Morning Series: Lumberjacks Take 2 of 3 from the 86ers
The Lumberjacks (20 – 10) and the 86ers (14 – 16) kicked the day off with a thrilling three game set. The 86ers set the tone with an early lead off a Brendan Hite leadoff home run, then by adding 3 more runs in the second inning, including Shaun Suller’s first bomb as an 86er. However, the Lumberjacks fought back in the latter innings, especially thanks to the standout performance of CJ Peterson, who went 2 for 5 with a double and 2 RBIs. Despite their efforts, the Lumberjacks fell short, with the 86ers taking the first game 5-2. Leonard Quenneville had another strong outing for the 86ers, allowing no runs over four innings.
Game 2 saw a different story unfold as the Lumberjacks took control early and never looked back. CJ Peterson continued his incredible performance, achieving a perfect batting average of 1.000 with five hits, two of which were triples. The 86ers pitching struggled to hit the pan as the rain picked up, but the Lumberjacks pitchers, led by James Shorey, seemed unfazed by the weather. The Lumberjacks pitching staff allowed only one earned run in six innings, striking out an impressive 11 batters. This combined effort helped the Lumberjacks secure a convincing 5-1 win and even up the series.
In the final game of the series, both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm, resulting in a low-scoring affair. Leonard Quenneville of the 86ers held the powerful Lumberjacks bats in check for 5 innings, but the 86ers offense failed to get timely hits. The Lumberjacks threatened in the third inning, but outfielder Kyle Fraser made an absolute circus catch to keep the game knotted at zeros. Ultimately, the Lumberjacks managed to break through with two crucial runs in the fifth inning off hits and some 86ers defensive miscues, securing a 2-0 victory and clinching the series. The Lumberjacks’ strong pitching and defensive efforts proved decisive, earning them the series win.
Afternoon Series: Los Burros Win Another Series from The Regulators
The three-game wiffle ball series between Los Burros (22 – 8) and the Regulators (11 – 19) provided an intense display of skill and competitive spirit.
Game 1: This marathon of a match extended to extra innings, with the Regulators eventually securing a hard-fought victory by a final score of 3-2 in the 10th inning. Nick Fabiano and Jason Walker led the offensive charge for Los Burros, with Fabiano boasting a hit, walking twice, and scoring a run, while Walker contributed three hits and an RBI. The Regulators’ Gavin Mansell showed up at the plate too, with a three-hit game and delivering a crucial home run. On the mound, Matthew Kelly of Los Burros pitched exceptionally well in the extra-innings game, allowing only 3 runs in his 9.2 innings of work. The Regulators leaned on 4 pitchers to get to the extra-innings win, led by James Obgurn’s 6 innings, where he allowed only 2 hits and struck out 5.
Game 2: Los Burros bounced back in this game, winning 1-0 in a pitching duel. Burros pitchers Richard Parsons and Jason Walker combined to toss a one-hitter shutout. The Regulators countered with Seth Barden, Gavin Mansell, and Peter Mavro, who allowed only one Los Burros run, which proved decisive. Nick Fabiano continued to shine for Los Burros, hitting .500 for the game with two hits. The Regulators struggled to get their offense going against excellent Los Burros pitching.
Game 3: Los Burros secured the series victory in the rubber match, winning 5-3. Jason Walker was a standout player, boasting 4 hits in 5 plate appearances, including a home run. Richard Parsons also pitched effectively for Los Burros, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits. For the Regulators, Seth Barden showcased his power with a home run in the losing effort.
Evening Series: Diablos Compete, But Are Swept By The Pharaohs
The three-game wiffle ball series between the Diablos and the Pharaohs offered an exhilarating showcase of talent, strategy, and sportsmanship, captivating fans and players alike. Each game was a microcosm of the fierce competition that defined the series.
Game 1: The series kicked off with a tantalizing nail-biter. The Pharaohs edged out the Diablos with a 3-0 victory. In a testament to their pitching prowess, Parker Trask and Josh Bosnos of the Pharaohs held the Diablos scoreless. Trask also hit a home run for the Pharaohs. Brian Dozer of the Diablos pitched 5 innings and struck out 7, while holding a potent Pharaohs offense to 3 runs. Notable performances also came from Martin Lechner of the Diablos, who had a multihit game, and Patrick Green, who had a hit and a walk in his Diablos debut.
Game 2: The Pharaohs continued to assert their dominance in the second game, securing a 9-4 victory. Codie Willis was perfect at the plate for the Pharaohs, with three hits and a walk. Gage Sarna hit a homer for the ancient ones. Josh Bosnos pitched 3.1 innings without allowing an earned run. On the Diablos’ side, Brian Dozer continued to impress with a multi-hit game that included a home run. Martin Lechner and Patrick Greene also had multi-hit games for the Diablos.
Game 3: The final showdown of the series was another tight one, with the Pharaohs clinching a 3 – 1 victory. Gage Sarna stood out as the star pitcher for the Pharaohs, surrendering only one run in a masterful 6-inning performance and striking out 8 batters. Josh Bosnos of the Pharaohs hit a home run. The Diablos’ Martin Lechner, known for his consistency, maintained a stellar .500 batting average, keeping his team in the game. The Diablos actually outhit the Pharaohs 4 hits to 3 in the losing effort.
The Diablos stayed in striking distance for 2 of the 3 games, and are showing signs of improvement. With the sweep, the Pharaohs have pulled within one game of the first-place Los Burros.