The Rockies offense scored all five of their runs in the final two innings of last night’s Game 1 loss to the Riggers, and it seemed like none of the bats cooled down at all coming into Game 2 as they jumped out to a five run lead in the 1st inning and never looked back.
Catcher Lane Aman finally broke out with his biggest game of the year, and couldn’t have picked a better spot to do it as he launched a three-run homer in the first inning to cap off the huge 1st inning rally. Travis Gaudet would later launch a two-run homer of his own in the 4th inning to push the lead to 10-0 and put the Rockies on the brink of ending the game early due to the mercy rule. Four other Rockies pitched in multi-hit performances, including a three RBI night from Ken Falconer.
Although plenty of offense was provided, not much was needed, as Andrew Grieder (2-0) dominated the Riggers offense to earn his second win of the season. Grieder would only end up going four innings in the start, as the game was headed towards a mercy ruling and his pitch count was minimal, so the Rockies began to plan for tomorrow’s Game 3 turnaround and the potential need to call him back to the mound. Grieder struck out six with no walks and only allowed one base hit before handing the reins to youngster Brock Lenhardt who came in to slam the door in the 5th inning and ice the game.
The third and final game of the South Semifinal will start at 7:30pm tomorrow, August 2nd at Gulls Stadium in Sylvan Lake!