The JV Bulldogs started their 2009 season against the Strafford Spartans. So. Cale Wimans started on the mound for the Bulldogs.

After a scoreless first inning, the Bulldogs jumped on top by scoring 3 runs in the top of the second. So. DH J.T. Mabushshir got things started with a single and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by 1B So. Taylor Cobb. Mabushshir then scored on a crushing triple to deep right center by 2B Jr. Gavin Torres. Torres came in to score the second run on a single by Winans who later scored the final run of the inning on a single from SS Jr. Rocky Branagan.

Unfortunately, the Spartans responded by scoring 4 runs of their own in the bottom of the second and 4 more in the bottom of the third. During the third inning, P Jr. Manu Gulati came in to relieve Winans.

After the third, the Bulldogs were down 8 - 3 but were not ready to quit. In the top of the fourth, Mabushshir lead off the inning with a walk. With 1 out and a stolen base by Mabushshir, Torres came up to bat. Once again, Torres caught all of the ball and drove it deep into left center for a stand up double easily scoring Mabushshir leaving the Bulddogs down 8 – 4. Gulati held the Spartans scoreless in the bottom of the fourth.

In the top of the sixth, RF So. Tyler Morvant started the inning off by reaching first. With Morvant on second and Branagan on first, 3B Anthony DeJesus hit a single driving in Morvant for one more run in the fifth. DeJesus went on to relieve Gulati on the mound in the fifth holding them scoreless. Bulldogs trailed 8 – 5 after six.

In the top of the seventh, PH Jr. Matt Prickett started out the inning with a pinch hit single up the middle. Torres reached first moving pinch runner So. Hunter Simon to second. Unfortunately Simon was out at third on a Fielder’s Choice and the next couple batters could not move the runners home. So this was as far as the Bulldog’s come back would go. Final score Spartans 8, Bulldogs 5.

Bulldog Offensive Highlights:

• 8 total hits
• 2B Gavin Torres: 1 triple, 1 double, hit by pitch and 2 RBIs
• SS Rocky Branagan: 2 singles and a base on balls

Bulldog Defensive Highlights:

• DeJesus caught pop fly on third then picked off runner on first.
• Branagan error free SS, 3 ground outs, 1 fly out

Bulldog Pitching Stats:

• Starting Pitcher: Cale Winans (0-1), 2 innings
• 1st Relief Pitcher: Manu Gulati, 2 innings, 2 hits, 1 K, 0 BB, 0 earned runs
• 2nd Relief Oitcher: Anthony DeJesus, 2 innings, 0 hits, 3 Ks, 1 BB, 0 earned runs

Winning Pitcher: Strafford 16 Morris
Losing Pitcher: Cale Winans (0-1)
Extra Base Hits: Bulldogs: triple and double – 2B Gavin Torres
Spartans: triple and double – DH Magee

Score by inning:

Submitted by: Greg Prickett