After losing the first game of a tournament doubleheader to Grant Park, the Warriors came from behind in dramatic fashion to beat the New Lenox Rebels by a score of 13-12 to advance to Sunday's round of the Memorial Weekend tournament.
In the first game, Grant Park scored early and often against the Warriors--jumping out to an early 8-1 lead. The team made an uncharacteristic number of errors in the field. Our pitching staff generally throws strikes and relies on the fielders to make plays. When the defense breaks down, the opponent tallies up runs at a quick pace. In fact, our pitching staff averages just over 4 strikeouts per game!
Ultimately, Grant Park would put 15 runs on the board of which less than half were earned runs. The Warriors had 8 hits and 6 walks. But, the timely hits were lacking. And, some bad baserunning decisions ran the team out of a few innings. Jason Waner's line drive to the third baseman on a hit and run play that resulted in a double play in the last inning symbolized the entire game.
GRANT PARK: 15 runs, 14 hits, 0 errors, 4 left on base
WARRIORS: 3 runs, 8 hits, 6 errors, 9 left on base
In the next game, New Lenox jumped out to a 3 run lead in the first inning. The Warriors bounced back with two runs in the top of the third inning on two walks and an infield error. But, New Lenox extended its lead to 6-2 in the bottom of the frame.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, New Lenox padded its lead to 8-2. Things were not looking good for the Warriors as the team started the top of the sixth (and possibly final) inning with two quick outs. With just four outs remaining in the ballgame, the Warriors were still looking for its first hit!
Then, the offense sparked with a five run rally in the sixth inning. Sam Marc lined a double down the leftfield line to score two runs in the inning. The Warriors trailed by just one run (8-7) with New Lenox coming to bat in the bottom of the sixth inning.
The home plate umpire notified the teams that ten minutes remained in the game per the two hour time limitation rule. So, the Warriors had ten minutes to retire the Rebels--or face elimination from the tournament.
Lance Cardinal pitched an effective sixth inning. More importantly, he did it quickly! The Warriors came within two minutes of facing elimination. But, since the new inning started before the two hour limit, the inning would be played in full without regard to the clock.
The Warriors' momentum from the sixth inning carried into the seventh inning. The team hammered out four hits and scored six runs to take a 13-8 lead. Ryan Knightly lined a single to centerfield to drive home the first run. Lance Cardinal smashed a double down the leftfield line to drive two more runs in. And, Sam Marc delivered again with a single to leftfield for another RBI. Sam is now tied for the team lead with 7 runs batted in for the season.
Jason Waner entered the game in relief in the bottom of the seventh inning. The first five New Lenox Rebels reached base. Four of those runners eventually scored. With no outs and the tying run in scoring position, Jason faced the heart of the Rebels' batting order (the #3, #4 and #5 hitters). The #3 hitter grounded a ball to Ryan Novak at third base for an out. The clean-up hitter struck out swinging. And, the last out of the game came on a pop up to Ryan Novak.
WARRIORS: 13 runs, 6 hits, 2 errors, 9 left on base
NEW LENOX: 12 runs, 13 hits, 1 error, 9 left on base
