After a Ghostbuster error plated Talotta, Strom singled in Yeakel to give the Crush a two-run lead.
From there the game turned into a pitcher’s duel, with a battery of Ghosbusters’ holding the Crush off the scoreboard through the next five-innings.
Righty slinger Christian Necheff held strong for the Crush, stranding six Ghostbusters on base and striking out five through six-innings.
Crush 3B Mark Guthrie trotted home after a sacrifice from Talotta in the bottom of the sixth in what would prove to be a very important third run.
The Ghostbusters finally mounted their come-back after a lead-off strikeout in the seventh. Three-straight singles from 1B Vinny Gala, C Eric P., and DH A. Schwarze set the table for the ‘Busters. A fielder’s choice and an error plated two and moved the tying run into scoring position with two outs.
Necheff struck out the next hitter to end the Ghostbuster threat and earn his team its third win of the fall season.
Game Two notes:
– Necheff earned Player of the Game honors for his complete-game victory. He finished with seven strikeouts and stranded seven ‘Busters in the contest.
– Talotta led the Crush offense, going 2-for-3 with a run scored and a sacrifice.
– 1B Rob Logan finished 2-for-3.
