The RBI Dirtbags capped regional pool play with a third win in as many games on Thursday, as they defeated Rock Springs (Wyoming) 9-6.
The Dirtbags took the lead early with six runs in the first two innings, and they were able to tack on insurance runs late to keep the Spartans at bay.
Dom Settlemier went 3 for 4 with a double and an RBI at the plate, and Peyton Robbins also went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Nolen Miller collected two hits and brought home three runs.
“Dom, Peyton, and Nolen lifted the offense up today when other guys were suffering at the hands of the baseball gods,” coach Jordan Nailon said. “Just good swings that resulted in spectacular outs.”
Josh Hanson had an incredibly unique outing on the mound. On one hand, he gave up just one hit and struck out nine in four and two-thirds, while on the other, he walked nine batters and only 51 of his 105 pitches were strikes. Nonetheless, he allowed just two earned runs and came away with the win.
“Josh had one of the oddest outings I’ve ever witnessed,” Nailon said. “He buckled down to give us everything we needed. It takes a dare devil’s gut to pitch out of jam inning after inning.”
Trajen Ford relieved Hanson in the fifth, retiring the side before striking out all three batters he faced in the sixth. He ended up with four strikeouts in just an inning and two-third.
As a result of finishing pool play 3-0, the Dirtbags will play Prosser in the semifinals at noon on Saturday. A win there would put them into the tournament championship, which is set for 5 p.m. that same day.
Dirtbags top Roosters in thriller
The RBI Dirtbags’ second game in Wyoming couldn’t have been more different than the first, as they followed up a 1-0 win with an 11-10 victory over the Centerfield Roosters..
The game was as back-and-forth as one can be, as the two teams traded blows early and were tied at six after just two innings.
After the Dirtbags scored four in the third to take the lead, the Roosters responded with three in the fourth to tie it.
Each team added on in the sixth, but the Roosters could have scored the tying run if it weren’t for Hunter Gutenberger throwing out a runner at second from behind the dish.
Gutenberger capped the game with a similarly stellar defensive play in the seventh, and he picked off the tying run at third to end the game.
Connor Darnell led the offense with three hits, including a double, and two runs, while Blake Howard, Nolen Miller, and Trajen Ford each tallied multiple hits and combined to drive in five.
Gutenberger got the win on the mound by pitching the first three and a third and he also logged an RBI knock. Josh Hanson and Gavni Frewing also collected RBI base hits.
Dom Settlemier didn’t allow an earned run in two innings of relief and Miller allowed just one hit and struck out two in two and two-thirds.
