The Gladiators broke up a classic pitchers' duel Friday afternoon with a four-run uprising in the sixth to turn back a solid challenge from Buffalo Gap. Troy Hodge for the Gap and the Gladiators' Andrew Golladay were both in control of the game through 5 1/2 innings with each team pushing across only a solo run in the second. RHS' run came in the form of Ridge Stokes' latest home run over his favorite spot in left-center field.
The inspiration for Riverheads' winning rally may have actually come in the top of the sixth, when they caught a Bison attempting to steal third for the second time in the game. That particular play was the second half of an inning-ending double-play and squelched BG's last attempt to take the lead.
RHS then started their half of the inning with a sharply hit ground ball to shortstop by Tyler Smith that was mishandled just enough to allow him to reach first. The Big Red then quickly loaded the sacks by surprising the Gap with back-to-back bunts that were not only beautifully executed at the plate but also featured some outstanding hustle as each batter simply outran the throw to first.
That brought Mr. Stokes' to the plate again, still with nobody out, and the Gladiator stands started stirring as thoughts of a possible grand slam entered their minds. Instead he walked to force in a run and give RHS its first lead of the game. Taz Miller then ripped a single to right field that technically only scored one run but a second came around to score on a fielding miscue getting the ball back into play.
The Gladiators added one more run for insurance and then put the Bison down quickly in the top of the seventh, with Austin Craft relieving Golladay and retiring the final batter. The win gives RHS a season sweep over their arch-rivals and also broke a two-game home losing streak.
The Gladiators are hitting the meat of their schedule now as road trips to both East Rock and Page are right around the corner. However, they are unbeaten on the road this season, which means you have to like their chances to hold on to their number one spot in the Conference 44 playoff picture.
The inspiration for Riverheads' winning rally may have actually come in the top of the sixth, when they caught a Bison attempting to steal third for the second time in the game. That particular play was the second half of an inning-ending double-play and squelched BG's last attempt to take the lead.
RHS then started their half of the inning with a sharply hit ground ball to shortstop by Tyler Smith that was mishandled just enough to allow him to reach first. The Big Red then quickly loaded the sacks by surprising the Gap with back-to-back bunts that were not only beautifully executed at the plate but also featured some outstanding hustle as each batter simply outran the throw to first.
That brought Mr. Stokes' to the plate again, still with nobody out, and the Gladiator stands started stirring as thoughts of a possible grand slam entered their minds. Instead he walked to force in a run and give RHS its first lead of the game. Taz Miller then ripped a single to right field that technically only scored one run but a second came around to score on a fielding miscue getting the ball back into play.
The Gladiators added one more run for insurance and then put the Bison down quickly in the top of the seventh, with Austin Craft relieving Golladay and retiring the final batter. The win gives RHS a season sweep over their arch-rivals and also broke a two-game home losing streak.
The Gladiators are hitting the meat of their schedule now as road trips to both East Rock and Page are right around the corner. However, they are unbeaten on the road this season, which means you have to like their chances to hold on to their number one spot in the Conference 44 playoff picture.
