Matthew’s team, the Storm, beat the Defenders yesterday 14 – 12, in a close game. As was the case last year, to win a team has to not only score runs, but must also shut down the other team by making good plays in the field. Yesterday Matthew played a key role, both offensively and defensively.
The Storm only scored two runs in the top of the first, as both Josh and Adam grounded into easy outs at first base.
In the bottom of the inning the Defenders scored three runs, and were on the way to more when Matthew stepped in. With two out the batter singled up the middle, and when the ball got past the centerfielder the batter continued to second. The throw in bounced past both the shortstop and second-baseman, rolling in the infield grass between the mound and third base. The batter, standing on second, took off for third. It was a safe play, as only a perfect hustle play would get him out. Playing third-base, Matthew did just that, quickly scooting over to pick up the ball, then hustling back to make the tag just one step away from the base. This ended the inning with the Storm only one run down.
The Storm failed to score in the top of the second, making another defensive stand necessary in the bottom of the inning. With one out and a runner on first, the batter hit a ball over cute little Cole at third base. The hit landed right on the left field foul line. Many times an aggressive runner can score from first on this play, but Matthew, playing left field, hustled over and grabbed the ball. There was no way little Cole could catch a throw in at third, so Matthew quickly ran the ball in to the infield, holding the runner at second. The next two Defender batters struck out, so the rally ended…Matthew had made a second key defensive play.
The Storm scored five in the top of the third, and held the Defenders to only four in the bottom of the inning, helped by a great catch by the Storm centerfielder.
With the score tied going to the 4th, Ryan led off the inning with a single. Matthew stepped up to the plate, and grounded a single in the hole past the first and second-basemen on into right field. Ryan was able to circle the bases and score, giving Matthew the go-ahead RBI. When the throw went home to try and get Ryan, Matthew took off for second. He rounded the base and didn’t stop, continuing on to third. As he ran he glanced at the pitcher, holding the ball in front of the plate. The pitcher took off toward third, but Matthew sped up and made it to third one step ahead of the tag. Matthew scored on a hit, but it was the only runs the Storm would get that inning.
Again the Storm held the Defenders scoreless in the bottom of the 4th, and then they increased their lead by scoring five runs in the top of the fifth. With Ryan on first, Matthew beat out an infield hit. Ryan dashed for third, allowing Matthew to advance to second. Both Matthew and Ryan then scored on Alex’s hit. This put the game out of reach, as the Storm led by seven runs.
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