Fortunato Delivers Season-Best Start in Grays' 8-4 Victory

The Grays were able to hold onto their early lead in this game and defeat the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts at Montgomery Blair Stadium 8-4.

The Grays continued their momentum from their hot second half against the Aces, scoring 2 runs in the first inning. These runs came from a Joey Chitla (William & Mary) single to score Hartley Rahman (Catawba) and an impressive Joey Chitla (William & Mary) steal of home plate on a throw back.

The Grays would increase their lead in the second inning, with Ryan Stoddard (Lafayette) coming home due to a wild pitch. The Thunderbolts would respond by scoring 2 runs in the third inning and both teams wouldn't score in the fourth or fifth with the game being 3-2 going into the last third.

The Grays would get back on the board in the sixth inning, scoring 2 runs. The first of these runs would come off a Beny Bikar Jr. (Southern) sacrifice fly to score Jackson Stallworth (Pensacola State), with the other being via a bases loaded walk for Joey Chitla (William & Mary) to score Ryan Stoddard (Lafayette).

The Thunderbolts would score a run of their own in the frame to keep the game within reach, but the Grays would continue to add to their lead with 3 more runs in the seventh. Ryan Stoddard (Lafayette) was responsible for the first of the 2, hitting a double to left center field to score Xavier Bradley (Southern). The other runs were the result of a Travis Church (Marist) single to score both Ryan Stoddard (Lafayette) and Beny Bikar Jr. (Southern).

The Thunderbolts scored another run in the seventh and all the pressure was now on the Grays' defense to keep their lead. The Grays subbed in Evan Wilson (Richmond) to pitch and he absolutely delivered. Wilson (Richmond) only allowed 1 hit and collected 6 strikeouts with 4 of them being swinging. This stellar performance led to the Grays maintaining their lead and winning 8-4 on the road.

Ryan Stoddard (Lafayette) had a huge game for the Grays, hitting 2-3, scoring a whopping 3 runs, and driving in a RBI. Travis Church (Marist) impressed as well, going 2-3 at the plate and driving in 2 RBIs. Joey Chitla (William & Mary) continued his great season for the Grays, hitting 1-3, driving in 2 RBIs, and having 2 steals including stealing home plate.

On the pitching side, starter Chris Fortunato (Stevenson) played an amazing game to set up the Grays for a win. He threw 7 complete innings allowing 4 runs, 3 earned, on 9 hits, and 7 strikeouts. 

The Grays look to start a win streak June 20th back at Robert J. Talbot Field in their double header against the Gaithersburg Giants starting at 4PM.

(Photo courtesy of Susie Shaffer)