Dateline: Browns Chapel
The Nationals came onto the field riding high after two consecutive wins. Frankie took the mound and the first batter beat out an infield hit to third. Three walks scored a run. The next batter singled to score two runs but Frankie settled down and struck out the next three batters. The Nats batter for out one. Anthony tried to bunt his way on but the catcher made a nice play for out one. Henry was ararded first on catchers interference. He moved to second and third on wild pitches. With two outs, the A’s made a nice play and got Henry as he was trying to advance home on a wild pitch. After one it was 3-0 A’s.
Shane came on and got the first batter to ground out to the mound. A walk and then a strikeout followed for out two. The next batter hit a shot to Anthony who gobbled it up and stepped on second for out three. Bottom of the second and Shane reached on a walk advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored when Michael drilled a single to left.
Top of the third and two walks and three singles led to four runs for the A’s. Bottom of the third and Anthony and Henry each made good contact but the A’s made good plays in the infield and the score was 7-0 A’s after three.
Top of the fourth and Henry came on and shut down the A’s. The first batter doubled to center, but Jake at short, alertly tagged the runner as he strayed too far off the bag after he crossed second. A strikeout, and a popup to short ended the inning. Bottom of the fourth and Frankie doubled with one out. Shane singled to score Frankie. DJ walked. Shane was out attempting to score on a wild pitch but DJ scored on a wild pitch moments later. After four it was 7-3 A’s. Top of the fifth and Henry continued to look sharp. Three batters, three popouts — the first to Jake at catcher for out one, the second to Anthony at short and the third to Shane at first. Bottom of the fifth and Michael was hit by a pitch. Anthony singled but both runners were left on base.
Jake came on in the top of the sixth. After giving up a double and a walk and some wild pitches to score two runs. Jake settled down and got the next batter to ground out to Kahlil at second and then struck out the next two. Bottom of the sixth. Jake grounded out to shortstop. Frankie singled and was caught stealing second and the last batter struck out to end the game. Final Score: A’s 7 Nationals 3.
Coach Grossman said, “This was a tough loss, but the A’s are an excellent team. We just didn’t hit the ball that well today — whenever you only score three runs its hard to win a game. I hope we get another chance at them in the playoffs.”
