Even though Rattlers CLL gave up five runs in the first inning, they still defeated North Syracuse 18-8 on Sunday.
Both pitching staffs had their hands full, frequently dealing with runners on base. The Rattlers collected ten hits and North Syracuse had four.
After NS tallied 5 runs in the top of the first inning, the Rattlers struck back with 4 of their own.
After a scoreless top for NS, the Rattlers pulled away for good with two runs in the bottom of the second inning. In the second Jacob Calabria doubled on a 1-2 count, scoring one run (Kevin). Calabria would later score on an error to put the Rattlers ahead 6-5.
Rattlers CLL scored seven runs in the third inning. The rally was led by singles by Nicholas Capece, Lucas Thelen, and Jacob Sadowski, a groundout by Sean Bombard, and an error on a ball put in play by Calabria.
North Syracuse was able to bring in 3 more runs in the 3rd and 4th innings, but hits by Cochran, Gunnip, Sadowski, Calabria and Kevin, plus walks and balls in play by Capece, Thelen, Smith and Bombard helped bring in another 5 runs in the 4th and 5th innings to put the Rattlers ahead 18-8.
Thelen pitched the Rattlers to victory. Thelen allowed two hits and three runs over four innings, striking out six. Kenton Cochran started the game for Rattlers CLL. The fireballer allowed two hits and five runs over one inning, striking out three.
Rattlers CLL racked up ten hits on the day. Thelen and Calabria both had two hits each to lead the team. The Rattlers tore up the base paths, as two players stole at least two bases. Calabria led the way with four.