Sullivan Battles Pacific In A Nail-Biting Face-Off, But Stumbles, 4-2

By Wyatt Hardy

On Wednesday, Sullivan Post 18 AA stumbled against Pacific Post 320 AA, losing 4-2. In this intense face-off, both teams remained neck and neck with one another almost the entire time and the offenses kept coming in clutch for a score.

Dustin Lappe was the starting pitcher for four and two-thirds innings, striking out five and giving up five hits and four runs. Gibson Halbert, Nate McReynolds, Kaden Smith, Cambrian Koch and Isaiah Skaggs each made one hit for Sullivan.

Pacific began the game at bat and started their drive with an early lead. Trey Kulick ran quickly from third base to home. Sullivan’s basemen couldn’t catch him in time, allowing him to score. Now 1-0, Sullivan needed to quickly shut down the defense. Lappe worked his magic, and earned two straight strikeouts on Cayden Matthes and Gavin Lane.

Sullivan, fueled by determination, came back with a vengeance. Halbert singled on a hard-hit ground ball and made first. Lappe was at bat, and Halbert escaped to second on a wild pitch. Lappe swung a grounder and reached on an error. Halbert continued his run around the bases, now on third. He found success again on another wild pitch, making his way home. Sullivan and Pacific were tied 1-1.

Pacific returned to the bat and continued this exciting offensive battle. Cole Ramirez reached home plate by seizing his opportunity on a wild pitch. Lappe then shut down the inning by striking out Lucas Dohrer. Pacific took over the scoreboard at 2-1.

Bottom of the fourth, McReynolds started Sullivan’s turn on a high note. He hit a fast ground ball and Pacific chased after it. They couldn’t grip the ball in time and McReynolds raced all the way to second base. Kaden Smith bunted out and McReynolds took his shot, making third. Isaiah Skaggs then came to bat and singled on a fly ball to far center field. McReynolds quickly reached home. Sullivan and Pacific now found themselves in a nail-biting tie at 2-2.

Pacific again took the lead when Kulick tripled on a line drive that went far left field, giving Dohrer the opportunity to score. A couple plays later, Kulick also found his way to home plate during a ground out. Sullivan now trailed behind Pacific, 4-2.

Bottom of the seventh, Sullivan was still behind and desperately needed a miracle. Smith gave it his all and slammed a line drive towards center field. He achieved the impossible, sliding into second with no one able to keep up with him. The dugout vigorously chanted, “Hoot, hoot!”

Smith ripped off his helmet and shouted to the stands, “Let’s go!” Despite the magic flowing in the air, Sullivan could not reel in the victory. Three unanswered outs went quickly and Pacific were the victors.

It was an intense face off between both teams who battled until the very end. But Sullivan lost the lead to Pacific at 4-2. The Sullivan Post 18 season has lasted for a month now. The players, fans and families have been through it all and continue to cheer their hearts out. This team symbolizes what it means to keep fighting, stay determined and play for the love of baseball.