SteepleCats Swamp the Bats

July 25, 2016 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
North Adams SteepleCats News Release


It is always very satisfying to win a game. However, winning two games in one day even more rewarding and that is exactly what the North Adams SteepleCats were able to pull off Sunday evening at Joe Wolfe Field by defeating the Keene Swamp Bats 10-3 in game one and 3-2 in game two. With the double header sweep, the SteepleCats improved to 20-18 on the season and pulled to within three games out of first place in the Northern Division.

"It feels great, definitely needed it especially at this point in the year," said Head Coach Mike Armstrong. "It is always hard to win two in one day so you will take that any time you can do it."

The SteepleCats set the tone early in game one when they batted around in the second inning and scored five runs. Even though the SteepleCats were not hitting the ball particularly hard, they were to consistently hit it to the right spots.

"We have had a lot of games recently where we have been hitting the ball hard but right at people so it is always nice when you get a few softer hit balls to find some grass and give yourself a little momentum," said Coach Armstrong.

The 'Cats also set the tone early in game two when Daniel Holst led off the bottom of the first inning with a triple. Dustin Shirley singled him in. Easton Johnson then followed with a single. Both Shirley and Johnson came in to score to give the 'Cats an early 3-0 advantage.

Braxton Wilks took a no hitter into the fifth inning in his start for the 'Cats in game two. The Swamp Bats were able to figure him out and add a pair of runs that inning. Wilks finished the outing going five innings allowing the two runs off of three hits and striking out three.

The SteepleCats bullpen did not allow a single run in either game. Tim Fallon and Patrick Ryan each threw a scoreless inning in game one and Brian Stepniak and Tanner Bird each threw a scoreless inning in game two. Bird recorded his tenth save on the season.

With one out in the top of the seventh of game two and the SteepleCats holding on to a 3-2 lead, the Swamp Bats put in Jamal Wade to pinch run at first base and Parker Sniatynski to pinch hit. With the count full, Bird struck out Sniatynski and Wade took off with the pitch. 'Cats catcher John Mazza threw Wade out at second to end the game.

"Once we had two strikes on him I was expecting him to do something," said Mazza. "Luckily he went on a fastball and I got a good throw on it and got him out so it was pretty nice."



New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from July 25, 2016


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