It was a slugfest for 2016 MLL Continental Game between the visiting Royals and the hosting Diamondbacks. Unlike the first game, the Diamondback bats were cold in the first two innings as the stingy Royals defense held them to only 2 hits and no runs. The Royals bats were consistent throughout the game, but despite 4 hits in the first inning, the Royals were only able to plate one run.

The Diamondback bats returned in the third inning as they had 8 hits and scored 5 runs with only one out recorded. The highlight of the 3rd inning came on a home run by Ty Cohen followed up by a triple by Ben Gilbert. The Diamondback defense locked it down after those and the Royals were only able to score 2.

Both Defenses were doing a great job of keeping the balls in front of them. Specifically Ty Cohen, Ben Gilbert and Owen Smith for the Royals and Jack Martin, Lucas Lounsberry and Jameson Smolarski for the Diamondbacks.

After the Diamondbacks scored another run in the 4th the score was 6-3. The Royals scored 2 more runs in the 5th to narrow the lead to 6-5.

The Diamondbacks scored 3 in the Bottom of the 5th led by great hitting and head’s up base running by Xander Smith, Tyler McAnally, Jason Gilis, and Jackson MacNamara. The Royals would not give up. They started the top of the 6th by stringing together 6 straight singles. With the score now, 9-8, the Royals could not manage to get the tying run across the plate.


Game Notes:

Diamondbacks Hits: 17
Jason G (3 for 3) and Lucas L (2 for 2) led the Diamondback Bats
Strong performances by Xander S, Tyler M, Jaxon C, and Jackson M each going 2 for 3
Jameson S and Will M were each 1 for 2
Cole M and Edward W each were 1 for 3

Royals Hits: 22
Extra base hits for the Royals: Ty Cohen (HR, 3 for 4), Ben Gilbert (3B, 3 for 3), Will Giles (2B, 3 for 4)
Owen Haenn (2 for 4), Owen Smith (3 for 3), Gina Vadino (3 for 4), Finn Cleary (2 for 3) and Mac Morrow (2 for 3) each reached base multiple times