Ripken Experience semifinals: 919 Nationals 22, East Johnston Bandits 2

After a long night of partying at the Hampton Inn, the 919 Nationals were back at it Sunday morning against the East Johnston Bandits. The score was 22-2 in four innings in a game that was shortened by the run rule. However, that is far from the most important detail of the semifinal game. 

What was really most important, and what received a significant amount of attention from those assembled on 919’s first base side, was the fact that there was an extremely poor line of sight to the field from the bleachers. Fortunately, just before Coach Eric went to his car to get some hedge clippers to do some beautification work on the Ripken grounds, Giovanna and Beth teamed up on some poor unsuspecting Ripken administrator.

Whatever they said, it must have been persuasive, because within minutes the grounds crew was bringing in an entirely new set of bleachers. It clearly was well worth the effort, because just look at the throng that flocked to the new stands:

The only other alternative was for the 919 Fan Club to position itself in the actual bullpen, which made throwing strikes of paramount importance for any National pitchers who were warming up. Don't worry, however. The 919 front office staff was able to hire the best available security guard to supervise the area:

That gave them a good view of another solid offensive outing, as the Nationals blasted 11 hits—the third straight double-digit hit game. The offense was also bolstered by some dugout shenanigans from Gavin and Asher, who developed the “rally sniper” instead of the “rally cap.” The rally sniper’s job, obviously, was to focus on the opposing pitcher, as seen here:

Luckily, 919 pitchers didn’t have to deal with rally snipers, as the Nationals marched out four different pitchers in the four-inning game, all of whom were very effective.

The win advanced 919 to the Ripken Experience championship game for the second straight fall.

Semifinal Nationals scoring plays

First inning

JT drew a one-out walk, then stole second, went to third on an error by the catcher and scored on a wild pitch. Gavin walked and stole second. Andrew singled. Banks singled and scored two, then took second on the throw. Brady’s two-out single scored Banks.

Score after one inning: 919 Nationals 4, Bandits 0

Second inning

With one out, Asher walked. He stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on Bryce’s fielder’s choice. JT reached on a ball to shortstop, stole second and third, and scored on a single from Gavin.

Score after two innings: 919 Nationals 6, Bandits 0

Third inning

Banks walked and stole second. He advanced to third on a fielder’s choice, then never broke stride and hustled all the way around to score. Brady coaxed a one-out walk, stole second, went to third on a wild pitch, and scored on a fielder’s choice.

Score after three and a half innings: 919 Nationals 8, Bandits 0

Fourth inning

Chace walked and stole second. Bryce reached on a shot to short, then stole second. JT singled to load the bases. A wild pitch scored Chace. JT singled, and when the center fielder threw it past third base, Bryce alertly raced to the plate because no one was covering. JT stole second. Gavin ripped a shot to third, then took second on the throw. Andrew beat out a run-scoring fielder’s choice. Banks smacked an RBI single. Ben ripped it through the shortstop, scoring both Andrew and Banks. Brady doubled home Ben. Elias tripled home Brady. Joey collected an RBI single. With two outs, Asher reached on an error. Bryce walked. JT singled in Joey, loading the bases. Gavin ended it with a walk-off inside the park grand slam that featured him running directly past Coach Sean in the third base coaching box, who for some reason was holding up two hands high above his head, presumably in the internationalsign for “Keep running!”

Score after four and a half innings: 919 Nationals 22, Bandits 2

Pitching Performances

Asher threw a perfect first.

Elias tossed a perfect second.

Ben needed just seven pitches in a shutout third.

JT closed it out in the fourth.

Semifinal Web Gems

• Banks made a nice scoop of a low throw from shortstop against the leadoff hitter in the second, retiring him by a step.

Semifinal line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
EJ Bandits	0	0	0	2	X	X	2	3
919 Nationals	4	2	2	14	X	X	22	11