(Rayce Sharpe)
Game 1
RTCA 12 FPCA 6
Banks Hopkins came on in relief of Gage Brantley in the bottom of the 4th with the game tied at 4 and picked up his first Varsity win of the season. Banks gave 4 hits over 4 innings, including 1 earned run, and the Crusaders' offense came alive late, giving the Crusaders a 12-6 victory in game 1 of a DH. The Crusaders' offense was led by Brittan Tabor who was 4-4 with 2 doubles and 3rbi, Gage Brantley who was 2-5 with 2 doubles and 2 rbi, and Rayce Sharpe, who was 2-3 with 2 rbi.
Banks Hopkins came on in relief of Gage Brantley in the bottom of the 4th with the game tied at 4 and picked up his first Varsity win of the season. Banks gave 4 hits over 4 innings, including 1 earned run, and the Crusaders' offense came alive late, giving the Crusaders a 12-6 victory in game 1 of a DH. The Crusaders' offense was led by Brittan Tabor who was 4-4 with 2 doubles and 3rbi, Gage Brantley who was 2-5 with 2 doubles and 2 rbi, and Rayce Sharpe, who was 2-3 with 2 rbi.
Coach Fitzgerald following the game said, "Gage has been really good for us on the bump so far, but today he couldn't really find the feel. We found ourselves down 4-1 early. Struggling to stay back at the plate, we just started flipping the take sign, made our guys see a few more pitches and finally were able to get the timing and the offense rolling. Brittan Tabor had a great game, 4-4, with a couple of doubles, Gage bounced back offensively and picked up 2 big hits and 2 rbi and Rayce Sharpe continued his hot streak, adding 3 hits and a couple more, rbi as well, to help us secure the series win. Banks was super in relief and only gave up one hard hit ball while striking out 4 and really gave us the spark that we needed."
Game 2
RTCA 5 FPCA 2
Tripp Durden pitched 6 innings of 3-hit baseball, giving up 1 earned run while striking out 3 to lead the Crusaders to a series sweep of the Highlanders. Gage Brantley led the way offensively, collecting 3 hits in 4 at bats, while Hayden Kight had 2 hits and Brittan Tabor continued his hot day, going 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 rbi. Brody Randall had a clutch 2 rbi single that helped secure the win.
Tripp Durden pitched 6 innings of 3-hit baseball, giving up 1 earned run while striking out 3 to lead the Crusaders to a series sweep of the Highlanders. Gage Brantley led the way offensively, collecting 3 hits in 4 at bats, while Hayden Kight had 2 hits and Brittan Tabor continued his hot day, going 1-2 with 2 walks and 2 rbi. Brody Randall had a clutch 2 rbi single that helped secure the win.
Coach Fitzgerald after the game, “Tripp was really good on the mound, had been struggling with some arm soreness issues but really came in and was clutch. Brittan continued his hot day with multiple rbi and Gage Brantley pitched some really good pitches, collecting 3 hits and an rbi. I was happy to see Brody get a clutch 2-out hit that set the tone for us offensively, driving in a couple of runs. A series sweep was huge, against the defending single A state champs, and puts us in a good position with a huge series coming up against Memorial Day School. FPCA starting pitcher Koa Nunn had a terrible injury during the game and had to be taken off by EMS personnel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family for a speedy recovery.”
(Courtesy of RTCA)
