Greene's is flooded. We will practice at Memorial Field, 8:30 to 10:30 tomorrow.
See you there!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Sunday's Game v. Parkway Rescheduled for July 22
Parkway is playing in a tournament over the weekend and needed to reschedule Sunday's game. We will play Parkway on Friday, July 22 6:00 at Greene's.
I apologize to those of you who planned your weekend expecting a Sunday evening baseball game.
I apologize to those of you who planned your weekend expecting a Sunday evening baseball game.
Location of Friday's Game at Medfield
We take on Medfield this Friday at Metacomet Field, 108 Pleasant St., Medfield, MA 02052. Map.
First pitch will be at 5:30. Warm up at 5:00.
See you there!
First pitch will be at 5:30. Warm up at 5:00.
See you there!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Pitching, Long Balls Lift Rockets Over Central
The Rockets got a look at one of Walpole's three teams last Friday, and tonight they would face another squad from that youth baseball powerhouse. Walpole Central arrived at Greene's early and by the look of their warm-up routine were a disciplined squad. They seemed quite solid in the field when they took the diamond to finish their warm-up.
Apparently, they could hit, too. In the top of the first, after a leadoff pop foul and a great hustle by Matt G at third to make the catch near the visitor's dugout, Central was able to load the bases with one out. Two singles later, they were up 2-0. The Rockets sent Matt M to the mound to find a way out of the inning. He escaped the only way he could without further damage: by throwing strikes and throwing them hard. Very hard. He struck out the next two batters, and the Rockets would enter their half of the first down by only two.
Matt G led off for the Rockets and hit a shot to center field for a double. Jonah moved Matt to third with a single up the middle, and Patrick W walked to load the bases with nobody out for Alex, who was fresh off a 4-4 performance on Friday and ready for more. He worked a full count and then laid off ball four to walk in a run and put the Rockets on the board, 2-1. Calvin would even it up with an RBI single to left. All knotted up at 2 after one.
Matt M returned for the top of the second, and he was untouchable, striking out three of four batters faced--the last one on three pitches. He had a blazing fastball working for him and he was commanding. Dominant stuff from the young hurler.
The Rockets were not able to make any noise in the bottom of the second. Deuces through two.
Top of the third, Rockets sent Alex to the hill. An error put a man on, but Alex kept his focus and struck out the next two. He was in a groove and pounding the zone, yet Central's cleanup guy put fat metal on a good 0-1 fastball and sent it into right field. One scored. Central was able to get another in before Jonah stopped the damage with a heads-up play catching the runner off first base and making the tag to end the inning. Solid effort by Alex on the mound, but smart base running and good contact at the plate put Central in command again 4-2.
The Rockets would bounce back in the bottom of the third. Matt G hustled up the line to beat the throw for a leadoff single. He advanced to second on a passed ball. Alex then drove him in with a hard single to left, and it was 4-3, Central. Tom singled to right to drive in Alex and even the score at 4.
Alex came out again for the top of the fourth and got right down to business striking out the side and preserving the tie.
The tie would not last long, though. In the bottom half of the inning, Roman got a hold of a fastball and launched it over the center fielder all the way back near the basketball court in left center. No doubt about this one--especially with Roman's wheels--a four-bagger to put the Rockets back on top, 5-4. The solo shot was the first home run of the season for the Rockets, and it could not have come at a better time.
The fireworks would continue. Steven and Timmy hit back to back singles to put two on with one out for Matt M. Matt ripped one up the third base line and was safe at first, but the third baseman got Steven at third for out number two. On the next pitch, Matt got a good jump at first and took off for second, but Central's catcher made a perfect throw and Matt was out by a hair. The Rockets were able to reclaim the lead, though, and headed into the fifth up by one.
Patrick W took the hill for the Rockets in the fifth. The first two batters reached, one on a single and one on an error, but Patrick bore down and retired the next three in a row. The first was a chopper back to the mound. Patrick gloved it and threw to Calvin at first for the out. The second was a ground ball to first where Calvin scooped and stepped on the bag. The third was a hard liner to Roman at third. He made the catch to retire the side, but despite the Rockets finding their rhythm defensively, Central was able to bring 2 in and put themselves back on top 6-5.
The Rockets would battle back. Matt G and Jonah singled back to back to get things going in the bottom of the fifth. Two on for Alex, who fouled two off and then went yard, absolutely crushing one way back to deep center field right up to the fence--a 3-run dinger to put the Rockets on top for good.
8-6, Rockets heading into what would be the final frame. Patrick W remained in the game to get the save. He struck out two and got the third to ground to second where Ryan made a nice play to scoop it and fire to Calvin at first to end the game.
The Rockets fought back to even the score or take the lead in the first, third, fourth, and fifth innings. A phenomenal effort at the plate and very solid work on the mound.
Tonight's game ball went to Roman, who after struggling a bit on the mound in the first bounced back in the fourth to hit a home run and give the Rockets a 5-4 lead. The Hustle Award went to Matt G, who made a great catch on the run in foul territory for the first out of the game and who hustled down the line to beat the throw twice for two singles to add to his double that sparked the first Rockets' rally back in the first inning.
The Rockets travel to Metacomet Field this Friday to take on Medfield. See you there!
Apparently, they could hit, too. In the top of the first, after a leadoff pop foul and a great hustle by Matt G at third to make the catch near the visitor's dugout, Central was able to load the bases with one out. Two singles later, they were up 2-0. The Rockets sent Matt M to the mound to find a way out of the inning. He escaped the only way he could without further damage: by throwing strikes and throwing them hard. Very hard. He struck out the next two batters, and the Rockets would enter their half of the first down by only two.
Matt G led off for the Rockets and hit a shot to center field for a double. Jonah moved Matt to third with a single up the middle, and Patrick W walked to load the bases with nobody out for Alex, who was fresh off a 4-4 performance on Friday and ready for more. He worked a full count and then laid off ball four to walk in a run and put the Rockets on the board, 2-1. Calvin would even it up with an RBI single to left. All knotted up at 2 after one.
Matt M returned for the top of the second, and he was untouchable, striking out three of four batters faced--the last one on three pitches. He had a blazing fastball working for him and he was commanding. Dominant stuff from the young hurler.
The Rockets were not able to make any noise in the bottom of the second. Deuces through two.
Top of the third, Rockets sent Alex to the hill. An error put a man on, but Alex kept his focus and struck out the next two. He was in a groove and pounding the zone, yet Central's cleanup guy put fat metal on a good 0-1 fastball and sent it into right field. One scored. Central was able to get another in before Jonah stopped the damage with a heads-up play catching the runner off first base and making the tag to end the inning. Solid effort by Alex on the mound, but smart base running and good contact at the plate put Central in command again 4-2.
The Rockets would bounce back in the bottom of the third. Matt G hustled up the line to beat the throw for a leadoff single. He advanced to second on a passed ball. Alex then drove him in with a hard single to left, and it was 4-3, Central. Tom singled to right to drive in Alex and even the score at 4.
Alex came out again for the top of the fourth and got right down to business striking out the side and preserving the tie.
The tie would not last long, though. In the bottom half of the inning, Roman got a hold of a fastball and launched it over the center fielder all the way back near the basketball court in left center. No doubt about this one--especially with Roman's wheels--a four-bagger to put the Rockets back on top, 5-4. The solo shot was the first home run of the season for the Rockets, and it could not have come at a better time.
The fireworks would continue. Steven and Timmy hit back to back singles to put two on with one out for Matt M. Matt ripped one up the third base line and was safe at first, but the third baseman got Steven at third for out number two. On the next pitch, Matt got a good jump at first and took off for second, but Central's catcher made a perfect throw and Matt was out by a hair. The Rockets were able to reclaim the lead, though, and headed into the fifth up by one.
Patrick W took the hill for the Rockets in the fifth. The first two batters reached, one on a single and one on an error, but Patrick bore down and retired the next three in a row. The first was a chopper back to the mound. Patrick gloved it and threw to Calvin at first for the out. The second was a ground ball to first where Calvin scooped and stepped on the bag. The third was a hard liner to Roman at third. He made the catch to retire the side, but despite the Rockets finding their rhythm defensively, Central was able to bring 2 in and put themselves back on top 6-5.
The Rockets would battle back. Matt G and Jonah singled back to back to get things going in the bottom of the fifth. Two on for Alex, who fouled two off and then went yard, absolutely crushing one way back to deep center field right up to the fence--a 3-run dinger to put the Rockets on top for good.
8-6, Rockets heading into what would be the final frame. Patrick W remained in the game to get the save. He struck out two and got the third to ground to second where Ryan made a nice play to scoop it and fire to Calvin at first to end the game.
The Rockets fought back to even the score or take the lead in the first, third, fourth, and fifth innings. A phenomenal effort at the plate and very solid work on the mound.
Tonight's game ball went to Roman, who after struggling a bit on the mound in the first bounced back in the fourth to hit a home run and give the Rockets a 5-4 lead. The Hustle Award went to Matt G, who made a great catch on the run in foul territory for the first out of the game and who hustled down the line to beat the throw twice for two singles to add to his double that sparked the first Rockets' rally back in the first inning.
The Rockets travel to Metacomet Field this Friday to take on Medfield. See you there!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Bats Explode in Win over Walpole National
With its lawn mowed, infield groomed, diamond sharply lined, and backstop decked patriotically in red, white, and blue bunting, Restaino Field was the perfect backdrop for some good old fashioned small-town summer baseball.
Unlike the Rockets' first game, against the crosstown rival Needham Blue Sox, the second game of this young season would feature a completely unfamiliar opponent. Nobody in the dugout knew what to expect of Walpole National. Their ballpark was certainly impressive, but what about their pitching? What sort of lineup would they be rolling out? Would they be able to keep the speedy Rockets at bay on the basepaths?
Rockets leadoff hitter Roman would seek to answer some of these questions right off the bat. He worked a full count and then took a walk. Once on, he was given the green light to steal, but never had the opportunity as number two hitter Tom connected with the first pitch and ripped a single up the third base line. With two on and nobody out, Alex stepped in. He took a big cut at the first pitch and got all of it, sending it to deep center field for a double. Roman would score to put the Rockets on the board first, 1-0. Patrick W., also first pitch swinging, drove Tom in with a single up the middle. 2-0, Rockets. Patrick B. would continue the show, driving in Alex with a shot up the middle. The National's pitcher was somehow able to put leather on it, though, and get the out at first. He would strike out the next two to get out of the inning, but not before the Rockets took an early 3-0 lead.
Harry would take the hill in the bottom of the first. He got the leadoff man to pop up to the mound for out number one, walked one, and then struck out two to wrap up an efficient first. He looked comfortable commanding a searing fastball. Something tells me we'll be seeing more of this young flamethrower on the mound in the weeks to come.
A 3-0 lead in the top of the second was not enough for Jonah, who took two big swings and then connected with the third, launching it all the way back near the fence in center field. It was good for a double. The speedster then promptly stole third on the first pitch to Calvin. Calvin crushed the next one and sent it screaming up the middle, but the second baseman was there and threw to first for the out. Jonah scored, though, and put the Rockets up 4-0.
Patrick W. came out to pitch the bottom of the second. He got the first batter to ground to second where Timmy scooped and flipped to Tom for the out at first. But the Nationals would come roaring back to load the bases. Unfazed, Patrick knew all he had to do was focus on the batter and make each pitch. He found his rhythm and struck out the next two in a row, each looking, to put a scoreless inning in the books.
With one out in the top of the third, Tom worked a walk and then stole second. Alex would bring him in with a long single to center. 5-0, Rockets. Patrick W. hit his first of two doubles on the night, a line drive to center field. Timmy sent one hard up the first base line, but the first baseman made a good play to get to it and step on the bag. A great hustle up the line for Timmy, though.
5-0, Rockets after two and a half.
But it was not long before the National's bats started to wake up and put up some crooked numbers of their own. They would produce three runs in the third and three more in the fourth to take a 6-5 lead after four.
The Rockets were not panicking. They had confidence in their lineup and in their approach: just get on base, don't strike out swinging for the fences. That's exactly what Calvin did to get things going in the top of the fifth. After taking two balls, he saw one he liked and hit it hard up the middle for a single. With one on and nobody out, Harry got the sign and laid down a beautiful bunt, right up the first base line. He moved the tying run into scoring position and hustled to beat the throw himself. No need to sacrifice. Two on and nobody out for Noah. He looked at one and then absolutely crushed the next, but the National's pitcher made an unbelievable play to get his glove on it. Roman then rocketed a line drive up the middle, and this one got past the pitcher... and everyone else, clear back towards the fence in center field. A two-run double for Roman and a 7-6 lead for the Rockets. Alex would add one more with a single up the middle that would score Roman. 8-6, Rockets. But they were not finished yet. Patrick W. would make it 9-6 with an RBI double to the gap in left center.
Calvin found his groove and held the lead in the bottom of the fifth, retiring three of four batters faced, two on Ks and one on a fly ball to first baseman Alex.
Top of the sixth, Matt M. worked a walk. Steven, who had been making great contact all night, hit a hard liner that found grass in center field for a single. Jonah singled in Matt to put the Rockets up by four. With Jonah's wheels at third, the Rockets elected to try a squeeze. Harry put down another masterpiece bunt, a roller up the first base line, and Jonah took off. The pitcher fielded it, spun, and fired home. It was close, but Jonah slid under the tag. Safe! 11-6, Rockets. Tom singled in another run, and Alex doubled in two more.
After five and a half, the Rockets sat comfortably in the driver's seat with a 9-run lead. Still, there was the business of closing out the game. Calvin stayed in for the sixth and was lights-out. With ten pitches, he struck out the side to seal the first win of the season for the Rockets.
This one featured a little bit of everything: some excellent pitching, great production at the plate, a crime spree on the bases, and consistent play in the field. The game ball went to Alex, who was 4-4 with 2 doubles and 5 RBI on the night. Not a bad day at the office for the young slugger. The Hustle Award went to Noah, who joined the team just prior to first pitch tonight. There is no statistic that captures this, but Noah, at right field and then at third base, was there to back up every throw. This is the sort of effort that will win us a close game at some important point in the season.
The Rockets take on another Walpole team, Walpole Central, next Tuesday evening at Greene's. See you there!
Unlike the Rockets' first game, against the crosstown rival Needham Blue Sox, the second game of this young season would feature a completely unfamiliar opponent. Nobody in the dugout knew what to expect of Walpole National. Their ballpark was certainly impressive, but what about their pitching? What sort of lineup would they be rolling out? Would they be able to keep the speedy Rockets at bay on the basepaths?
Rockets leadoff hitter Roman would seek to answer some of these questions right off the bat. He worked a full count and then took a walk. Once on, he was given the green light to steal, but never had the opportunity as number two hitter Tom connected with the first pitch and ripped a single up the third base line. With two on and nobody out, Alex stepped in. He took a big cut at the first pitch and got all of it, sending it to deep center field for a double. Roman would score to put the Rockets on the board first, 1-0. Patrick W., also first pitch swinging, drove Tom in with a single up the middle. 2-0, Rockets. Patrick B. would continue the show, driving in Alex with a shot up the middle. The National's pitcher was somehow able to put leather on it, though, and get the out at first. He would strike out the next two to get out of the inning, but not before the Rockets took an early 3-0 lead.
Harry would take the hill in the bottom of the first. He got the leadoff man to pop up to the mound for out number one, walked one, and then struck out two to wrap up an efficient first. He looked comfortable commanding a searing fastball. Something tells me we'll be seeing more of this young flamethrower on the mound in the weeks to come.
A 3-0 lead in the top of the second was not enough for Jonah, who took two big swings and then connected with the third, launching it all the way back near the fence in center field. It was good for a double. The speedster then promptly stole third on the first pitch to Calvin. Calvin crushed the next one and sent it screaming up the middle, but the second baseman was there and threw to first for the out. Jonah scored, though, and put the Rockets up 4-0.
Patrick W. came out to pitch the bottom of the second. He got the first batter to ground to second where Timmy scooped and flipped to Tom for the out at first. But the Nationals would come roaring back to load the bases. Unfazed, Patrick knew all he had to do was focus on the batter and make each pitch. He found his rhythm and struck out the next two in a row, each looking, to put a scoreless inning in the books.
With one out in the top of the third, Tom worked a walk and then stole second. Alex would bring him in with a long single to center. 5-0, Rockets. Patrick W. hit his first of two doubles on the night, a line drive to center field. Timmy sent one hard up the first base line, but the first baseman made a good play to get to it and step on the bag. A great hustle up the line for Timmy, though.
5-0, Rockets after two and a half.
But it was not long before the National's bats started to wake up and put up some crooked numbers of their own. They would produce three runs in the third and three more in the fourth to take a 6-5 lead after four.
The Rockets were not panicking. They had confidence in their lineup and in their approach: just get on base, don't strike out swinging for the fences. That's exactly what Calvin did to get things going in the top of the fifth. After taking two balls, he saw one he liked and hit it hard up the middle for a single. With one on and nobody out, Harry got the sign and laid down a beautiful bunt, right up the first base line. He moved the tying run into scoring position and hustled to beat the throw himself. No need to sacrifice. Two on and nobody out for Noah. He looked at one and then absolutely crushed the next, but the National's pitcher made an unbelievable play to get his glove on it. Roman then rocketed a line drive up the middle, and this one got past the pitcher... and everyone else, clear back towards the fence in center field. A two-run double for Roman and a 7-6 lead for the Rockets. Alex would add one more with a single up the middle that would score Roman. 8-6, Rockets. But they were not finished yet. Patrick W. would make it 9-6 with an RBI double to the gap in left center.
Calvin found his groove and held the lead in the bottom of the fifth, retiring three of four batters faced, two on Ks and one on a fly ball to first baseman Alex.
Top of the sixth, Matt M. worked a walk. Steven, who had been making great contact all night, hit a hard liner that found grass in center field for a single. Jonah singled in Matt to put the Rockets up by four. With Jonah's wheels at third, the Rockets elected to try a squeeze. Harry put down another masterpiece bunt, a roller up the first base line, and Jonah took off. The pitcher fielded it, spun, and fired home. It was close, but Jonah slid under the tag. Safe! 11-6, Rockets. Tom singled in another run, and Alex doubled in two more.
After five and a half, the Rockets sat comfortably in the driver's seat with a 9-run lead. Still, there was the business of closing out the game. Calvin stayed in for the sixth and was lights-out. With ten pitches, he struck out the side to seal the first win of the season for the Rockets.
This one featured a little bit of everything: some excellent pitching, great production at the plate, a crime spree on the bases, and consistent play in the field. The game ball went to Alex, who was 4-4 with 2 doubles and 5 RBI on the night. Not a bad day at the office for the young slugger. The Hustle Award went to Noah, who joined the team just prior to first pitch tonight. There is no statistic that captures this, but Noah, at right field and then at third base, was there to back up every throw. This is the sort of effort that will win us a close game at some important point in the season.
The Rockets take on another Walpole team, Walpole Central, next Tuesday evening at Greene's. See you there!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Location of Friday's Game at Walpole National
Friday's game at Walpole National will be at Restaino Field, 600 West Street, Walpole, MA 02081. Map. First pitch will be 5:30. Please arrive by 5:00 to warm up.
Go Rockets!
Go Rockets!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Rockets Come Back to Tie Opener
The Memorial turf diamond was a sea of blue and gold as the Needham Blue Sox and the Needham Rockets, wearing identical uniforms, faced off in what was to be a thrilling Opening Day showdown. Early scouting reports on the crosstown rival Blue Sox warned of excellent pitching, solid defense, and a bruising lineup. As sharp as the Rockets have been in preseason practices, everyone in the dugout knew this was going to be a battle to the end.
The Blue Sox sent their hard-throwing ace to the mound in the first, and he promptly retired the Rockets in order. The Rockets countered with a flame thrower of their own, Patrick W. Patrick got the Sox leadoff man to come back to the mound where he made the grab and fired to first baseman Patrick B for the out. Score that one Patrick to Patrick. One down. He struck out the next batter on a full count and got the third to ground to first where Patrick scooped it and stepped on the bag to end the inning. No score after one.
With two outs in the top of the second Ryan worked the count full and then took ball four to put himself on. He got a good jump at first on the next pitch and broke for second. The throw was there, but Ryan slid under the tag for the first stolen base of the season and the first of his career. Runner on second with two outs for Matt G. Matt hit a screamer up the middle but the second baseman was able to get a glove on it and he was out at first. A lot of fireworks but nothing on the board for the Rockets after one and a half.
In the bottom of the second the Blue Sox loaded the bases and then were able to string together a couple of singles to put themselves on the board first, 3-0. The Rockets did well to limit the damage to three runs with some fine play at third by Calvin, who put leather on a rip up the third base line and then fired home to catcher Alex who applied the tag to save the run and end the inning.
The Blue Sox were in command early with a three run lead after two.
Patrick W led off the third with a single to left. He moved into scoring position on a passed ball and then advanced to third on another one that got away from the Sox catcher. Good, heads-up base running, and the Rockets had a man on third with nobody out. But the Sox pitcher got himself into a groove and struck out three in a row to end the inning. Still 3-0, Sox.
Jonah came out to pitch the third. After putting the first two batters on, he was absolutely lights-out, striking out the next three on a total of ten pitches. He was throwing hard and commanding, and the heart of the Blue Sox order couldn't touch him.
The Rockets were unable to get much going in their half of the fourth. In the bottom half, the Rockets sent Calvin to the hill. He came out pounding the zone, but the staunch Sox lineup was able to put two on with one out. The next batter hit a hard ground ball to short where Steven, ranging right, put leather on it and flipped to Tom at second to get the out. Tom turned and fired home. The throw was on target but a split second behind the runner and the Sox added one more, 4-0. Calvin stuck out one and got another to pop up to Roman at third to end the inning.
Alex led off the top of the fifth with a single. One on with nobody out for Roman. It was high time for the Rockets to get something started and Roman was just the guy to do it. He put down a bunt--a real beauty, right up the first base line--and then he turned on the jets. The pitcher fielded and fired. Roman nearly beat the throw. Serious wheels! But he had done his job and moved Alex into scoring position. A sacrifice bunt for Roman and a man on second with one out for the Rockets. Patrick B would walk next and then steal second. Runners on second and third with one out. Ryan worked a walk, too, and the table was set for Matt G, who sent a 2-2 fastball into center field for an RBI single. The Rockets dugout erupted. They were climbing back into this one! With the bases still loaded, Patrick W stepped in. He took two strikes, fought one off, and then launched the next pitch deep into the gap in left center, way back by the soccer goal at the 20-yard line--a bases-clearing triple to tie the game! With one swing of the bat, the Rockets had knotted it all up at 4 runs apiece. Next up was Matt M and he was swinging to win it. He fouled a couple off but went down swinging on a tough pitch about knee high over the outside corner. Harry took a look at strike one and then sent the next pitch hard up the middle, but the pitcher got a glove on it and fired to first to end the inning. Not before the Rockets were able to put together four runs, though, and tie the game up with an inning and a half to play.
Alex came out to pitch the bottom of the fifth and he was solid. He got the first batter to pop up to the mound and struck out two more to send the game into the final frame.
The Rockets went down in order in the sixth, and it was up to Patrick B to save the tie. He had good command of his fastball, striking out one, getting one to ground to third, where Alex made a nice play to field the ball after it had bounced off the mound, and getting another to ground to third where Alex stepped on the bag for the force to put this game in the books.
4-4 was the final. An excellent team effort for the Rockets in their first game together. Effective pitching, consistent fielding, and a late-inning rally got the job done.
Tonight's game ball went to Patrick W, who pitched a scoreless first inning and drove in three runs with a triple to tie the game in the fifth. The Hustle Award went to Alex, whose hustle at third was responsible for two of three outs in the sixth.
Next, the Rockets travel to Walpole to take on Walpole National this Friday evening. This promises to be another exciting match-up between two Western Division powerhouses.
The Blue Sox sent their hard-throwing ace to the mound in the first, and he promptly retired the Rockets in order. The Rockets countered with a flame thrower of their own, Patrick W. Patrick got the Sox leadoff man to come back to the mound where he made the grab and fired to first baseman Patrick B for the out. Score that one Patrick to Patrick. One down. He struck out the next batter on a full count and got the third to ground to first where Patrick scooped it and stepped on the bag to end the inning. No score after one.
With two outs in the top of the second Ryan worked the count full and then took ball four to put himself on. He got a good jump at first on the next pitch and broke for second. The throw was there, but Ryan slid under the tag for the first stolen base of the season and the first of his career. Runner on second with two outs for Matt G. Matt hit a screamer up the middle but the second baseman was able to get a glove on it and he was out at first. A lot of fireworks but nothing on the board for the Rockets after one and a half.
In the bottom of the second the Blue Sox loaded the bases and then were able to string together a couple of singles to put themselves on the board first, 3-0. The Rockets did well to limit the damage to three runs with some fine play at third by Calvin, who put leather on a rip up the third base line and then fired home to catcher Alex who applied the tag to save the run and end the inning.
The Blue Sox were in command early with a three run lead after two.
Patrick W led off the third with a single to left. He moved into scoring position on a passed ball and then advanced to third on another one that got away from the Sox catcher. Good, heads-up base running, and the Rockets had a man on third with nobody out. But the Sox pitcher got himself into a groove and struck out three in a row to end the inning. Still 3-0, Sox.
Jonah came out to pitch the third. After putting the first two batters on, he was absolutely lights-out, striking out the next three on a total of ten pitches. He was throwing hard and commanding, and the heart of the Blue Sox order couldn't touch him.
The Rockets were unable to get much going in their half of the fourth. In the bottom half, the Rockets sent Calvin to the hill. He came out pounding the zone, but the staunch Sox lineup was able to put two on with one out. The next batter hit a hard ground ball to short where Steven, ranging right, put leather on it and flipped to Tom at second to get the out. Tom turned and fired home. The throw was on target but a split second behind the runner and the Sox added one more, 4-0. Calvin stuck out one and got another to pop up to Roman at third to end the inning.
Alex led off the top of the fifth with a single. One on with nobody out for Roman. It was high time for the Rockets to get something started and Roman was just the guy to do it. He put down a bunt--a real beauty, right up the first base line--and then he turned on the jets. The pitcher fielded and fired. Roman nearly beat the throw. Serious wheels! But he had done his job and moved Alex into scoring position. A sacrifice bunt for Roman and a man on second with one out for the Rockets. Patrick B would walk next and then steal second. Runners on second and third with one out. Ryan worked a walk, too, and the table was set for Matt G, who sent a 2-2 fastball into center field for an RBI single. The Rockets dugout erupted. They were climbing back into this one! With the bases still loaded, Patrick W stepped in. He took two strikes, fought one off, and then launched the next pitch deep into the gap in left center, way back by the soccer goal at the 20-yard line--a bases-clearing triple to tie the game! With one swing of the bat, the Rockets had knotted it all up at 4 runs apiece. Next up was Matt M and he was swinging to win it. He fouled a couple off but went down swinging on a tough pitch about knee high over the outside corner. Harry took a look at strike one and then sent the next pitch hard up the middle, but the pitcher got a glove on it and fired to first to end the inning. Not before the Rockets were able to put together four runs, though, and tie the game up with an inning and a half to play.
Alex came out to pitch the bottom of the fifth and he was solid. He got the first batter to pop up to the mound and struck out two more to send the game into the final frame.
The Rockets went down in order in the sixth, and it was up to Patrick B to save the tie. He had good command of his fastball, striking out one, getting one to ground to third, where Alex made a nice play to field the ball after it had bounced off the mound, and getting another to ground to third where Alex stepped on the bag for the force to put this game in the books.
4-4 was the final. An excellent team effort for the Rockets in their first game together. Effective pitching, consistent fielding, and a late-inning rally got the job done.
Tonight's game ball went to Patrick W, who pitched a scoreless first inning and drove in three runs with a triple to tie the game in the fifth. The Hustle Award went to Alex, whose hustle at third was responsible for two of three outs in the sixth.
Next, the Rockets travel to Walpole to take on Walpole National this Friday evening. This promises to be another exciting match-up between two Western Division powerhouses.
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