Sullivan Post 18 Plays An Electrifying Game Against Washington, Beating Them 6-3
By Wyatt Hardy
In a thrilling baseball showdown on Wednesday, Sullivan Post 18 AA defeated Washington Post 218 AA 16U, 6-3. They had a well-deserved victory with incredible plays. After coming back with five runs in the third inning, Sullivan held onto the lead for most of the game.
Starting pitcher Cambrian Koch exemplified his all-star talents all around the mound. He struck out seven, only giving up one run on five hits. Beau Beckett went two-for-three at bat, having the highest number of hits on the team. Then Dustin Lappe and Gibson Halbert had a team-high of four base appearances.
Sullivan batted at the top of the first, but struggled with getting momentum to any of the bases. Washington’s batters swung in and immediately took control of the scoreboard. Justin Mort singled on a hard-hit ground ball to the left field, allowing Ryan Williams to secure their first run. When Jack Dunard was at bat, Mort made third on a passed ball and Kaden Patke advanced to second on the same pitch. With two bases loaded and two outs, pitcher Koch knew the pressure was on him. He ended their high and clinched the third out by striking Dunard out. Sullivan trailed behind Washington, 1-0.
Top of the third, Sullivan rallied back and electrified their offense back to life. Dustin Lappe executed a ground ball, allowing Koch and Kaden Smith to both quickly score. They now had a slim lead to Washington, 2-1. Sullivan found their mojo, and there was nothing stopping them now. Beckett swung a ground ball near third base. Then Brennan Bouse miraculously made it home for Sullivan’s third run. Nate McReynolds comes to bat and popped out to catcher Braxtyn Frankenberg. Then, when a balk by pitcher Lane Roettering happened, Halbert scored and Beckett advanced to second. Sullivan was unchallenged and
struck with vengeance, leading 5-1.
For the next two innings, both defenses battled each other out. Finally, at the top of the sixth, Sullivan got their last score of the matchup. McReynolds quickly ran home when Smith singled on a fly ball, finding a gap in center field. Sullivan retained the upper hand, 6-1.
Washington attempted to stage a comeback in the bottom of the seventh. They managed to push two more runs, closing the gap, 6-3. Brody O’Hanlon and Williams both made Washington’s last scores of the game. But the defense suppressed the batters, leaving them unable to reach home base. The final out of the game came when Smith jumped up high to grip the ball and shut down any chance of Sullivan losing.
Sullivan left Washington as victors, beating them, 6-3. They are eager to continue their exciting season after winning this hard-fought battle. With only a few games left in the season, these juniors are pumped to prove that they deserve a place in the playoffs.