South Carolina, standing at 6-2, faced off against Queens (3-4) on Ray Tanner Field at Founders Park in a game that turned out to be quite the nail-biter.
Ninth Inning Drama:
LeCroy kicked things off with a high-flying single that left the catcher searching. Scobey followed up with a single, and Lizama doubled up the first baseline, setting the stage for some late-inning fireworks.
Logan Sutter popped out, but Hollins kept the momentum going with a sac fly to right, adding another run. Then Bak delivered a clutch two-run homer, cutting Queens' lead to a mere 9-8.
Unfortunately for South Carolina, Craddock struck out, ending the rally.
Queens had their own ninth-inning action. Lee got a quick fly out but then issued a walk.
Bak's diving catch was a highlight, and an attempted steal helped South Carolina escape without further damage. Queens held onto a 9-4 lead through most of the inning.
Eighth Inning:
Hollins lined out, while Bak got on base with a single. Craddock took one for the team, getting hit by a pitch. Evans' fly out advanced Bak to third, but Jamison's deep fly to right ended the inning with no runs added.
Queens added to their lead earlier in the eighth. Foster walked the first batter but managed to get two outs before giving up a run-scoring single.
Hudson Lee came in and got a ground out to end it. Queens led 9-4.
Seventh Inning:
Jamison opened with a solo homer, cutting the deficit to 8-4. LeCroy drew a walk, but Scobey, Lizama, and pinch-hitter Reese Moore couldn't capitalize, each flying out to center.
Queens started the seventh with a walk but couldn’t add to their lead, thanks to Gregoire's solid relief pitching. Queens remained ahead, 8-3.
Sixth Inning:
Hollins lined out, Bak singled, but consecutive strikeouts from Craddock and Evans ended the inning. Queens’ Basterrechea homered earlier, extending their lead, and Gregoire managed to finish the inning without further damage. Queens led 8-3.
Fifth Inning:
Jamison doubled, and LeCroy singled, putting runners at the corners. However, Scobey’s fielder's choice and a couple of fly outs left them stranded. Queens maintained a 7-3 lead after South Carolina recorded their first clean inning.
Fourth Inning:
Scobey and Lizama started strong with singles. Hollins drove in a run with the bases loaded, but a double play cut the rally short.
Despite Craddock getting hit by a pitch, Evans grounded out to end the inning. Queens capitalized on South Carolina errors earlier to extend their lead to 7-3.
Third Inning:
Craddock singled, but a double play and a fielder's choice halted any progress. Queens’ Childers hit a three-run homer, and Marcantel doubled, increasing their lead to 6-1. Dudley’s relief pitching stopped the bleeding for South Carolina.
Second Inning:
Scobey’s deep fly out and Lizama’s walk set the stage for Hollins to drive in South Carolina's first run. Queens responded with a messy inning, scoring three runs on a series of singles and errors, taking a 3-1 lead.
First Inning:
Craddock started with a single, but Queens’ defense held strong, preventing any runs. Queens couldn’t capitalize on a leadoff double, as Jamison’s throw gunned down McDowell at home, keeping the score at 0-0.
Lineups:
Queens:
- LF Kendall McDowell
- CF Bradley Brown
- RF Thomas Mathay
- 3B Anibal Rivera
- DH Karter Wong
- 1B Grayson Childers
- C Charlie Marcantel
- 2B Logan Norris
- SS Dylan Schaefer
- RHP Adrian Quezada
South Carolina:
- 2B Will Craddock
- RF Patrick Evans
- LF Aaron Jamison
- C Talmadge LeCroy
- SS KJ Scobey
- DH Ethan Lizama
- 3B Dawson Harman
- 1B Beau Hollins
- CF Tyler Bak
This matchup was a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing their resilience and flair for the dramatic. Queens ultimately edged out South Carolina, but not without a fight from the home team.