Friday, May 29, 2009
The St. Joe Mustangs begin the season with back-to-back victories after downing the Building Champions of Overland Park, Kan., in a 6-5, come-from-behind victory in front of 1,411 fans.
The Mustangs' win came thanks in part to Brent Seifert's double into right field in the bottom of the eight with two outs, which scored two runs after the Champions right fielder tripped over a rut enabling two Mustangs to score putting them ahead 6-5.
Dominic Marchesi of the Mustangs started off the top of the eight inning with the score tied at 4, walking the first two batters. Then after a questionable intentional walk to load the bases in the top of the eighth, the Mustangs brought in reliever Ben Baker. Baker gave up one run off a single, putting the Champions ahead 5-4.
Drew Garwood of the Mustangs hit a chopper down the third-base line and after an errant throw to first, turned a routine single into an eventual game-tying double in the bottom of the eighth. Greg Noble hit another liner down the third-base line, legged one out for a single and advanced Garwood to third. Seifert then jumped on a fastball, hitting it to right field to score both runners and pull the Mustangs ahead for the 6-5
victory.
"I was looking for a fastball and got lucky to get a double out of it," Seifert said. "It is very exciting to play close to home in front of all my friends and family.
"I hope to continue to play well."
Matt Garcia hit a single up the middle to pull the Champions ahead 1-0 in the top of the third. Albert Selanders then hit a lead-off triple to left center field in the top of the fourth. Chase Harvey bunted to first base, scoring Selanders in the top of the fourth. Steven Stewart then hit a triple, scoring two runners to put the Champions up 4-0 in the top of the fourth.
The Mustangs came back, scoring two runs in the fourth when Troy Landi hit a single scoring two. Mustangs then scored two more in the bottom of the fifth before Seifert's game-winning double to right field.
"It was nice to see how well we handled adversity tonight," manager Matt Johnson said.
"I am pleased with the eyes we have at the plate on this team."
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drummerbob says...
What an exciting game. Speed definitely kills the opposition. There is serious talent on the Mustangs and they will push for the MINK Championship. Phil Welch is incredible. Players interact with the fans and play with the kids - fun to watch. The players are a great bunch of guys. The players signed autographs before and after the game. Best time I've had at a ballgame since I was a kid.
May 30, 2009 at 10:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TrappinFool says...
That is good to hear, drummerbob! I'm dying to get out there for a game. My schedule has hampered me going, but you can bet the first chance I get I'll be out there taking in the new stadium and ball team.
May 30, 2009 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
attaboy says...
1411 people is a poor turnout. the city spent 400k on the baseball field, people better show up to the tune of 2200-3000 per game or they are gone.
May 30, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
drummerbob says...
Well, if it helps, I'm from out of town and I spent almost $300 this weekend in St. Joe eating at restaurants, shopping, and hotel, on Friday and Saturday. St. Joe is drawing people into town, and its clear there is strong community support of the team. 2200-3000 would make Phil Welch absolutely electric but 1,700+ at Saturday's game is a fantastic atmosphere, too.
May 31, 2009 at 12:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )