The Dons JV baseball game against the Knights was rescheduled three times as it was raining cats and dogs for most of the week. When it finally happened on Saturday, the Dons won yet another cat and mouse type thriller, pulling off a victory in the bottom of the 12th inning. Although they managed to win, it was a bittersweet victory as the rest of the season was cancelled.
Why? A laundry list of possibilities came to mind. Perhaps it was yet another example of cancel culture? A protest over the Florida Governor’s recent setback against Disney…or a former President being indicted…or a skier losing a legal battle against a Hollywood celebrity? Maybe it was caused by something closer to home like excessive celebration following the team’s second extra inning walk-off win in the last three games…or too much time between haircuts for the players?
In case you couldn’t figure it out by now, the game was played on April Fools’ Day. The season was NOT cancelled. Good news for the players, coaches and fans, but bad news for those of you that will still have to read these articles.
Both teams came into the contest riding winning streaks. The Dons had won 4 in a row, and the Knights were 7-0 on the season while averaging over 10 runs per game. Adding to the intrigue, many played on a combined team last summer, and one of the players transferred from Acalanes to Las Lomas this year.
The Dons pitchers were up to the challenge, taking the bull by the horns. Brendan Miles got the start, going 5 2/3 innings while giving up 2 runs on 5 hits and 2 HBP. Brady Quinn came out of the bullpen, going 6 1/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 HBP.
The offense pounced on the Las Lomas pitchers, collecting a season high 17 hits and many “loud” outs. David Gonzales led the team with 3 hits. Cole Gwaltney, Dominic Patitucci, Wyatt Cooper, Brady Quinn, David Roux, and Austin Wampler each had 2 hits. Isaac Copen and Hank Bauer also collected hits.
Despite 23 baserunners (17 hits and 6 walks), the Dons were held to 5 runs due to a couple of outs on the base paths and difficulty converting with runners in scoring position, particularly with a runner on 3rd, where the team went 2-12. But the Dons converted when it mattered most. After the Knights scored 2 runs in the top of 9th inning, the Dons came roaring back in the bottom of the inning courtesy of singles by David, Cole, and Wyatt, and a clutch double by Brady. Then in the bottom of the 12th inning, Austin Wampler hit the game winning RBI down the 3rd base line to drive in Isaac.
So why the animal references? After seeing the cows, I decided to ask the coaches about their favorite animals before the game, to which Jim deadpanned “to eat?”and Dan followed with “I love all animals.”
The next game, which is still happening, will be at home on Monday April 10 at home @ 4pm against Antioch. I hope everyone has a great Spring Break!
Bonus Pics:
