"This was a complete team effort," said Coach Steve after the game. "Everyone of you contributed something today, whether it was a stolen base, a catch, a hit, or a play on the field. Nice job!"
The game featured stellar pitching from Jacob Staley, who struck out three of the first four batters he faced, while allowing one walk. The Golden team scored one run off of stolen bases and an overthrow.
The Rams came back at the bottom of the first. Haussmann advanced to first base, after being hit by the pitcher. Catcher Joe Anderson brought him home as he drilled a double through the hole. Anderson crossed the plate before the inning ended, bringing the score to: Rams 2, Golden 1.
Pitcher Staley started the second inning by striking the next two batters out, but the third out proved more elusive, as the next three batters got on base. The Rams defense picked off a runner at third from an excellent throw from catcher Anderson to third baseman Ben Boyd. Boyd tagged the runner when he walked off the plate. Despite heads-up defense, Golden managed to score two runs, bringing the score to Rams 2, Golden 3.
The third inning was a pitcher's duel, as Staley and the Golden pitcher didn't allow any hits.
In the 4th inning, Golden hitters began to put the bat on the ball. Colton Faubion fielded a ball at third. Next, center fielder Garret Storm handled a hard-hit ball and held the runner at first. A few plays later, a Golden base runner was caught in a pickle between second and third. Short-stop Featherston quickly chased him down and tagged him out. Faubion ended the inning by tagging yet another runner out at third off of a throw by second baseman Haussmann. Kudos to pitcher Staley, who maintained his composure throughout the threat, and left three Golden base runners stranded.
The top of the Rams lineup tried to battle back in the bottom of the fourth, but the Golden pitcher was still in fine form. Jones hit the ball hard, but was tagged out at first. Haussmann smacked a single, and stole second and third. But the next two batters struck out leaving the score: Rams 2, Golden 3.
Things got worse for the Rams in the fifth, as Golden put two more runs on the board. But the game inning included some defensive highlights: First baseman Trevor Willson saved a run with a bullet to third; left fielder Ben McHugh saved another run when he blocked an overthrow to third base. Second baseman Arley Anderson also fielded several balls hit by Golden batters in the inning. Score: Rams 2, Golden 5.
The Rams put on their rally caps in the bottom of the fifth, as Willson took the plate. For the second game in a row, Willson laced a triple deep into the outfield. Faubion drew a walk, and Staley popped the ball up. But the Golden second baseman dropped the ball, and Staley dashed to first base. A single by Boyd drove in both Willson and Staley. When Boyd stole home at the end of the inning, the game was tied, Rams 5, Golden 5.
Relief pitcher Faubion did an excellent job of containing the Golden batters in the 6th. The first batter hit a line drive to right field. But Jones deftly handled the ball and got him out at first base. Faubion struck the next three batters out.
In the final inning of the ballgame, Jones drew a walk, which represented the winning run. Haussmann singled, advancing Jones to third base. Featherston pushed across the winning run to end the game.
Final score: Rams 6, Golden 5.
Coach Willson was delighted with the efforts of all of the players, and the perseverance the team showed to win the game. "This was a game that showed that you can't quit. We were down 5-2 in the fifth, and we came back and won. Great job everyone!"
