BREWER PARK– The SweatSox continued their dominance over the Barons in the Concrete Jungle on Tuesday night, pulling away late to secure a convincing 12-6 victory. The win not only elevated the SweatSox’s record to 10-8-1 but also gave them a commanding 3-0 lead in the season series against the Barons, with one game remaining.
“It was a team win tonight,” said SweatSox manager Cory Bond. “We’re peaking at the right time, and everyone contributed in one way or another.”
The game was a back-and-forth battle early on. After three innings, the score was locked at 4-4, with the Barons staying competitive thanks to a towering first-inning home run by losing pitcher Griffen Courtice. Despite his struggles on the mound, Courtice provided a spark offensively but couldn’t keep the SweatSox lineup in check.
The SweatSox broke the game open in the latter innings, outscoring the Barons 8-2 over the final three frames. Offensive contributions were abundant, with Cory Bond leading the way. Bond recorded three hits, drove in a run, and scored twice, earning him Offensive Player of the Game honors.
“I was just seeing the ball well tonight,” Bond said modestly. “But honestly, this win was about everyone stepping up when it mattered.”
Craig Cornell showcased patience at the plate with three walks, while Eric White, Kent Johnston, and Mattingly Romanin each tallied two hits, two RBI, and two runs scored. Mike Pignat led the team with three runs scored, and with two of our three offensive strikeouts Mark Bond earned the dubious title of Sweatiest Player of the Game.
On the mound, Josh Ramage continued his stellar season, throwing five solid innings to pick up his league-leading fifth win. Ramage allowed seven hits, three earned runs, and one walk while striking out three. However, the turning point came in the sixth inning when Cory Bond made a gutsy managerial call, pulling Ramage to bring in Eric White.
“Josh wanted to finish the game, but we’ve got to think about what’s best for the team,” Bond explained. “Eric came in and delivered exactly what we needed.”
White didn’t disappoint, striking out all three batters he faced in a dominant closing performance that sealed the win.
Defensively, the spotlight shone on Mattingly Romanin, who made his debut behind the plate and excelled. Romanin recorded seven putouts, one assist, and even set a franchise radar gun record with his throws to second base.
“It felt great to contribute defensively,” said Romanin. “I just focused on doing my job, and it worked out.”
The Barons’ Courtice, known for his typically strong pitching, struggled to contain the SweatSox’s relentless offense. He gave up eight earned runs on ten hits over 4.33 innings, walking two and hitting one batter.
In a somber moment, thoughts and prayers are requested for Barons catcher Josh Primeau, who had to leave the game during the 6th inning after a painful incident. Playing behind the plate without a protective cup, Primeau was struck by a foul tip (or was it a bouncer, it doesn’t really matter), directly in the groin and was unable to continue. The injury visibly rattled both teams, but Primeau was later reported to be in stable condition but in significant discomfort.
With the win, the SweatSox look to carry their momentum into Thursday’s matchup against the Padres at the Sportsplex. First pitch is set for 6:10 PM.
“We’re in a good groove right now,” said Bond. “If we keep playing like this, we’ll be tough to beat.”
Final SweatSox vs Barons Notes/Thoughts:
- Kent needs to get off his ass and order Josh some bats.
- Josh knows how to receive an invitation, he just doesn’t know how to extend an invitation.
- 4×100: LFG!!!
- Josh wears golf shirts for everything except golf, since he doesn’t golf any more.
- Trevor is ready for the cages, but are the cages ready for Trevor?
- Jas is the glue that keeps this team together.
- Cory is anti-chocolate-milk and brownies, but is pro-Kraft Dinner.
- Cory is anti-vertically-cut pickles; he’s horizontal or no-cut only.
- Cory is anti-Oreo flavored Coke, and anti-Coke flavored Oreo’s.
- The Bronson-Brewer traffic light can go fuck itself.
- The Local Heroes food was questionable, we may need to have the plungers on standby tomorrow morning.
- Kent lugging around 2 sets of catchers gear finally paid off – OPTIONS FOR MATTINGLY!