The pitching was strong on both sides in Game 2 of the series between the Rattlers and the Panthers, but the Panthers ultimately out-hit the Rattlers 9-4. Starting pitcher, Darden Wetherell, worked hard on the mound for Reagan, striking out 2, walking 0, and giving up 9 hits and 3 runs (3 earned). Wetherell pitched the complete game and faced 30 batters with 87 pitches. Wetherell held his composure throughout the contest, staying focused through adversity. With runners on first and second and 1 out in the 1st inning, Wetherell induced a double play ball with the right fielder, Isaiah Robledo, catching the pop fly and then darting the ball to Elias Leon at catcher for the masterful tag out at home. Down 3-2 in the top of the 5th with 2 outs and a runner on second, Wetherell picked off the runner, with Jeter Battles completing the tag. Wetherell persevered through the 6th and 7th innings, holding the Panthers scoreless and passing the baton to the Rattlers’ offense.
Despite taking a 2-1 lead in the 3rd inning, the Rattlers’ bats came up short. The Rattlers were unlucky at the plate, hitting “at ’em” balls, while the Panthers’ hits had balls with eyes, finding the gaps. Reagan scored their 2 runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Battles drew a walk and stole second base, then Javi Cuevas laid down a gorgeous bunt to third base for a single. Caden Crofts hit a sac fly to LF, scoring Battles and Cuevas scored on an error. Other Rattler hits in the game came from Crofts in the 1st inning who hit a line drive triple to RF; Leon in the 2nd inning, beating out the throw with a slide at first base, on a lead-off ground ball single to second base; and Mathew Butler with a lead-off single to CF in the 5th inning.
Game 3 between the Rattlers and Panthers will be played TONIGHT at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, 5757 US Hwy 90W, at 7 pm. TICKETS HERE
#StrikeEm#Fight98