June 1, 2009

Bear River Astros top Foresthill A's, 4-0;

At 15-1 Move Closer To TOC Berth

A good old fashioned pitcher’s duel highlighted last Saturday’s District 11 Little League interlock game between the Bear River Astros and the Foresthill A’s.

And when the dust had cleared, the Bear River Astros, now 15-1 on the season, had tacked up a 4-0 win and moved closer to cinching a berth in the upcoming District 11 Tournament of Champions.

With Kyle Soria on the hill for the Astros and Aaron Arnett matching him pitch for pitch for the A’s, strikes in the game were at a premium.

After three scoreless at-bats by both teams, the Astros finally got something going in the bottom of the second when Bear Belding beat out a bunt and went to third on Donald Brennan's double.

However, the rally was wiped out when McCann, the A’s catcher,made a terrific play on a wild pitch to nail Belding at the plate attempting to steal home for the third out.

Again in the third inning, the pitchers were on has the bags were empty of baserunners.

In the 4th inning, the A's leadoff batter drew a walk and then the following batter hit the ball off Soria's leg. However, Bret Soloman made a terrific play tagging second base and then relaying the throw to first for a huge double play.

Finally, in the home half of the 4th the Astros were able to break open the scoreless duel.

After lead-off hitter, Kody Kennedy, drew a walk to start off the frame, Tyler Toft delivered a blast over the fence in centerfield for a two run home run and give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

The rally continued for the Astros when Soloman and Soria
followed with consecutive singles. Brennan then delivered a deep shot to right field over the fielder's head for a triple and two RBI's.

 
The Astros recorded their 2nd double play in the game in the 5th inning to stymie another A’s threat.

The A's mounted another rally in the 6th when they drew three walks to load the bases but Soloman relived Soria and got the final out.

Soria hurled a no hitter for 5 2/3 innings, striking out 10 batters and walking 6. Arnett pitched four innings for the A's striking out 8 batters, allowing one walk and giving up 7 hits.