Game 1: Friday = Hastings vs Layritz
In the top of the 1st inning, Taylor starts off the lineup with a double to the right field fence. The crowd goes wild! This is a great way to start off the game. Ryan is up next, and walks to make 2 men on base. Then Robbey comes up to bat... and it's an out of the park home run! I have never seen the Hastings parents so energetic as Robbey runs happily around the bases, making the score 3-0 for us. At this point, Layritz changes their pitcher. The new pitcher (who I swear could pass for 16 years old), pitches a few, then hits Anthony for a walk to first base. Next up is Keenan, who again gets hit by the same pitcher, and it's a walk again. Josh comes up to bat, but quickly has to go back to the dugout because Christian is supposed to be up. Christian gets hit. Vito (our coach), talks to the umpire because normally 3 hits for a pitcher would mean he's out. However, it seems the umpire only gives the pitcher a warning, and he goes back into the game. The Hastings fans are now upset about this call, but move on. Josh then comes up to bat, he hits, Christian's out at second base, and Katie (who substituted for a hurt Anthony) makes a run in. This now brings the score to 4-0. Wait! Keenan steals home base, and makes the score 5-0. The final tally for the top of the 1st inning is 5 runs on 3 hits.
In the bottom of the 1st inning, Shota pitches well, and there are no runs for Layritz.
The top of the 2nd inning arrives, and the Hastings players seem to be a little nervous. There is an error in the outfield, and 1 run comes in for Layritz. Just as Hastings was recovering from the first error, another error is made in the infield and another run on a bunt makes the score 5-2. A failed catch in the outfield for Hastings brings in another 2 runs, and makes the score 5-4. There is now a pitching change from Shota to Keenan.
Now for 3 innings straight, both teams play hard and there are no runs on no hits until the bottom of the 4th inning.
In the bottom of the 4th inning, Ryan makes two great plays to get 2 men out. One run for Layritz comes in and ties up the score to 5-5. For the 3rd out, Anthony gets the guy out at 3rd base. The umpire calls it safe, but after some arguing from Hastings, he changes it to an out.
The top of the 5th inning has no runs on 1 hit from Anthony.
In the bottom of the 5th, Keenan pitches no runs.
The top of the 6th inning is a nail-biter. We need runs to win. The score is still 5-5, and this is our last time to bat. Layritz makes great plays and there are no runs scored for Hastings.
The bottom of the 6th inning has all the Hastings parents closing their eyes as Layritz advances two bases from Robbey's catch at first that was called safe by the umpire. Later on, there is an incredible play by Robbey, getting 1 out on first and throws it to 3rd to get the last out. It's all tied up, and now we go to extra innings.
In the top of the 7th inning, Taylor hits, but gets out on first base. Next up is Ryan, who gets a base hit for the relief of the Hastings supporters. Robbey then has a base hit as well, and Ryan advances to third base. Rally-hat time!! Anthony is up to bat. As Anthony is warming up, Robbey tries to steal second base, but gets out for the 2nd out. Anthony then gets a base hit to first base as Ryan steals home! Keenan goes up to bat, but he gets out. The score is now 6-5.
In the last inning, Hastings managed to hold back Layritz with amazing pitching from Keenan, and a great play made in the last minute with Anthony getting the man out at 3rd, then throwing it to first.
HASTINGS ARE VICTORIOUS!
