Grays Drop Game Two to T-Bolts After Emotional Extra-Inning Opener

After gutting out a dramatic 13-inning win that resumed from earlier in the week, the DC Grays rolled straight into the second half of Friday's doubleheader—but the momentum didn't carry over. Despite striking first in the top of the 1st, the Grays ultimately fell to the Thunderbolts in a high-scoring 11–4 loss.

Noel Rivera (Marist) opened the game by reaching on an error and advanced to third on a single from Joey Chitla (Wofford). Rivera then scored on a double-play ball to give the Grays a 1–0 lead. But the T-Bolts answered in the bottom of the frame, plating four runs and forcing an early pitching change. Drew Norton (Dickinson) took over for starter Chris Fortunato (Stevenson) and helped limit further damage, but the Grays were fighting uphill from there.

There were bright spots for DC at the plate. Luke Caucci (Lafayette) ripped a double in the 2nd, and Rocco Gilbert (Alabama State) followed with a single, but the inning ended with runners stranded. Noel Rivera continued to spark the offense with multiple hits and a stolen base, and Dixon Monk reached and scored on a groundout in the 5th. TJ Addonizio (Richmond) gave the Grays one last burst of life with a solo home run in the 8th, his first of the season, cutting the deficit briefly before the T-Bolts pulled away for good.

Defensively, Dixon Monk (Georgetown) made a good grab in left field to end the third and keep things within reach. On the mound, Raphael Schneider (Stevens) delivered a solid performance out of the bullpen, stepping in during a tough spot and working through the sixth.

While the loss stung, especially after the earlier hard-fought win, the Grays saw contributions from across the lineup, including Chitla, Caucci, Rivera, Addonizio, and Monk.