THE D-BACKS AND BIG RED MACHINE BATTLE TO A STALEMATE AT DOMINICO FIELD
Down 11-8 and with the bases loaded, Nicholas (7) delivered a clutch 3 RBI double in the bottom of the fourth inning that allowed the Diamondbacks to tie the Reds 11-11 at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.
Game Summaries edited with files from Patrick Zeppieri and Sam Perri
Beneath a layer of warm midsummer skies, the Diamondbacks and Reds played to an 11-11 tie in four innings of Bantam Division action this evening at Dominico Field at Christie Pits.
Here is a Diamondbacks summary of the proceedings:
First Inning: Diamondbacks 4 Reds 0
Diamondbacks starter Kitchener (4) began the game with a steady pitching performance, whereby he didn’t allow anyone to get by second base with a couple of strikeouts. In the bottom of the inning, the Diamondbacks running machine was in high gear. The top of the order went to work stealing six bases and scoring four runs on only one hit. This was capped off by Jordan (2) stealing home when the pitcher and catcher were discussing strategy.
Second Inning: Diamondbacks 4 Reds 0
The second inning was all about the pitching as neither team was able to score. The Diamondbacks sent reliever Daniel (3) into the fray in the top of the second and he was bringing the heat. Not to be outdone, the Reds came back with a great pitching performance of their own in the bottom half of the frame to keep the Diamondbacks back on their heels.
Third Inning: Diamondbacks 8 Reds 3
During this inning the bats came to life. In the top half, the Reds were able to work some favorable counts to their advantage against steady and talented D-Backs reliever Hayden (8) and roughed him up for a three run outburst. In response, as has been the norm all season long, the top of the Diamondbacks order came to life in the bottom portion of the frame as they scored four more runs on a hit around inning for Michael (12), Kit, Jordan and Daniel.
Fourth Inning: Diamondbacks 11 Reds 11
This was a marathon inning from start to finish. With Diamondbacks reliever Michael on the mound having problems finding the umpire’s strike zone, the Reds were able take advantage of this scenario and were very patient at the plate. The Big Red Machine were able to work the counts in their favour to get on base. Despite the location issues, Michael was not going to give up on his team and stayed in to finish the inning. The Reds were able to score seven runs (yes…7 runs, 7 +3 = 11, I don’t get the reds math either?).
With the Reds owning a commanding lead for the first time in the game and the experienced portion of the Diamondbacks line up having already batted, it was up to the D-Back rookies to salvage the game. Emily (14), Duke (15), Victor (14) spurred the Diamondbacks rally by getting on base and setting the table for D-Backs newcomer Nicholas (7), who hit a strong double down the third baseline to tie up the game.
Now with the Diamondbacks winning run on base and Michael at the plate, the tension was visible. After getting to Reds closer Qingyuan (14) on a strong hit up the middle, Michael was called out because the follow through on his swing hit the catcher. Game over.
Here is a Reds log of the game:
- The Diamondbacks took a four run lead in the bottom of the first after D-Backs starter Kit (4) struck out the side in the top of the first, holding the Reds to one base runner.
- After a scoreless second inning, the Reds scored three runs (all on walks) in the top of the third.
- However, the D-backs scored four more runs in the bottom of the third to widen their lead to 8-3.
- Down by five, the Big Red Machine scored eight runs (again mostly on walks) to take an 11-8 lead.
- In the bottom of the fourth, Reds closer Qingyaun (14) was able to hold the D-backs to three runs for an 11-11 final.