Early Inning Troubles Halt the Grays Against the Cropdusters
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 17 | 9 | 0 |
|
|
0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 9 | 0 |
The D.C. Grays fell 17-8 to the Olney Cropdusters in a high-scoring affair that was decided mainly in the opening frame. A disastrous 1st inning saw the Cropdusters score 12 runs, capitalizing on free passes. Despite the early deficit, the Grays fought back with offensive bursts in the 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 8th innings. However, the 12-run hole proved too steep to overcome.
After the tough start, AJ Williams (Prince George's CC) provided stability out of the bullpen. Over four innings, he allowed just three earned runs and struck out three while holding the Cropdusters scoreless in the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th. Solomon McKinney (North Carolina A&T) pitched the final three innings, giving up only one hit and two earned runs.
The Grays' offense was highlighted by a third-inning rally that brought home three runs from a Ryan Soong (Washington U) home run over the left field wall. The Grays scored another three runs in the 4th as Soong and Joe Marini (Catholic) got free passes to bring home two and Noel Rivera (Marist) singled in a run.
Additional RBIs came from a wild pitch and TJ Addonizio's (Richmond) double in the eighth inning.
The Grays thus finish the regular season in third place in the South Division with 16 wins and 20 losses. Due to a weather-shortened season, all teams in the Ripken League will be in the playoffs. The Grays are seeded fifth and will face the Metro SoCo Braves in a play-in game tonight at the Grays' 2025 home, Woodbridge H.S.
