The Battalion scratched and clawed and finally came away with a 3-2 win in a full 9 innings. The Battalion went up against the Cardinals, who beat them 5-4 on July 15th. After plating 1 in the bottom of the first, the Battalion could not give any more run support to starter Evan Hammond.

Going into the 9th it was a 1-1 game. The Cards were able to plate one after an infield single, and then a double to make it 2-1. Hammond led off the inning at the plate and was able to draw a walk. Alex Baldock followed suit to have 1st and 2nd and 0 out up for Ben Milinkovich. Milinkovich laid down a bunt and was able to beat it out for an infield single, loading the bases. Hammond was able to score on a pass ball to tie it at 2. This allowed the Cardinals to walk Sam Brown and face Casey Floyd with the bases loaded. Floyd was able to bloop the game winning single into shallow center field. It was Floyd’s first career NCBL hit and RBI.

Hammond was the story of the game on the mound, going 8 innings, while striking out an astonishing 16 batters. In Hammond’s second start of the year, he only allowed 7 hits, and one walk. The only run that came in was off an error that would’ve ended the inning.

Offensively the Battalion were anemic most of the night, only tallying 6 hits. 3 of which came off the bat of Steve Renaud, who continues his torrid pace. Hammond added a single and 2 stolen bases, Floyd was 1-for-1, and Milinkovich was 1-for-1.

Next up for the Battalion is a battle for first place with the Kingston Ponies on Sunday. First pitch goes at 4pm at the Stadium.

WP: Floyd (2-0)
LP: Kritsch (2-5)