Dateline: Fox Mill 1

The Reston Royals took the field against the O’s and it was a very pleasant fall evening at game time. The O’s feature a lineup consisting almost exclusively of all-stars from the 9-10 and 10-11 teams from the Spring, but the Royals looked ready for them. However, it was not to be. This reporter sees no need to go into too many details. Here is a very brief summary.

Matt started on the mound and looked good. An initial popup to Nick at 3rd resulted in a quick out one. A double and a singled scored a run, but Matt settled down with a strikeout and induced a grounder to 3rd the Nick played nicely as he fired to first for out three. Eric led off with a walk, stole second and then attempted to steal 3rd but was out by a step. Matt was called for interference as he bunted but then ran into the ball slightly outside of the batters box. Alec singled and then a groundout ended the inning. After one it was all tied up at one a piece.

Matt and Jake pitched the second. They only walked a single batter. They logged two strikeouts but a string of single and a couple of weak popups that just got past the infield and fell in front of the outfield resulted in a bunch of runs. Seven runs scored as the dust finally cleared and Jake blasted one past the last batter for out three. Jake beat out an infield hit to start off the Royals second. A strikeout and a groundout gave the Royals two out. Nick beat out an infield hit to put runners on at first and second. Unfortunately, a ground out back to the mound resulted in out three.

The Royals would not get a single additional hit on the evening so that sums up the Royals offense.

Alec pitched the third and had a good outing and held the O’s to only two runs. Nihal made a great catch in center for out three. In the fourth, Eric started the inning but he was bothered by a pulled muscle in his leg so Danny came to record an out and end the inning with a strikeout. Unfortunately, three more runs scored in the fourth. Cam came in from the bullpen and picked up two strikeouts but the O’s had scored five runs on only two hits as they took advantage of an error and some walks.

Coach Grossman was available only briefly after the game. “Well, you hate to lose one like this, but we’ll bounce back. The O’s are a good team, but I’m glad we play them three times. We’ll be ready for them next time. They have some older kids and our guys are gaining experience every game. I think we can play with them if we do a little more hitting and play some more defense. It was nice to get some new pitchers on the mound and I saw some good things with Cam and Danny out there as well.

Coach Goldstein said, “Spenser showed some promise in his first time behind the plate (he caught the second inning) and I’m sure we’ll bounce back. Once Coach Grossman heads off a scouting trip this weekend, I’m confident we’ll be fine on Saturday.

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