There were some spectacular VLL Majors games Tuesday and Wednesday & 2 more players added their name to the home run tally, with Thomas R. and Tyler D. clearing the fence. The standout performance of the weekday games was provided by James B. who pitched a complete game shutout and provided the only run on the night with a home run, providing the White Sox the 1-0 victory over the Braves.
Reds over Phillies 13-4
The top of the Reds lineup has been spectacular to start the season and on Tuesday night they showed no signs of slowing down. Hunter J., Carter C., Jacob L. & Cameron G. combined to go 9-11 with an astounding 11 runs scored while driving in 5. The Phillies were led by leadoff hitter Cole P. who collected 3 hits on the night and scored 2 runs. Katie K. and Charlie C. each had doubles for the Phillies while Landon M. and Connor E. had a hit and 2 RBIs for the Reds.
Red Sox over Blue Jays 19-8
A 7 run first inning for the Red Sox set the tone for the night. The Red Sox piled up 14 hits on the night with Brayden P., Taylor A., Macallan B., Case M. and Jayde A. each having multiple hits. Also collecting hits on the night for the Sox was Josh T., Gabe L., Adrian O. and Matthew R.. The Blue Jays Logan R. and Ethan H. each had 2 hits on the night, while Tyler D., Andrew R. and Ryan D. each had a hit. With all the runs scored in the game, it shouldn’t go unnoticed that Josh T. was sharp in his 2 innings of work, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 5.
Colts over Pirates 7-3
In a thrilling game the Colts were down by 1 in the top of the 6th with runners on second and third when Jude B. stepped to the plate. After watching the first pitch called for a strike Jude drove a double to left field plating the tying and go-ahead runs for the Colts! Tommy C. was nails for the Colts all night going just over 4 innings, only allowing 2 hits and striking out 12 on the night. At the plate, Tommy collected 2 extra base hits. Peter M. and Tommy B. had hits on the night for the Colts. For the Pirates, Kyle H., Eason C. and Asher H. led the offense with hits. Mitch W. was excellent on the mount for the Pirates going 4 innings and only allowing 2 hits.
Cardinals over Cubs 12-2
While the Cards didn’t have a player with multiple hits on the night, 8 Cardinals contributed with a single hit, including a bomb by Josh E! Amin A, Sean Y., Cole N., Lukas K., Peter H., Jacob K, and Kalyan C. each had hits on the night. Peter H. was awesome over 2 innings not allowing a run and striking out 3. For the Cubs Bryce B. was the offensive star going 3-3 with a double. Holden S., Pax Leon and Eli J. also had hits.
Dodgers over Orioles 4-3
As soon as the ball left leadoff hitter Thomas’s bat it wasn’t a question of whether it would be extra bases, but a question of whether or not the fence could contain the mighty blast. The fence tried to keep the ball in play but after hitting the top of the fence the next bounce of the ball was on the other side and Thomas had his first ever home run! The Dodgers would plate 3 more in the top of the first but the Orioles would answer with 2 of their own in the bottom of the frame with a triple from Rowan M. Thomas and Andreas M. would keep the scoreboard clean for their teams until Andrew B. would lace a triple to get the Orioles within 1 run, but Jack M. wasn’t rattled and closed the game out for the Dodgers.
Twins over Nationals 15-1
The beginning of the season can be hard for 10s to adjust to the speed of Majors. Cooper S. must be a fast learner because over the past 2 games he is 5-6 for the Twins! Cooper and Carson V. each had 3 hits for the Twins and IJ M, Owen O., and Carson combined to throw a 1 hitter. For the Nationals, Luke A. continued his hot season with a hit.
White Sox over Braves 1-0
In what many considered to be the marquee matchup of the weekday games, the Sox and Braves didn’t disappoint! Both teams entered with an undefeated record on the season and both teams proved why. James B. threw a complete game shutout for the Sox, striking out 14 on the night. James also provided the only run of the night with a home run in the third inning! Sam Dinn provided all the offense for the Braves going 3-3 with a double. Sam and Jack K. were very sharp on the mound keeping a strong offensive team to only 1 run and only allowing 4 hits over 5 innings of work.
Giants over Yankees 7-5
The Giants are this year’s VLL version of the Cardiac Kids! The Giants, once again, entered the 6th inning trailing. Danny D. was able to reach base via a single after the Yankees retired the leadoff batter. After the Giants loaded the bases, Danny was able to tie the game on a passed ball and Adam M. sealed the game away with a 2 run single to right field. The Yankees Adam K., Lucas N., Noah K., Charlie J, Gavin S. and John K each contributed with hits for the Yankees.