Game 1: Riverdogs 13, Bulls 7

In the first game of the 2016 spring season, the Riverdogs, in the return of the famous Riverdog yellow pants (see the previous blog), defeated the Bulls 13-7 on opening day at Nowell field.

After plating a run to take a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st, the Bulls scored a run of their own in the top of the 2nd to tie the game at 1-1. The score remained 1-1 until the top of the 4th, when the Bulls scored two to take a 3-1 lead. In the bottom of the 4th the Riverdog bats came alive. The ‘dawgs managed to put 8 runs on the board, and in fact recorded 8 straight hits before recording their first out. After the Bulls responded with four runs in the top of the 5th to close the gap to 9-7, the ‘dawgs fired back with four runs of their own in the bottom of the 5th to extend the lead to 13-7. The Riverdogs defense held tight in the top of the 6th to secure the victory and start the season at 1-0.

Leading the way for the Riverdogs were Caleb who was 3-3 with 2 doubles, a single, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored; Matthew N. who was 3-3 with a double, two singles, 4 RBI’s and 2 runs scored; Blake who was 2-3 with a double, a single and 2 runs scored; Matthew D. who was 2-2 with 2 singles, 1 RBI and 1 run scored, and Nolan who was 2-2 with 2 singles and 1 run scored. Caden and Carter both had 2 RBI’s and 1 run scored, Bobby had 1 RBI and 1 run scored, Jacob had 1 run scored and Nicky D had 1 RBI. Caleb also received the first coach’s candy bar award of the young season for his fly ball catch in the outfield.

Following the game, Coach David praised the team on how hard they fought and especially the energy and excitement the team displayed in the explosive fourth inning. Coach David also pointed out that while it’s good to get the victory, we had some defensive lapses we need to correct, and we will continue to work on those in practices. The next team event will be our outing at the NC State baseball game on March 20th, followed by practice at 5:00.