IN A SIZZLING HOT TAMALE AFFAIR UNDER THE SUN, THE M’s PREVAIL OVER THE ATHLETICS AT BICKFORD PARK
THE MOMENT OF TRUTH > Top to bottom: Taking advantage of an A’s error, Joaquin (6) bolts home from third base and slides under the tag attempt of Athletics catcher Charlie (7) to score the Mariners game winning run in the bottom of the third inning at Bickford Park.
Beneath a thick layer of sunny and humid skies, the Mariners defeated the A’s 9-7 in 3 ½ innings of Mosquito Division action this evening at Bickford Park.
Despite the uncomfortable heat that permeated the diamond, the game was an entertaining seesaw affair between two talented and well coached teams.
The A’s jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first. After Owen (10) walked to open the inning, Jonah (1) and Finn (5) were hit by pitch to load the bases. Daniel (4) followed with a one out RBI single that brought Owen homeward with the opening run of the game.
Mariners starter Liam (9) would pitch himself out of a bases loaded jam with two strike outs to leave the bases stranded.
In the bottom of the first, the M’s answered back with a run to even the proceedings. After a lead off double by Max (14) and a walk by Callum (2) put two Mariners on base, Jude (3) stroked a RBI single that brought Max home with the tying run.
With two runners on board, A’s starter Anthony (12) would strike out three in the first to quell the Mariners insurgency.
Exercising discipline at the plate, the Athletics would draw six walks in the top of the second and score four runs to take a 5-1 lead. With the bases loaded, Nicholas’ hit by pitch and respective walks by Oliver (6), Owen and Johah would garner a series RBI’s that plated Stefano (9), Simon (2), Daniel (16) and Nicholas.
With determination, Mariners reliever Lucas (12) had a spirited foray on the mound in the second.
However, the pesky Mariners answered back with four in the bottom of the second to tie the game 5-5. After Kai (8) was hit by pitch, Alex (5) drew a walk to put two M’s on second and first. An ensuing double steal by the M’s would force an Athletics error that allowed Kai to motor home from third.
After Max and Lucas drew back to back walks to load the bases, Callum garnered a RBI walk to plate Alex and trim the deficit to two.
With two ducks on the pond, Jude followed with a RBI single that allowed Lucas to come home to roost. An ensuing A’s error would allow Callum to scoot home with the tying run.
In a spirited effort on the mound, A’s reliever Finn (5) struck out one during the second frame.
Mariners reliever Jude (3) would mow down three with a John Deere X590 Riding Lawn Mower in the top of the third to keep the A’s off the scoreboard.
The Mariners would score four in the bottom of the third to take a 9-5 lead. After a lead off walk by Eshetu (15), Liam followed with a RBI triple that delivered him homeward with the go ahead score. An A’s error would subsequently allow Liam to blaze home with another run.
Joaquin (6), Kai and Max would draw walks to load the bases. Another Athletics faux pas opened the door for Joaquin to motor home safely.
After Lucas walked to reload the bases, Callum drew a RBI walk that allowed Kai to come home to roost.
In a gritty effort on the hill, A’s reliever Jonah (1) struck out one during the third.
Refusing to surrender, the A’s donned their rally caps in the top of the fourth and gamely scored two to trim the margin to 9-7. After Stefano and Simon led off the inning with a pair of walks, they would use their speed to steal a series of bases that rattled the M’s defense and allow both to come homeward safely on errors.
Shaken, but not stirred, Mariners closer Max (14) found the groove and struck out three to seal the deal on a hard fought victory over the Athletics.