The Rattlers could not overcome the 8-run deficit that the Dragons put up in the first 2 innings of play even though both teams tallied 10 hits each. Darden Wetherell started on the bump for Reagan and faced 11 batters in 1.2 innings. Play was suspended in the 2nd inning due to inclement weather and resumed the following day. The plate umpire was not giving Wetherell any love by not calling strikes on the corners, forcing pitches down the middle. “D” struck out 2, walked 0, and gave up 6 hits and 6 runs (4 earned). Down 5-0 with 2 outs and a runner on second, Caleb Crider came in for relief on the following day. Crider had a rocky start, giving up 2 runs (and one run put on from Wetherell), but he battled through the adversity. Crider struck out the last batter of the inning, leaving runners stranded on second and third and held the Dragons scoreless for the remainder of the game. Caleb pitched 5.1 innings, recording 5 strikeouts and 3 walks. He gave up 4 hits and 2 runs (both earned).
The Rattlers’ offense steadily added runs but could not get enough for the win. Isaiah Robledo led off in the 2nd with a line drive single to LF followed by a stand-up double to LF from Ryland Rangel. Elias Leon got the first RBI with a sac fly to CF, scoring Robledo. Robledo got an RBI in the 3rd with a line drive single to LF, scoring Jeter Battles who had led off with a ground ball single to RF. Other Rattler hits included Michael Yzaguirre (1), Caleb Cappuccio (2), Javi Cuevas (2), and an additional hit from Rangel. Caden Crofts recorded 2 RBIs from being hit by a pitch twice. Cappuccio and Cuevas were the only Rattlers to draw walks.
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