First National Bank Defeats KC Summers 13-3

On Monday, May 11, 2009 the First National Bank Cal Ripken Boys baseball team defeated KC Summers 13-3 to improve their record to 2-1.

Starting and winning pitcher Alex Shoot did not give up a run in the top of the first, getting two strikeouts while allowing one lone single to Dylan Wolfe. First National scored 3 runs in the bottom half of the inning on three hits. Garion Smyser led off with a scorching single up the middle. On ball 1 to Daniel Ferguson Smyser stole second, moving to third as the throw from the catcher went into centerfield as no one coverd the bag. Daniel then drove the next pitch into right field for a single, just eluding the glove of the second baseman. Ferguson went to third as Payton Hartbank followed with an opposite field fly ball that fell in for a double. Daniel had to hold up momentarily on the basepath because it appeared the ball was going to be caught. As it turned out, it did not matter as Daniel and Payton successfully pulled off a double steal with Daniel scoring and Payton going to third. In the ensuing confusion with base runners running everywhere, Hartbank raced home for the third run of the inning.

In the top of the 3rd inning Colton Shoot took the mound for First National. Shoot struggled with his control, walking the bases loaded in the process. A call went out to the bullpen, and Garion Smyser came on in relief. Daniel Ferguson, catching, took the first pitch from Smyser and picked off Perry Wilson at first base for out number 1. Smyser, also having difficulty finding the strike zone, walked the first three batters he faced, making the score 3-2 First National as KC scored both of their runs without getting a base hit. Coach Chris Hartbank asked for and was granted time, and he huddled with his players on the mound. He then brought in Daniel Ferguson to pitch with the bases loaded and only one out, and Garion Smyser took over catching duties behind the plate. Daniel told his coach he would only need one pitch to get out of the inning, and his words proved prophetic as he induced Landon Crary to ground into a double play that went pitcher to home to third base, ending the threat.

Daniel Ferguson led off the bottom of the 3rd for First National with a line-drive blast up the middle that looked like sure extra bases, but instead a fine catch was made by the centerfielder, robbing Daniel of a hit. Payton Hartbank followed with a double into centerfield, and he scored on consecutive wild pitches to increase his club's lead to 4-2.

Hartbank resumed pitching for First National as the 4th inning rolled around, and he gave up 1 run as losing pitcher Alex Allen singled and stole second and third before coming in on a passed ball, but that proved to be KC Summers' last run of the ballgame.

First National Bank had a big inning in the bottom of the 4th to come away with a 13-3 10 run mercy rule victory, but as far as this reporter can see they did not score 13 runs, they had 12, but since my opinion is irrelevant, it really does not matter. Cole Philpot led off for First National, coaxing a 7 pitch at-bat into a walk. Hayden Pillips also walked on a full count, putting runners at first and second. Pitcher Dylan Wolfe was called for a balk and both runners moved up a base, placing runners at second and third. Alex Inman had a run scoring RBI ground out pitcher to first for the first out of the inning as Phillips took third base on the play. Evan Schultz was walked, Gavin Keller struck out swinging for out number 2, and Garion Smyser walked, forcing in Phillips from third for the second run of the inning and keeping the based loaded for Daniel Ferguson. Ferguson hit a shot up the middle that the second baseman dove and stopped from going into centerfield, but all runners were safe on the play as Evan Schultz scored the third run of the inning from third. The speedy Smyser beat the throw to second base, going in standing up, which made the play closer than what it should have been. Payton Hartbank followed with an RBI single for the fourth run of the inning, bringing the score to 8-3. Alex Shoot, who had grounded out and popped out in his 2 previous plate appearances, drove a ball deep into left centerfield for a 3 run triple, making the score 11-3. Younger brother Colton Shoot then hit an RBI single to knock in his brother from third, making the score 12-3, although up in the press box the official score keeper had 13 runs crossing the plate for First National. I leave the possibility open that I erred somewhere along the way, but I cannot figure out how this phantom run scored. The world may never know.