Sportsplex, August 22– The SweatSox powered their way to a come-from-behind victory over the Coyotes on Thursday night, earning an 8-4 win to improve their record to 12-9-1. The win not only extended the Coyotes’ struggles (now 9-12) but also kept the SweatSox firmly in the hunt for a crucial first-round playoff bye.
The game turned in the fifth inning, with the SweatSox trailing 4-1. That’s when the offense erupted for four runs, capped by an RBI single from Steve Brown. The SweatSox added three more insurance runs in the sixth, giving pitcher Josh Ramage all the support he needed to secure his tier-leading sixth win of the season.
“This team doesn’t quit,” said SweatSox Manager Cory Bond. “When our backs are against the wall, we find a way to step up, and tonight was no different.”
Ramage (6-4) threw six innings of nine-hit ball, allowing four runs while striking out two. The veteran also reached career milestones of 600 innings pitched and 69 innings pitched this season.
“Josh has been a workhorse for us all season,” said Cory the Authority. “To reach 69 innings pitched in a season and 600 for his career in the same game? That’s special.”
Ramage downplayed the milestone but acknowledged its significance. “It’s great to hit those numbers, but it’s all about getting the win for the team,” he said.
Eric White closed out the game with a flawless seventh inning, retiring the Coyotes’ top of the order in quick succession. His stellar pitching was slightly overshadowed by an amusing moment on the basepaths.
“Let’s just say my mind wasn’t on first base,” White joked after getting picked off immediately after he should’ve been picked off. “I’m glad my teammates had my back after that.”
Offensively, the middle-bottom of the lineup shined. Larry Pawelek, Trevor Williams, Phil Leduc, and Craig Cornell combined to go 5-for-9 with seven runs scored, drawing three walks in the process.
Cornell’s efforts didn’t stop at the plate. His defensive performance, with three assists and a putout while rotating between third base and shortstop, earned him Defensive Player of the Game honors. First baseman Cory Bond also drew praise for his steady glove, recording 10 putouts.
“Craig was a wall out there,” said Bond. “And Shaun [Keay] waving Larry [Pawelek] home from second was pure guts. That’s the kind of energy we need from our third baseman and our third base coach.”
The Coyotes’ Kevin Seguin took the loss despite going the distance, allowing eight runs on seven hits while striking out five.
With two games remaining in the regular season, the SweatSox are in prime position to lock up second place in their tier and the coveted first-round playoff bye. To do so, they must win both of their remaining games, starting with Friday’s matchup against the Bats at Kinsmen (8:30pm).
“It’s going to take everything we’ve got,” said Bond. “But this team is ready for the challenge.”
Final SweatSox vs Coyotes IV Notes/Thoughts:
- The bats are in.
- There’s always a built-in “listening tax” whenever you pick up a new or repaired sporting good from the dude.
- Mark was not a Donahue guy.
- On a woman, the Titi is usually found in the chest area.
- Mark is a Love Island guy, Phil prefers Bluey.
- A Rockets loss to the Padres at the Stadium puts us back on track for a 1st round playoff bye if we take care of business the rest of the way.
- The last time Mike checked his phone during work hours, the GDP dropped 3%.
- Cory saw Ryan’s World before I, Shaun Keay, saw Deadpool.
- Weekend movies aren’t my thing, I’m more of a Tuesday matinee kind of guy.
- Phadnis lowercased me ?.
- Mark missed the game because he didn’t trust me to babysit.
