Sports
Rudman Powers Patch Cubs to Playoff Victory Over Bucs
Stellar pitching, solid defense, aggressive base-running and clutch hitting were the keys to the Cubs win in their playoff battle with the puissant Pirates.
This was playoff baseball and it was very evident in the all-out style of play by the young GYBA Patch Cubs and the Bucs.
Daniel Rudman went 2-3 with a RBI double and a towering 2-run homer to left for the Patch Cubs. He also hurled three shutout innings striking out eight batters!
Matthew Parro of the Bucs was bringing the hot sauce and fanned six Cubs in 2 2/3 innings on the mound. Rudman, Tyler Marson, Max Karduck and Kevin Price of the Cubs combined for 14 K’s in six innings of pitching.
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Parro, Robert Porter and Tyler Looyer of the Bucs struck out a total of 11 Cub batters in five innings.
The Cubs broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the fourth inning with three runs. Jack Caldwell led off the frame with a walk and scored on a double by Marson, who was in turn driven in by a double by Rudman. Rudman scored later on a clutch single by Mark Czyzewski.
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The feisty Bucs broke though with 2 runs after two out in the bottom of the fifth. They did this without the benefit of a single hit. Five walks brought in a pair of scores for the Corsairs before Price came on to get the final out of the inning with a big strikeout.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Patch Cubs exploded for seven runs with six consecutive safeties and all with two outs. Karduck singled, Caldwell singled, and Drossler doubled home both runners. Then Rudman launched a moonshot over the fence in left field. As soon as he hit it, third base Coach John Marson turned and said, "Goodbye!" Kevin Price followed with a single and Tyler Armstrong walked. Then, Czyzewski doubled both teammates home to end the scoring.
Defensively the Bucs had great outfield plays by Matthew Bascue and Ethan Torres. Karduck of the Cubs made a nice play on a fly ball in center, as well.
The Bucs coaches were festive in their Pirate tri-corner caps – very Johnny Depp-like.a Coach Pablo Torres and Coach Kevin Sloan were all very enthusiastic in their coaching on the bases. Manager Don Looyer held down the fort with the scorebook and clear directions for his players.
