GIANTS SCORE EARLY AND FEND OFF TENACIOUS CUBS RALLY TO WIN OPENING DAY GAME
Giants Pitcher Zachary (4) pitched two stellar innings against the Cubs (2 IP; 1 R; 0 ER; 0 H; 3 W; 6 K; 1 HBP).
On a warm and humid evening at the Bickford Park South Diamond, the Giants topped the Cubs 7-5 in 4 ½ innings to emerge victorious in an exciting Mosquito Division Season Opener.
A clutch two run double in the second inning delivered by Noel (10) of the Giants was the difference in the game.
In a well pitched game by both teams, the difference in the end was the ability of the Giants to make the most of the offensive opportunities that were presented to them.
The Giants scored all seven of their runs in the first two innings. After the Cubs had taken a 2-0 lead in the top of the first, the Giants answered right back with three runs of their own in the bottom half to lead by one. The offensive highlight was a sizzling rbi double by John Lee (5) of the Giants.
After Giants pitcher Maxwell (7) held the Cubbies scoreless in the top of the second, a disciplined coterie of Giant batters drew five consecutive walks to extend their lead to 5-2. With the bases loaded and one out, Noel (10) of the Giants delivered a clutch two run double to close out the inning. In the end, Noel’s two rbi hit was the difference in the game.
It was at this juncture where the bullpens of each team took control of the proceedings.
Zachary (4) of the Giants pitched two stellar innings in the third and fourth innings as he allowed only one unearned run while striking out six Cubs.
Zach’s big moment on the mound occurred in the third inning. After striking out the first two Cub batters, he issued three consecutive walks to load the bases. However, with the game on the line, Zach struck out the next Cubs batter to extricate himself from a major mondo jam.
Cubs Pitcher Joshua (10) pitched a workmanlike third inning (1 IP; 0 ER; 1 H; 0 W; 2 K).
Meanwhile, the Cubs used a duo of two relief pitchers to shut down a potent Giants offensive machine. Cub pitchers Joshua (10) and Angus (1) combined to allow one hit and no runs in the third and fourth while mowing down four Giant batters.
In the top of the fifth, the Cubs offense awoke from its slumber as they drew four consecutive walks and rallied for two runs to trail 7-5.
With two Cubs on base and no outs, Giants closer Noel (10) regained his steely composure by snagging a sizzling liner to record the first out. On the next play, he executed a fielder’s choice to perfection as he cleanly fielded the ball and threw a direct strike to Giants catcher Cormac (6) at home to garner the second out.
After issuing another walk to load the bases, Noel reached into his inner reserves and struck out the last Cubs batter to earn the save and preserve the win.
In other Mosquito Division action, the swashbuckling Pirates plucked the Cardinals 8-5 at Christie Pits Diamond 2. And the darlin’ Lizzies defeated the Dodgers 7-5 at Christie Pits Diamond 3.