Wild Rubber Match Ends in Rockabillys Victory
JACKSON, Tenn. - A rollercoaster of emotions swept up both the crowd, and the players, as the Rockabillys seesawed between downright ugly play and outstanding resilience in what became a crazy 13-12 win in the finale against the River Dragons.
Out the gates Cooper Casteel was lights out for the Goats, putting forth six innings of scoreless baseball while striking out ten batters, and only giving away one walk. With the home team snagging an early 4-0 lead, thanks to heroics from Webb Watson and Jack Pitts, combined with the outstanding performance from Casteel, it seemed like the Rockabillys were destined for an easy, stress-free win.
Unfortuantely, there are none of those in the Prospect League and what came next was a combined 19-run seventh inning. This included a 12-run top half for the River Dragons, with nine walks and only three hits. The mound was a carousel of horrors for Jackson, as four different pitchers attempted to stop the bleeding before finally Lawson Ryan stepped up as a much needed medic.
Some fans decided they'd had enough, but for those who stayed, they'd witness some Rockabillys magic. The 'Billys answered with seven runs in the bottom frame, and four of those came off the bat of Watson once again on a grand slam to left, collecting his sixth RBI of the contest and trimming the deficit to one. Then in the eighth, Mason Acton worked a full-count with two outs and runners in scoring position before lining into center and delivering the final blow as he'd push across the go-ahead run.
Jaxson Lucas would seal the deal and Alton would be called for interference on a foul ball to end the contest. A fitting finale to one of the wildest games in recent memory.
Goats Notes: With the rubber match concluded against Alton, the Rockabillys turn their attention to their final game in the homestand against the Cape Catfish, with first pitch set for 7:00 p.m. tonight, where there will be fireworks on and off the field thanks to fireworks night being held at Rockabillys Stadium.