It was a cold, windy start for the 2016 MLL Continental Game between the visiting Diamondbacks and the hosting Pirates. The Diamondback bats were out in force in the first inning as the team jumped out plating 5 runs in the first inning. Cole M led off with a single, followed by two quick outs. Then the Diamondbacks strung 7 consecutive hits. The Pirate bats were quiet in the first with a strong fielding play by Jason G at first base.

It was a defensive battle in the 2nd and 3rd innings as both teams failed to plate any runs. The top of the 3rd ended on a head’s up fielding play by the Pirate catcher Nate who fielded a slow roller in front of the plate and beat Xander S in a foot race to home for the force out.

The Pirate defense held in the top of the 4th and then they were able to sting a few hits together as Ethan scored on a hit by Xander.

The Diamondback bats came alive again in the 5th as they scored 3 more runs starting with a double down the 3rd base line by Xander S.
The Pirates continued where they left off in the 4th by getting two hits to start the 5th, but good plays by Edward W in the field kept the Pirates from scoring.

Game Notes:

Diamondbacks Hits: 25
Cole M(4 for 4), Tyler M (3 for 3), and Xander S (3 for 3) led the Diamondback Bats
Strong performances by Jason G, Jaxon C, Will M, Jameson Sand Jackson M each going 2 for 3
Lucas L, Jack M and Edward W rounded out the hitting going 2 for 4

Pirates Hits: 8
Christopher led the Pirates going 2 for 2
Nate, Xander, Colin, Rylie, John and Ethan were the other Pirates reaching base successfully.