Finally! Grays get first win over Aces in thriller

​After a season of close games that repeatedly favored Alexandria, the DC Grays finally toppled the league-leading Aces in a nail biting 8-7 win on Monday night at Frank Mann Field.
 
The Grays managed seven hits on the night, including two from leadoff hitter Derek Wood (George Mason) and three RBI’s from Myles Sargeant (Maine).  After a back and forth battle all evening, pinch hitter Joe Marini (Catholic) and Henry Zipay (Nebraska-Omaha) drove in the key runs in the eighth inning to give DC the lead.
 
Eddie Kaftan (Mitchell) started on the mound for the Grays, the right-hander pitched for four innings, allowing six hits and three runs, striking out three. Kaftan was relieved by Geroge Mason's Jake Roberti, who pitched four innings. Roberti allowed seven hits and four runs, striking out four. Lucky Perrotto (Catholic) took the mound for the final inning of the contest. He wobbled a bit, giving up two hits, but left both runners stranded and earned the save. 
 
Graeme Carroll of Bucknell University was handed the loss, Carroll threw for two thirds of an inning, allowing three hits and one run. The Aces loss wasted a strong start from pitcher Ethan Houghtaling (Western Michigan). The right-hander pitched five innings, allowing two hits and three runs. 
 
The moved the Grays to 13-22 with one game to play in the regular season.  The playoffs are still possible for DC, as six of eight teams in the Ripken League qualify for the post-season.  The Grays take the field next against the Cropdusters at Olney Boys and Girls Club Tuesday afternoon at 5 p.m. It is the regular season finale for the Grays.