Blue Sox After the Win. Timothy Charvat, 2024
Momentum has been running high for the Blue Sox. After defeating the Watertown Rapids 12-4, the Sox continue their four-game home stand as they face off against the Boonville Lumberjacks.
And thanks to dominating pitching by Raine Ritter, the Sox would defeat the Lumberjacks 4-3.
Early Pitching Dominance
Throughout the first three innings, both teams would engage in one of the most intense pitching duels of the season. Ritter would get off to a rocky start, as he would have to work multiple two on and two out jams.
On the flip side, Lumberjacks ace Quinn Oliver would only allow two base runners over the same stretch.
Blue Sox Strike First
The Sox broke through in the bottom of the fourth. With runners on the corners and nobody out, shortstop Omar Carreras would connect for an RBI single to left field to give the Blue Sox the lead.
Later in the inning, with runners in scoring position and two men out, extra hitter Sean Marlou would connect for a two-run single to put the Sox up 3-0.
Marlou Two-Run Single. Timothy Charvat, 2024.
“Obviously you can breathe a little easier,” Delett said. “I knew that three was not a bad place to be in.”
Pitching Duel Continues
Oliver would settle down after his rocky fourth inning, as he would retire six of the final seven batters he faced. Oliver would then be replaced by Cade McWilliams in the bottom of the seventh after pitching six innings of quality baseball and retired the side in order.
“That kid’s good,” Delett said of Oliver. “He’s their best, and they always throw their best at us.”
Unfortunately for the Lumberjacks, Ritter would find his stride in the middle innings, as at one point would retire eleven straight batters.
Lumberjacks Chop Through
After pitching seven dominating innings, Delett would allow Ritter to pitch the top of the eighth, and the Lumberjacks bats would come to life.
Designated hitter Joshua Lopez led off the inning with a double, and catcher Jose Valdez would connect for an RBI single to put the Lumberjacks on the board. After Hugo Kohnhorst, who would pinch hit for third baseman Garret Lineberger, hit a single putting runners on the corners, left fielder Wei-Chen Wang and second baseman Walddy Rodriguez would both connect for RBI singles to tie the game up at three.
Rodriguez’s Game Tying Hit. Timothy Charvat, 2024.
“He came off after seven and said I’m good, and he basically told coach (Luke) Schulte that he was going to finish it,” Delett said. “And the way he was running, I believe it.”
Ritter would recover, retiring the next three batters he faced to end his night on a team high - eight innings pitched, eight hits allowed, three runs, no walks, nine strikeouts, and most importantly kept the game at a deadlock.
“Let’s Go Blue Sox!” was all Ritter said after the game.
Blue Sox Secure the Win
The Blue Sox would strike back in their half of the frame. McWilliams came out for his second inning of work, and immediately allowed center fielder Todd Abraham to reach base, forcing Boonville manager Brian Fajardo to bring in Gavin Wilson.
Wilson would walk first baseman Wyatt Hunt to put runners on first and second with nobody out in the inning. Second baseman Benny Partridge would move the runners over on a sacrifice bunt, which set the stage for designated hitter Johnny Brucato.
Brucato would connect for a sacrifice fly to center field, allowing Abraham to score and put the Sox back in front 4-3.
This would be more than enough for the Sox to hold on as Matthew Williams, who was previously playing first base, came on to close out the game for the Blue Sox. He would retire the side in order, finishing the game by Lopez grounding out to secure the Blue Sox fifth straight win.
“That was a classic baseball game,” Delett would describe the game afterwards.
Injury Update
Norris McClure has missed the last three games as he is listed as day-to-day by Delett after sliding awkwardly to third base on July 5.
“He feels definitely better,” Delett said. “But when you got your best hitter, you want to make sure he’s a hundred percent before he come back.”
Notable Stats
Kevin Denty has been putting together a solid season for the Blue Sox, as he ranks thirteenth in the PGCBL in batting average and tied for fourth in walks.
Yomar Carreras is currently on a five-game hitting streak, going ten for nineteen, while driving in seven RBIs in that stretch.
What’s Next
The Sox return home on Thursday July 11 as they face off against the Lumberjacks. The first pitch is at 6:45p.m.
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