MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR OPPORTUNITIES, THE BIG RED MACHINE PREVAIL FOR THE VICTORY OVER THE D-BACKS AT DOMINICO FIELD AT CHRISTIE PITS
BIG RED MACHINE > Clockwise from the top: After stealing third base in the top of the third inning, Zac (1) would blaze home on a Diamondbacks error on the play and beat the tag attempt of D-Backs catcher Thomas (9) to give the Reds a 9-4 lead; In three at bats. Reds leadoff man Niall (12) would spark the Big Red Machine by going 3 for 3 at the dish with three runs scored and a RBI; Cole (2) would power the Reds attack by going 3 for 3 at the plate with two runs scored and 2 RBI’s.
Beneath a picture post card ceiling of warm blue skies, the Reds defeated the Diamondbacks 11-7 in four innings of Bantam Division action this afternoon at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.
The proceeding was an energetic and well contested affair between two talented and well coached teams. In the end, the gritty Reds prevailed for the victory over the pesky D-Backs because of their ability to seize the moment and take advantage of the opportunities that unfolded before them.
In the top of the first, the Big Red Machine staked themselves to an early 4-0 lead. After singling to lead off the frame, Niall (12) advanced to second on a Diamondback error. Niall would immediately make a brazen bid to steal third. As the throw to nab him sailed away, Niall motored home with the first run of the game.
After reaching first on a dropped third strike, Rory (7) would advance to second on a passed ball. Cole (2) followed with a RBI single to plate Rory.
Next, Gabriel (8) would reach base on an error and Iliana (13) followed with a walk to load the bases. Flynn (4) would garner a RBI walk that allowed Cole to mosey homeward and give the Reds a 3-0 lead. A subsequent one out wild pitch by the D-Backs would allow Gabriel to come home to roost.
In a spirited effort on the mound, Diamondbacks starter Daniel (3) would strike out one in the first.
Reds starter Rory (7) would strike out one in the bottom of the first to keep the Diamondbacks off the scoreboard in the snake pit.
Rory was helped out on an acrobatic defensive play by Reds first baseman Flynn for the first out of the inning. After D-Backs lead off batter Leo (10) stroked a slow chopper towards second base, it forced Flynn to do a full tilt gymnastics split with her foot still implanted on first base in order for her to take receipt of the throw from the second baseman and complete the amazing 4-3 putout in a close play at first.
Taking no prisoners, the Reds tallied another three in the top of the second to stretch their advantage to 7-0. After being hit by pitch with one out, Qingyaun (14) would advance to second on a steal. A pair of wild pitches by the D-Backs would allow Qingyaun to come home to crow.
After reaching base on a walk, Willem (5) would make it to third on a stolen base and a passed ball. Niall would follow with a two out RBI single that allowed Willem to advance home.
Subsequently, with Niall on third, Rory would stroke a RBI single that plated Niall.
Diamondback starter Daniel would strike out two in the second to quell the Reds rebellion.
[Additional game post and photos to follow…eventually.]