We came out of the gate swinging tonight scoring 4 runs in the first inning and held on for an 8 to 6 win.
Chans Sugden had an RBI single in the first inning before Drew Diaz followed with a big 2 out 2 run single and was driven home by an Ian Milligan double to build the 4 - 0 lead. Riley VanVelsor pitched 4 hitless innings surrendering only an unearned run in the first inning.
Tanner Guss entered the game on the mound in the fifth inning with a 7-1 lead and we didn't help him out much defensively dropping a third strike that allowed the lead off batter to reach and making 2 more errors in the inning that allowed Alleman to get back in the game with a score of 7-6. We answered in the top of the 6th inning with 2 bunt singles that loaded the bases. We only managed to get home one run on a bloop single from Guss, but the run gave us some important breathing room. Chans Sugden came in and threw a scoreless 6th and 7th aided by a nice line drive double play from Drew Nall and Ian Milligan to get out of a jam in the 6th.
It bothers me that we are still struggling defensively making 6 errors tonight, but it is good to see our guys put their mistakes behind them and make some nice plays at the end of the game. I was happy to see us swing the bat well early in the game against a quality opponent. Time to get ready for tomorrow's game 4:00 pm @ Pekin.
