Game 2 vs. Wakerton Capitals #3
The Walkerton Capitals Pee Wee #2 team would play host to
the Walkerton Capitals #3 team on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 in a game
that would feature some outstanding plays from both teams.
Starting pitcher, Ryan Hinsperger, was stellar in the top of the first retiring the batters 1, 2 and 3 including one strike out. The fielders behind him were quick on their feet and accurate with their throws to first in that they wouldn’t allow any runners on base. In the bottom of the inning the Capitals #2 team would be 2 outs down before Parker Elphick would single up the middle and then steal second base. The next batter, Connor McIntosh would bring Parker home with another hard single. Connor would then steal second, and Matthew McNaughton would walk before both runners would advance on a ball that escaped the glove of the back catcher. In an attempt to get the runner going to third the ball was thrown just a touch high that would go into shallow left field while the speedy Connor would come around to score and increase the early lead. The inning would end with a ground out to first base but Pee Wee #2 would lead 2-0 after the first.
The top of the second inning would see the visiting #3 team cut the lead in half after the lead off hitter doubled and then came around to score after some more fine hitting by his team mates. The defensive play by those on the field was again outstanding and none of the next three batters would make it safely to first. The bottom of the inning would see Lukas Watke walk after a full count he would then steal second and third and then steal home on a ball that got away from the catcher. Ethan Smith would single but would be stranded at second as the third out was recorded. Pee Wee #2 would lead 3-1 after two innings.
The third inning would see the pitching duties shared between Ryan Hinsperger and Connor McIntosh. Walkerton #3 would battle hard and be rewarded with 3 runs as 8 batters would come to the plate. In the bottom of the inning the top of the order would see Ryan Hinsperger start things off with a double and come home shortly after when Parker Elphick and Connor McIntosh would each single. Parker would then come into score after Ethan Garland hit a single over the head of the second baseman and into shallow centre field. Connor would attempt to score but the throw from the outfield was right on the money and Connor would be tagged at home to end the inning. Walkerton #2 would lead 5-4 after three innings in the books.
Some timely hitting in the fourth inning would see the lead change as Pee Wee #3 would rally and score two runs in the top of the inning. In the bottom half of the frame it would be a three up three down for Pee Wee #2 as each batter would be thrown out at first base. Walkerton #3 would now lead 6-5.
Walkerton #3 would increase its lead in the top of the fifth when a player would slide just under the tag at home plate. It would be another three up three down inning for Team #2.
The sixth inning would see Ethan Smith come in as the third pitcher and he would be dominant as he struck out all three batters that he faced. It might have been just the jump start the team needed as Connor Farrell would hit a hard single to lead off the bottom of the inning. Parker Elphick would then double and Connor McIntosh would walk to load the bases. Matthew McNaughton would walk and bring Connor in from third. Ethan Garland would single to bring in another run. Lukas Watke would walk and Ethan Smith would double to clear the bases. Xander Thornton would single before the inning was called with a six run max.
The top of the seventh would see Ethan continue with his strong pitching performance by again striking out the three batters that he faced. Walkerton #2 would take the game 11-7 but both teams played a great game. The teams were evenly matched throughout and the lead changes made for some exciting ball. Defensively the game featured some outstanding catches by the fielders and those in the infield to limit any scoring opportunities.
WALKERTON #2 WALKERTON #3
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