June 15th, 2015
For a long time it appeared that neither team was going to
score a run tonight, as it was a pitcher's duel through the first four innings.
The Red Sox got on the scoreboard first, crossing the plate for a single run in
the top of the fourth. The Reds weren't able to answer, going down 1-2-3 for the
fourth straight time. The fifth inning resumed the pattern as the Reds shut down
the Red Sox once again, thanks to Samantha's clutch grab of a long, high fly
ball deep in centerfield for the final out. Just when it looked as though the
Reds playoff run would be a short one they finally broke through in their half
of the inning, coming through with four runs to take the lead. The Reds came up
with a second run in the sixth, narrowing the gap to 4-2. The Reds came up to
bat in the sixth and continued their hot bats. Samantha went to the plate for
the second time of the game, and after popping up to the third baseman in the
fourth she once again hit the ball, hitting a grounder that was fielded but
thrown home to catch the leader runner out, leaving her safe at first on a
fielder's choice. Sam made it first and second for the Reds, and the Red Sox
opted to walk the Reds leadoff hitter with two outs, loading the bases. The next
Reds hitter made them pay, belting a base clearing double to break the game wide
open. They ended the inning by scoring 6 runs, giving them a 10-2 lead. They
shut down the Red Sox in the seventh and final inning, securing a Semi-Final
playoff win for the Reds, moving them on to the North Division Championship
round against their archrival Holly White Sox.
HLL Intermediate Baseball Playoffs Semi-Finals - Holly Reds vs.
Holly Red Sox
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Samantha spent the first five innings in centerfield tonight.
She ended the fifth by catching a long, high fly ball for the final
out.
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Sam saw a pitch that she liked...
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...and decided to swing at it...
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...but popped the ball high into the air...
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...as she followed through with her bat.
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In the sixth inning Sam moved to her old spot at second base.
Her only action was fielding a grounder and throwing out the runner
at first.
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Sam spotted another nice pitch in her second at-bat...
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...and drove the ball to the third baseman...
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...and was safe at first on a fielder's choice (the runner was
thrown out at home).
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Sam wound up on second base after a teammate was walked.
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Sam rounding third base...
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...and coming home...
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...and scoring a run on her teammate's bases clearing double.
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Sam running in from her spot at second after the final out of
the game.
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