Winter World Series Game 2: 919 Nationals 17, Rock Solid Red 8

With the umpires in a big hurry to get the games in so they could sample the Red Oak nightlife, game two of pool play began almost immediately after game one. Although this one had some occasional baserunning adventures, the Nationals still managed to generate enough offense to secure a 17-8 win (or maybe 17-7, depending on who you believe). 

Once again, 919 had to play from behind. After taking a 4-0 lead in the top of the first, the Nats allowed seven runs in the bottom of the frame--easily the most runs allowed in a single inning this fall. But they quickly tied it back up in the top of the second, then put up their own seven-spot in the top of the fifth to put the game away.

Just like in the early game, it was the 919 defense that helped stretch the lead, including a couple of terrific outfield relays (maybe practice helps after all). 

The victory left the Nationals 2-0 in pool play and awaiting tonight's seeding and game times. 

Game 2 Nationals scoring plays

First inning

With one out, Elias was hit by a pitch (this would be a theme). He stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Gavin singled him home, then stole second and went to third on a wild pitch. Chace walked and stole second. With two outs, Banks picked up an RBI single. Chace scored on a balk, and then Ben smashed an RBI double.

Score after one-half inning: 919 Nationals 4, Rock Solid Red 0

Second inning

Joey walked and stole second. Asher dropped a bunt single and Joey came all the way around to score, with Asher taking second on the throw. Bryce walked. Two successive wild pitches scored both Asher and Bryce.

Score after one and a half innings: 919 Nationals 7, Rock Solid Red 7

Fourth inning

Bryce went left side to reach with one out. He stole second and third. Elias was hit by a pitch (see?) and stole second. Gavin singled in Bryce. Chace’s fielder’s choice scored Elias. Brady doubled home Gavin.

Score after two and a half innings: 919 Nationals 10, Rock Solid Red 8

Fifth inning

Banks and Ben led off with back-to-back doubles. JT singled to right and took second on an unsuspecting defense. Andrew powered an RBI single, then stole second. Joey ripped an RBI single, then stole second. Asher singled, scoring Joey. Bryce was hit by a pitch. Elias was…wait for it…hit by a pitch. Gavin beat out a fielder’s choice that scored Asher. Chace cranked a two-run double.

Score after four and a half innings: 919 Nationals 17, Rock Solid Red 8

Pitching Performances

Ben got two quick outs but then ran into some alleged control issues.

Elias threw some solid relief and then faced the minimum in the second.

Gavin fired two great innings in the middle.

JT finished it out with a barrage of strikes in the fifth.

Game 2 Web Gems

• Elias picked off a runner in the second, and Chace and Gavin teamed up to record the out in a rundown.
• The next hitter crushed what looked like a sure double to center, but Brady went back to the fence to pick it up, hit Gavin as the cutoff man, and Gavin threw to Andrew at second to erase the hitter.
• Another good relay from center in the fourth. With a runner on first, the ball was again smoked to center. Elias went back to get it, made a tremendous throw back into the infield, and Gavin cut it off near the mound and fired to Chace covering third to get the runner.
• JT made a ridiculous diving play after racing off the pitcher’s mound to snag a pop foul in the fifth.
• Joey hosed a runner trying to steal second later that inning.

Game 2 line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
919 Nationals	4	3	0	3	7	X	17	14
Rock Solid Red	7	0	1	0	0	X	8	9