The events of the last few days hopefully reminded us all why baseball is the greatest sport. It began with the World Baseball Classic championship game on Tuesday. Japan was ahead of Team USA 3-2 with 2 outs in the top of the 9th inning. The best hitter of his generation, Mike Trout, faced his teammate and best 2-way player since Babe Ruth, Shohei Ohtani. Even though it ended in Trout striking out, Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it any better. A bit closer to home, the Dons faced the Pirates on Friday to start a 5-game homestand and proceeded to play an equally thrilling game, winning with a walk off single in the bottom of the 9th inning. In fact, it was all so entertaining that I didn’t feel compelled to make any references to my laundry beyond saying that I wouldn’t reference it, which I just did.
Freshman Isaac Copen, who just joined the team, got the start on the mound Friday against a very tough Pirates team. Despite the challenging circumstances, he managed to go 2 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 1 hit, 2 walks and 1 HBP. After the Pirates managed to load the bases with one out in the 3rd inning, Jake Colaco came in out of the bullpen for the first time this season. He was able to limit the damage by only allowing 1 of the inherited runners to score. For the game, he went 3 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 2 hits, no walks, and 1 HBP. Brady Wall came in next, going 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on no hits, 1 walk, and 1 HBP. Brendan Miles closed out the game, going 2 2/3 innings allowing no runs on 2 hits and 1 walk. The defense played a solid game overall, and catcher Dominic Patitucci was outstanding behind the plate.
The Dons offense scored 6 runs on 10 hits against a formidable Pirates pitching staff and defense that had shut out the last 3 teams they faced and given up 7 runs all season. Ben Pecci led the team with 3 hits. David Gonzales and Cole Gwaltney also continued their hot hitting with 2 hits each. Isaac, Wyatt Cooper, and Dominic got the other hits on the day.
The last 4 innings were an emotional rollercoaster. It started in the bottom of the 6th inning with 2 outs, where Ben hit a clutch single to drive in 2 runs. Not to be outdone, and down to their last out in the top of the 7th inning, the Pirates put in a pinch hitter who proceeded to tie the game with a 2 run single to center field. From there, Brendan and the Pirates pitcher put up zeroes on the scoreboard until Cole stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th inning. Taking full advantage the situation that every kid dreams about, he hit a walk off single to center field. Pandemonium ensued.
Get to know coaches: Jim’s favorite baseball movies are Major League and Bull Durham, and Dan’s is The Natural
The team plays at home today, Saturday March 25 against Berkeley at 2pm