Visitors 12 | Home 19
The visitors came out swinging and put together three productive innings at the plate, but the home team had other plans. After trailing 12–5, the home team mounted a furious rally, then let its defense take over, shutting out the visitors over the final four innings to secure a 19–12 victory!
The Visitors Strike First
The visitors wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Mark led off with a single, followed by hits from Kim, Jamie, and Jeff, bringing home three runs in the first inning.
The home team answered with a big inning of its own. Leslie and Greg got on base before Matt, Jack, and DeRidder delivered singles. Howard reached base, and Nelson and Mike added singles as five runs crossed the plate. After one inning, the home team held a 5–3 lead.
The Bats Keep Rolling
In the top of the second, Skidmore, Herbie, Regis, and Lee strung together singles, Dennis reached base, and Mark collected his second hit of the game. Five runs scored, putting the visitors back in front.
The visitors' defense returned the favor, holding the home team scoreless in the bottom half of the inning.
The third inning brought more offense from the visitors. Jamie led off with a base hit, Jeff followed with a single, and Luke launched a bomb to right-center for a triple! Doug singled, and Skidmore added his second hit of the game as four more runs came across.
Suddenly, the home team was staring at a 12–5 deficit. But this game was far from over!
The Comeback Is On!
Stu opened the bottom of the third with a double, and Greg followed with a double of his own. Jack and DeRidder singled, Howard added another hit, and Nelson drew a walk. Mike, Deana, and Carl then chipped in with singles as the home team put together a tremendous rally.
Seven runs later, the scoreboard read 12–11! What had looked like a comfortable visitors' lead had turned into a one-run ballgame.
Defense Takes Over
From that point forward, the home team's defense slammed the door shut. The visitors were held scoreless in the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings, giving their offense the opportunity to finish the job.
The home team added three runs in the fifth and exploded for five more in the sixth, pulling away to seal the 19–12 win.
Today's Hitting Standouts
Several players put together especially strong days at the plate:
- Howard: 3-for-4
- Matt: 3-for-4
- Mike: Perfect 3-for-3
- Mark: 3-for-4
- Skidmore: Perfect 3-for-3
The Final Word
Down 12–5 after three innings, the home team could have folded. Instead, they battled back, made the most of their opportunities, and backed up their offense with four consecutive scoreless innings on defense. That's a comeback, a team effort, and a great way to spend a day at the ballpark! See you on the field, Lakeland!