(Trois-Rivieres, QC) – It was a game of almosts for David Fischer (2-2) and the Boulders Friday night. Rockland left men on base almost every inning, falling 3-1.
The Boulders threatened in the top of the first inning. The Aigles’ starting pitcher, Matthew Rusch (3-3), gave up a single to Jared McDonald and hit the next batter, Junior Arrojo. Rusch was able to settle down after that. Trois-Rivieres retired the next two batters, and caught McDonald on his attempt to steal home for the third out.
The Aigles took the lead in the bottom of the inning. The left fielder, Yeixon Ruiz, singled during his first at-bat. He came in to score the first run of the game after a single off the bat of Steve Brown. Trois-Rivieres led it 1-0.
Rockland had something going again in the third, but could not put up any runs. With two men in scoring position, McDonald and Fransoso, and two out, Marcus Nidiffer would come to the plate. He went down on five pitches, striking out for the second consecutive time.
Despite only giving up one run through 5.0IP, Fischer exited the game before the sixth could get underway. He struck out four out of the 24 batters he faced. The righty, Pat Butler, took over the bump for the next 2.2.
Rusch’s night was done after going for six strong innings. He struck out 10, a new season-high, and faced 26 batters. Scott Kuzminsky came in for the seventh.
Ed Charlton came in to score the first and only run for the Boulders in the seventh, tying the game all up at 1-1. He drew himself a walk, advanced to second on a McDonald at-bat and then proceeded to steal third base, the first of his career. Arrojo hit a sac fly to center field to bring him in.
The Aigles tacked on a pair in the bottom of the eighth. Ryan Brockett came in to score during a Delvis Morales at-bat, while Connor Crane scored on a single from Zak Colby. After eight Trois-Rivieres led it 3-1, the final score. Kuzminksy got the win and moves to 2-1 on the season, while Butler gets the loss and moves to 0-4. Kaohi Downing got the save, and both the starters posted no decisions.
The Boulders (27-20) and the Aigles (13-33) face each other again tomorrow night at 6pm.