The term “Game-changer” made its debut in 1982 in the sports sections of newspapers, referring to decisive plays in particular games. 28 years later, in 2010, the GameChanger technology platform we all know and love was born. Since launch, over 26 million games have been scored with it, which is about 25.5 million more than the total number of games played in the history of all the “Big 4” US professional sports leagues combined. The software automatically calculates over 150 stats, including well known ones like hits and ERA, as well as obscure ones like C%, PS/PA, FIP, LOBBS, and ANOCSIMWMPLOL (Average Number Of Clothes Shoved Into My Washing Machine Per Load Of Laundry).
The Dons had a lot of game-changers during their 7 game win streak, including dominating pitching performances, fielding gems, and clutch hits. In the game Thursday, the Dons had some additional big plays, but unfortunately not enough to pull out the victory. The offense scored 4 runs on 10 hits. After starting off slow, the team erased a 4 run deficit by scoring 2 runs in the 3rd inning, 1 in the 4th inning, and 1 in the 5th inning. Ben Pecci extended his hitting streak to 9 games, going 3 for 3. He also had 1 walk, 3 stolen bases, 1 RBI, and remarkably scored after tagging up on a fly ball to shallow left field.
Isaac Copen, Dominic Patitucci, and Augie Martinez each had 2 hits on the day, and Wyatt Cooper also had a hit.
Brendan Miles got the start on the mound. He went 2 innings giving up 4 runs on 4 hits, 2 walks, and 1 HBP.
Brady Quinn came in from the bullpen and went 4 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 3 walks.
The defense was a mixed story. On the positive side, David Gonzales made a Willie Mays-style catch on a shot to deep centerfield that saved 2 runs from scoring in the bottom of the 3rd inning. In the bottom of the 4th inning, middle infielders Hank Bauer and Austin Wampler also made great plays on hard hit balls, and in the bottom of the 5th inning, Pecci tracked down a long fly ball to left field.
Unfortunately, errors led to 2 unearned runs in the bottom of the 1st inning, and another one in the bottom of the 7th inning that secured the victory for the Falcons.
Get to know Coaches: Jim’s favorite MLB player is Tony Gwynn, and Dan’s are Shohei Ohtani and Steve Garvey.
Lastly, I wanted to give a huge shout out to Michael Gonzales and Matt Pecci for running GameChanger for the team this season. Without their hard work, these articles would be entirely devoted to my laundry.
The team plays at home on Tuesday, April 18 at 4pm against Benicia. Hope to see everyone tonight at the Booster Bash!