Spring 2017 Week 1

Squirrels offense looks to improve

Flying Squirrels take on the Outlaws in spring 2017 opener at Edison High School.

By Curtis Nadeau
The Flying Squirrels opened up the 2017 season against the defending champion Outlaws in a rematch of the Spring '16 Championship game. The game began like a classic Squirrels/Outlaws contest, with both teams plating one run in the first inning. But after the first it was all Outlaws as the Squirrels bats seemed to go back into their winter hibernation.

The Outlaws scored one run in each of the next three innings to take a 4-1 lead after four innings of play. In the top of the sixth they broke the game open with a rule-shortened four-run inning highlighted by an off-the-wall two-run double by catcher Seth W., bringing the score to 8-1.

The Flying Squirrels managed to get runners on in seven different innings but were an abysmal 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Hats off to the Outlaws who hit the ball all over the field, and scored 10 runs despite zero Flying Squirrels errors. Aforementioned Outlaws catcher and Legend-of-the-week nominee, Seth W., capped off his day with a mammoth two-run home run in the top of the ninth to really put the game away.

The Flying Squirrels look to quickly put this poor offensive performance in the rear view mirror when they take on the Dodgers in week two.

Isotopes win season opener
By Tommy Stokes
The Isotopes started their season the same way they began and ended their last, facing the Padres in a tightly contested game.

The 'Topes got off to a fast start as Dave Hughes, Tommy Stokes, Tre Evans, and Lewis Wharton crossed the plate in the first inning. Ryan Galluzzo capped the inning with a 2-RBI single.

Lewis Wharton was sharp on the hill allowing only a single tally on a solo home run leading off the top of the third. He completed his five innings, leaving the game with a 6-1 lead.

Tre Evans came on to pitch in the sixth and the Padres rudely welcomed him by plating two runs to cut the lead to 6-3. The 'Topes and Evans would respond. 

Offensively, Stokes drove in Hughes with a single in the bottom of the sixth. In the seventh, Chris Vail drew a lead-off walk and would later score when Rafael Martinez grounded into a fielders choice. In the eighth, Adam Rasmussen led off with a single and would trot home on Dave Hughes home run to straightaway center.

After a somewhat shaky sixth inning, Evans retired the next six batters and handed the ball to Nate Taran who retired the Padres in order in the top of the 9th to seal the victory.

Along with playing flawless defense at shortstop and pitching the 9th inning, Taran also reached base all four plate appearances. Other offensive standouts included Hughes - who went 2-for-3, with a walk, a home run, and four stolen bases, and Galluzzo - who went 2-for-2, with a walk, a stolen base, and three RBI.

Generals in command on day one

The Generals defeat the Redlegs 12-9 in spring opener at Madison High School, Vienna.