In anticipation of some early afternoon rain, we have moved our game to Memorial.
First pitch is still at 6:00. Warm up at 5:30.
See you there!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Rockets Continue to Light It Up
Curt Schilling would have been proud of the way his Metacomet Field weathered the mid-morning thunder storms. By the time the Rockets arrived, the grounds crew was hard at work removing the tarp over the mound and dragging the infield. The diamond was a work of art--grass neatly trimmed, dirt smooth and dry, bases locked into their proper places. But would the baseball played here tonight live up to the beauty of the ballpark?
Rockets' leadoff man Jonah was ready to find out. He worked a full count walk, and once on, the speedster stole second on the first pitch to Tom. No surprise there. Tom walked and then advanced on a passed ball to put runners on second and third with nobody out. Matt G then rocketed a single to right that scored Jonah and put the Rockets on the board 1-0. Alex would bring in Tom with a ground ball up the first base line. The Medfield first baseman was there, but the run scored, making it 2-0, Rockets. Patrick W and Roman both singled in two more. 4-0, Rockets. Timmy drove in another two with a shot to center field, but only one would be recorded as it was the fifth run and by league rules would end the inning.
5-0, Rockets, with Medfield due up in the first. Matt M took the mound for the Rockets. He had a blazing fastball working for him and struck out the side to work out of a bases-loaded jam. Another scoreless inning for Matt.
Steven led off for the Rockets in the top of the second. He launched a fastball up the first base line, but the first baseman made a good play to stab it and then step on the bag. One away. Noah connected with a 0-1 fastball and sent it past the shortstop for a single. But with one on, the Medfield pitcher was able to bear down and get the next two to ground to first. Some good contact, but Medfield was able to escape without damage.
Matt M returned to the hill for the second and picked up right where he left off. He struck out the first two quite comfortably and got a little help with the third. One on with two out, the runner at first broke for second. Catcher Alex was up and throwing--a bullet to second, and right on-target. Roman, the shortstop was there in perfect position to make the tag. Out! End of inning.
5-0, Rockets after two.
Matt G hit is second of four singles on the night to get things going for the Rockets in the third. Patrick W, also with four singles on the night, put himself on with a shot up the middle. Had Medfield called on Curt Schilling himself, I don't think they would have been able to get these two guys out. Not with the way they've been swinging the bat recently. Roman walked to load the bases with one out and set the table for Calvin. He took a quick, tight swing at the first pitch and got all of it--a two-run double to the gap in left center. 8-0, Rockets. The show would go on. With the bases loaded again, Timmy walked in another, and Steven sent one into left field for an RBI single to cap a second five-run inning for the Rockets.
10-0 after two and a half.
The Rockets sent Calvin to the mound for the third, and he was superb. He struck out the side in dominant fashion--the only base runner reached on error--and recorded another clean frame for the Rockets. Still 10-0.
In the top of the fourth, Tom walked and then stole second. Matt G got on with a single and moved Tom to third. Alex sent one hot up the middle for a single and scored Tom. A pair of throwing errors brought in two more and when the dust cleared, Alex found himself standing safe at third. Roman would bring him in with a rocket to center field and increase the lead to 14.
Calvin spun another beauty in the bottom of the fourth, retiring the side in order all on Ks. He was pounding the zone with his usual heat, and the top of Medfield's order could not touch him. Six strikeouts for Calvin in two scoreless innings pitched.
Ryan hit what may have been the shot of the night in the fifth--an absolute bomb to the gap in right center all the way back near the fence. It was good for a double. But solid Medfield pitching shut the door on the inning, and the Rockets stranded Ryan at second.
Alex took the hill in the bottom of the fifth. The hard-throwing righty struck out two and got one to ground softly to the mound. Another clean inning in the books for the Rockets.
Top of the last. Jonah worked a walk to put speed on at first. In a closer game, he'd be running of course, but tonight the skipper chose not to give the sign. Tom ripped one up the third base line for the first of five singles in a row for Rockets batters in the sixth. Jonah did get to exhibit his electrifying speed on the base paths after all, as he was thinking third all the way on Tom's single. The third baseman fielded the ball, saw he had no chance to get Tom at first, and made a play to get Jonah at third. But he was too late! First to third on an infield single hit to third base--you don't see that often. Matt G, Alex, Patrick W, and Roman finished up five singles in a row, each one bringing in a run to max out the inning at five. 19-0, Rockets, heading into the final frame.
Alex returned to close it out for the Rockets. Medfield was able to put one on with a walk and bring him in to make it 19-1, but beyond that Alex was lights-out. He got one to ground to first and then struck out two more to put this one in the books.
A great win for the Rockets tonight and an excellent team effort with important contributions from every player. The game ball could have gone to a number of guys, but one in particular stood out for his work on the mound, at the plate, and at first base late in the game. The game ball went to Clavin, who was a perfect 2-2 with a double and two RBI, was excellent on the mound with 6 Ks and only one base runner allowed on an error over two scoreless innings, and was solid at first base to help Alex close in the bottom of the sixth. An outstanding effort for Calvin. The Hustle Award went to Timmy, who backed up every throw in the field, ran hard on and off the diamond every inning, and hustled on the base paths.
The Rockets face the third Walpole team, Walpole American, on Tuesday at Greene's. See you there!
5-0, Rockets, with Medfield due up in the first. Matt M took the mound for the Rockets. He had a blazing fastball working for him and struck out the side to work out of a bases-loaded jam. Another scoreless inning for Matt.
Steven led off for the Rockets in the top of the second. He launched a fastball up the first base line, but the first baseman made a good play to stab it and then step on the bag. One away. Noah connected with a 0-1 fastball and sent it past the shortstop for a single. But with one on, the Medfield pitcher was able to bear down and get the next two to ground to first. Some good contact, but Medfield was able to escape without damage.
Matt M returned to the hill for the second and picked up right where he left off. He struck out the first two quite comfortably and got a little help with the third. One on with two out, the runner at first broke for second. Catcher Alex was up and throwing--a bullet to second, and right on-target. Roman, the shortstop was there in perfect position to make the tag. Out! End of inning.
5-0, Rockets after two.
Matt G hit is second of four singles on the night to get things going for the Rockets in the third. Patrick W, also with four singles on the night, put himself on with a shot up the middle. Had Medfield called on Curt Schilling himself, I don't think they would have been able to get these two guys out. Not with the way they've been swinging the bat recently. Roman walked to load the bases with one out and set the table for Calvin. He took a quick, tight swing at the first pitch and got all of it--a two-run double to the gap in left center. 8-0, Rockets. The show would go on. With the bases loaded again, Timmy walked in another, and Steven sent one into left field for an RBI single to cap a second five-run inning for the Rockets.
10-0 after two and a half.
The Rockets sent Calvin to the mound for the third, and he was superb. He struck out the side in dominant fashion--the only base runner reached on error--and recorded another clean frame for the Rockets. Still 10-0.
In the top of the fourth, Tom walked and then stole second. Matt G got on with a single and moved Tom to third. Alex sent one hot up the middle for a single and scored Tom. A pair of throwing errors brought in two more and when the dust cleared, Alex found himself standing safe at third. Roman would bring him in with a rocket to center field and increase the lead to 14.
Calvin spun another beauty in the bottom of the fourth, retiring the side in order all on Ks. He was pounding the zone with his usual heat, and the top of Medfield's order could not touch him. Six strikeouts for Calvin in two scoreless innings pitched.
Ryan hit what may have been the shot of the night in the fifth--an absolute bomb to the gap in right center all the way back near the fence. It was good for a double. But solid Medfield pitching shut the door on the inning, and the Rockets stranded Ryan at second.
Alex took the hill in the bottom of the fifth. The hard-throwing righty struck out two and got one to ground softly to the mound. Another clean inning in the books for the Rockets.
Top of the last. Jonah worked a walk to put speed on at first. In a closer game, he'd be running of course, but tonight the skipper chose not to give the sign. Tom ripped one up the third base line for the first of five singles in a row for Rockets batters in the sixth. Jonah did get to exhibit his electrifying speed on the base paths after all, as he was thinking third all the way on Tom's single. The third baseman fielded the ball, saw he had no chance to get Tom at first, and made a play to get Jonah at third. But he was too late! First to third on an infield single hit to third base--you don't see that often. Matt G, Alex, Patrick W, and Roman finished up five singles in a row, each one bringing in a run to max out the inning at five. 19-0, Rockets, heading into the final frame.
Alex returned to close it out for the Rockets. Medfield was able to put one on with a walk and bring him in to make it 19-1, but beyond that Alex was lights-out. He got one to ground to first and then struck out two more to put this one in the books.
A great win for the Rockets tonight and an excellent team effort with important contributions from every player. The game ball could have gone to a number of guys, but one in particular stood out for his work on the mound, at the plate, and at first base late in the game. The game ball went to Clavin, who was a perfect 2-2 with a double and two RBI, was excellent on the mound with 6 Ks and only one base runner allowed on an error over two scoreless innings, and was solid at first base to help Alex close in the bottom of the sixth. An outstanding effort for Calvin. The Hustle Award went to Timmy, who backed up every throw in the field, ran hard on and off the diamond every inning, and hustled on the base paths.
The Rockets face the third Walpole team, Walpole American, on Tuesday at Greene's. See you there!
Tomorrow's Practice Moved to Memorial
Greene's is flooded. We will practice at Memorial Field, 8:30 to 10:30 tomorrow.
See you there!
See you there!
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!
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