Rattlers lose two close games at home

The Otto Rattler minors suffered their first loss of the season against Lovell. It was a close game for the Rattlers, who lost 8-7. They earned four runs in the first inning with Tuck Neves, Gage Tolman and Cruz Allen all getting hit by the pitcher and then making it around to score and Arthur Nicholson getting walked, stealing around and making it home. They scored three more in the third inning with A. Nicholson again getting walked and stealing around to score. Leah Kebler and Adalyn Winters were both walked and later scored. 

T. Neves was on the mound for the first and second inning; he struck out four and fielded a ball to Allen for a force out and helped Vanessa Winters with a tag out at home. Milo Neves made his pitching debut in the third inning and Allen took over in the fourth and had three-up, three-down.

“It was the first loss of the season,” said Coach Janalee Call. “But I was able to give experience to an up-and-coming pitcher we will need next season. I was very proud of Vanessa for getting a hit. I am hoping that will build her confidence so she will be hitting next game.” 

MAJORS 

The majors were consistent scorers in the first three innings. Tilly Neves had a base hit and later scored, Porter Aagard and Kobe Winters were walked twice and later scored, Raiden Andrew was hit by the pitcher and made it around to score and Cruz Allen, Case Nicholson and T. Neves all were walked and ended up scoring. 

“I was pleased with my batters,” said Call. “They got in the box ready to hit even though the pitcher was fast and not accurate. The pitches were coming in fast and on the inside which didn’t phase my batters. They stayed in the box and dodged the pitch. One plus we did have was their pitchers didn’t like our left-handed batters. I could count on a walk for Tilly, Kobe and Case.” 

K. Winters and Aagard shared the mound and the Rattler fielders did a great job with a force out at first between K. Winters and C. Nicholson and Nicholas Worthen snagging a pop-up foul ball at the plate. Brooklyn Winters caught a pop fly in right, C. Nicholson had an unassisted double play at first when he caught a line drive and the runner on first didn’t tag up and another force out at first between K. Winters and C. Nicholson. 

In spite of the solid play, the Rattlers lost 12-9. 

“Even though we lost, I was pleased with my player’s performances,” said Call. “We had played the Red Sox earlier in the season at Lovell and lost badly. This game was very close and hard fought. Lovell used a lot of fast pitchers against us and my batters were able to see the pitches for what they were and swing appropriately. I was especially proud of how well my minors handled playing at the higher level. This was Jax Morgan’s first time playing for majors and he did great!”