THE HALOS SNAP AN 8-8 TIE TO PREVAIL OVER THE ASTROS AT BICKFORD PARK
Beneath a ceiling of cool and tranquil summer skies, the Angels defeated the Astros 12-8 in four innings of Mosquito Division action this evening at the Bickford Park South Diamond.
Tied 8-8, James (10) and Jacob (15) drew a pair of walks to lead off the top of the fourth. Michael followed with a single. However, the Astros defense committed an error on the play that allowed Jacob to reach third, Michael to advance to second, and James to motor home with the go ahead run.
Following a walk to Thomas (10) [a Rookie Ball call up] that loaded the bases, Rorden (2) garnered a RBI walk to plate Jacob.
With one out and the bases overflowing with Angels, Devon (7) and Andre (11) drew back to back RBI walks that allowed Michael and Thomas to come home with some insurance runs.
In a workmanlike effort, Astros reliever Luca (14) struck out one in the fourth frame.
With 1-2-3 finesse, Angels closer Elliot (13) would strike out two in the bottom of the fourth to seal the deal on the win.
The seesaw proceeding was a entertaining contest between two talented and well coached teams. In the end, the Angels seized their opportunity and prevailed for the victory.
In the top of the first inning, the Angels jumped out to an early 4-0 lead. After a lead off double by Andre (11), Evan (1) and Alex (3) drew a pair of walks to load the bases. Elliot (13) followed with a RBI single to bring Andre home with the opening run of the game.
With no outs and the bases juiced to the gills, the Astros would commit an error that opened the door for Evan to barrel home from third with another run.
Following a walk to Jonas (9) that reloaded the bases, Nikhil (5) delivered a run scoring sacrifice hit to bring Alex home.
With one out and Halos at third and second, the Astros would commit a faux pas that allowed Elliot to blaze homeward.
In a spirited foray on the hill, Astros starter Sam (5) retired one Angels batter in the first inning.
Angels starter would record a pair of groundouts and strike out one in the bottom of the first to keep the Astros off the scoreboard and on the launch pad.
Exercising patience at the dish, the Halos would take advantage of six walks in the top of the second to plate another four and extend their lead to 8-0. After a lead off walk, James (10) would swipe a pair of bases to advance to third. A wild pitch would allow James to bolt homeward.
Following consecutive walks to Jacob, Michael and Thomas that loaded the bases, Rorden would be hit by pitch and that brought Jacob home.
With the bases still juiced to the gills, Liam (8) and Andre drew respective RBI walks to bring Michael and Thomas home.
The Astros offense surged to life in the bottom of the second as they scored four to slice the deficit to four. After Sam, Charlie S. (8) and Stephen (1) drew consecutive walks to load the bases, Luca garnered a RBI walk to bring Sam home with the Astros first run of the game.
With the bases still loaded, Matthew (11) stroked a run scoring sacrifice hit that allowed Charlie S. to come home to roost.
With one out and two aboard, Charlie N. (4) delivered a 2 RBI single that brought Stephen and Luca home.
In a spirited effort, Angels reliever James (10) would retire one Astro on a groundout in the second inning.
Astros reliever Desmond (3) would strike out three in the top of the third to keep the Halos off the scoring ledger and in the pews.
With grit and resolve, the intergalactic Astros would rally for four in the bottom of the third to tie the game 8-8. With one aboard, Sebastian (4) stroked a RBI walk to bring Michael home.
After Sebastian advanced to third, Vince (10) delivered a RBI single to bring him home and pull the Astros to within two.
Following walks to Rose (11) and Ian (7) that loaded the bases, Desmond hit into a run scoring fielder’s choice that retired Ian at second and allowed Vince to come home to crow.
After a two out walk to Charlie S. that reloaded the bases, Stephen earned a RBI walk that brought Rose home with the tying run.
In a workmanlike effort, Halos reliever Rorden (2) retired two Astros in the third frame on a groundout and strike out.