The Rattlers came into the Sports Zone arena on Saturday night (1/15/22) riding a 5-game win streak against the Sports Center Arena home teams.
The Rattlers started off strong enough with a 3-run first inning. Unfortunately, an onslaught of errors on defense (plus several impossible plays) doomed the Rattlers. This was also the first game of the season where the Rattlers failed to notch a home run, while the SZ squad launched three of their own that led to 8 runs. When the final buzzer sounded, Sports Zone 15u Black led with the score at 24-13.
Thankfully, Rattlers fans were treated to several exciting plays.
Lucas Thelen was a beast on defense, scooping and stopping terrible throws, making leaping catches and completing acrobatic put-outs. He also led the team on offense by putting several runs on the board (4 hits and a double).
Kenton Cochran also made a number of exciting plays, including a solo put-out at third base after beating the baserunner from his shortstop position. Cochran also had 2 hits on the night, including a double and some RBI’s.
Nicholas Capece had himself a game as well. He made multiple clutch put-outs and jumping catches, including one over third base that led to a long throw to 1st base for a double-play (runner didn’t tag up). He also had 2 hits, some RBI’s and scored 2 runs.
Ethan Matthews put in a solid performance that included 4 hits. Most notable on this night for Matthews were his two head’s-up plays on defense where he caught baserunners in run-downs.
Daniel Capp added a highlight by making a tough catch in center field. He also had 2 hits.
Jadien Gunnip made some clutch catches at first base.
Connor Pearce added an exciting 2 RBI hit late in the game. He also had 2 hits on the night.
Other hits came from Jacob Sadowski (3), Evan Rumpel (3) and Jadien Gunnip (2).
Rattlers Lineup:
Daniel Capp
Kenton Cochran
Lucas Thelen
Nicholas Capece
Jacob Sadowski
Ethan Matthews
Evan Rumpel
Jadien Gunnip
Connor Pearce
Missing from this game was Sean Bombard (Covid quarantine).
Game MVP: Ethan Matthews earned the MVP nod thanks to his two fun run-downs and 4 hits.
Game quote: “The key is not the will to win… everybody has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important.”