Grays Drop Tight 11-Inning Battle Despite Dominant Pitching

On June 26th, the DC Grays hosted a nailbiter that went 11 innings. It was the first time the Grays have gone to extra innings this season.

Brayden Spurgeon (Washington College) started on the mound for the Grays. After a HBP and a home run, the Grays were in an early hole in the top of the 1st. 

Will Petteys (Georgia State) started on the mound for the Southern Maryland Senators. The Grays responded to the Senators big first half with 2 runs in the bottom of the first with RBIs by Jackson Stallworth (Pensacola State) and Evan Wilson (Richmond).

After the first inning, the Grays wouldn't let up another run until the 11th inning. Spurgeon threw a scoreless 2nd, 3rd, and 4th inning. Casey Edwards (Washington College) took the mound in the top of the 5th and tossed two scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk. Mason Weaver (Wofford) then came in in the 7th and gave up no hits, runs, or walks, and struck out 2. 

The Grays got on the board in the bottom of the 8th for the first time since the 1st inning. The action started when Carter Sweeney-Strawberry (Rutgers) scorched a line drive single where the right fielder made an error and got Stawberry to third base. The next batter, Jackson Stallworth (Pensacola State), then hit a towering pop fly that the left fielder lost in the lights, bringing in Sweeney-Strawberry from third, knotting up the score at 3-3. 

Jackson Stallworth (Pensacola State) pitched a scoreless 8th, 9th and 10th innings. He let up no hits and struck out 6 batters. In the top of the 11th, Jackson Loomis (Denison) came on the mound and let up one run on a wild pitch.

The Grays went down quietly in the bottom of the 11th, losing the game 4-3. The Grays stayed in this game until the very end. It was a strong day on the mound and in the field with the Grays finishing errorless. The Grays hope to bounce back as they prepare for their game on the 27th against Bethesda Big Train. 

(Photo courtesy of Alex Ouzts)