by Evan Barber (Living the Dream Blog)
Post-game Interviews: Max White, Coach Jeff Trundy
July 4, 2011
In the end the Kettleers (7-13-1) beat the Commodores (10-11-0) by a score of 6-3 after a bottom of the ninth inning that was full of walks.
Trent Daniel (Arkansas) started the 9th for the Kettleers and got 2 quick outs separated by a double. He then walked 3 batters in a row including walking in the Commodores second run. The 3 walks proved to be the end for Daniel and it was time for Mason McVay (Florida International). McVay came in with the bases loaded and walked the first batter he saw to make the score 6-3. The third out however was made with the next batter, Jake Rodriguez (Oregon State) grounded out to end the threat and the game.
The Kettleers got a solid start out of pitcher RJ Fondon (Florida International) who went 6 full and gave up 1 earned on 5 hits and struck out 5. Fondon’s earned run came in the top of the 7th when Max White (Oklahoma) hit a solo shot that ended Fondon’s night. Prior to the homerun Fondon looked almost flawless.
The Kettleers bats came to life in the clutch for the first time all season. Mager’s hit in the 8th was the peak of the Kettleers’ clutch performances at the plate.
“I just saw one pitch and I was looking for a fastball and I got one and I got lucky enough to poke it into center field and score some runs,” said Mager of his hit in the 8th.
The Kettleers look for the same performance at the plate on Tuesday, July 5th, against the Bourne Braves at 5:00 at Lowell Park.