Farmingdale Rematch Yields Split

Nov. 1, 2009

Team STAMPEDE seemed to lack spark in game one on Halloween Saturday as they saw their first 6 batters retired easily. Managing only one hit (Connor N.) until the 6th inning was no help for the 10 walks issued by Greendog pitching. Strikeouts again surfaced in the 3rd, 5th, & 6th (bases loaded) with runners on base to end rallies. STAMPEDE pitching struggled early as the Pounder couldn't find his groove, but was able to strong-arm 2 plus gutty innings. Nick S. was relieved after reaching his pitch count by Connor S. during the 3rd inning. Connor S. went the distance as the Greendogs chipped away to build a 7-0 lead.

Without hitting, the 10 walks issued by Farmingdale hurlers barely led to a station to station STAMPEDE "attack". Three Greendog pitchers combined to throw 130 pitches, but prevailed by getting strikeouts whenever runners were in scoring position.

The quiet Smithtown bats came to life a bit in the 6th, when down 7-0, as 2 clutch singles (Connor N., Joltin' Joe) were accompanied by 4 walks and a hit batter. The 4 RBIs by Anthony, Connor N. (2), & Joe made the score 7-4 with 2 outs. With the winning run at the plate, the STAMPEDE rally fizzled as they went down to defeat on a game ending strikeout as the bases were left full.

With Matt on the mound for game 2, team STAMPEDE kept Farmingdale in check until the top of the 4th. Ahead 4-0, Matt ran into trouble after one out. Three walks, 2 singles, and 2 errors later, it was 4-4. The 4 Smithtown runs had Jason driven in by Hit Man Anthony in the first, with walks to Anthony, Matt, Connor N., Nick S. (RBI), Chris (RBI) & Connor S. being aided by Nick the Stick's RBI hit through the hole into left field.

An important 6th run was scored by Jason after singling an stealing second & third. Hit Man Anthony walked, and then purposely put himself in a run-down stealing second. With Hit Man hung-up, Jason stole home as Anthony scampered safely into second on the late throw to the plate. 6-4 Smithtown.

Anthony relieved Matt in the 5th and quickly found trouble himself. A walk, a single, an F8, and a key error on a bunt play had 2 runs in to tie the score at 6-6. The battery, Jason & Anthony switched with one out. Jason blazed a strikeout, then got the 3rd out on a jam-shot to first base. Heading to the B5, Smithtown looked to retake the lead as Salvatore roped a line single to center, then stole 2nd 7 3rd. A walk and steal of 2nd by Connor brought Nick S. up with RISP. His soft pop to first base was missed, allowing Salvatore to score and Connor N. going to third. A botched steal of second turned into an easy DP, with both runners tagged out to end the rally.

Ahead 7-6, Jason came out in the 6th to get 2 quick strikeouts. A walk, steal, & WP had the tying run on third with 2 outs. With a victory in sight, and tension in the air, Jason fired up some fastballs to whiff the Greendog's number three batter -- stranding the runner on third -- to nail down the victory.

The final inning was the STAMPEDE's finest moment on this day. "STAMPEDE Baseball", as Smithtown knows it, means score some runs, then clamp down with solid defense and major league-like pitching. With several fine running catches in the outfield, and 15 infield assists, the defense was definitely kept busy in both games.

Ending the day on a high note has Team STAMPEDE gearing up for the possible close out of their fall campaign on 11/7 as they await confirmation of a one game make up with the LI Sharks.