KINSMEN—The SweatSox put on a clinic Friday night at Kinsmen, dispatching the Bats 7-1 in a game that was never really in doubt. Led by a record-breaking performance from pitcher Eric White, the win propelled the SweatSox closer to securing a crucial first-round bye in the upcoming playoffs.
White was the star of the evening, delivering a 7-inning complete game masterpiece. He struck out an unprecedented 18 batters, setting a new NCBL single-game record (source: trust me bro), while scattering just five hits and allowing no earned runs. Adding to his historic outing, White also picked off a runner, playing a role in 19 of the 21 outs recorded.
“This was one of those nights where everything was clicking,” White said postgame. “But I couldn’t have done it without Phil [Leduc] behind the plate. He called an incredible game, and I trusted him with every pitch.”
Leduc, the SweatSox catcher, also etched his name into the NCBL record books, recording 18 putouts to match White’s strikeout total.
“I’ve never had that many pitches just fall perfectly into the glove,” Leduc said with a laugh. “Eric was electric tonight, and I was just happy to be part of it.”
Offensively, White was just as impactful, going 3-for-4 with a lead-off home run, two stolen bases, and two runs scored. His first-inning homer set the tone early, energizing his teammates and rattling the Bats’ starter, Cameron MacDonald.
“I wanted to start us off strong,” White said. “When I got a hold of that one, I knew we were in for a good night.”
MacDonald, co-founder of the Bats, struggled in his 5-inning outing, giving up 10 hits and five earned runs while striking out six. The lone bright spot for the Bats was shortstop Ben Bartholomew, who collected two of the team’s five hits and was the only one to avoid the strikeout barrage.
Key contributions came from several SweatSox players, including Mike Pignat, who delivered a pivotal two-run single in the third inning. “Eric’s been on fire, and I just wanted to do my part,” Pignat said, grinning. “Also, egg rolls tonight are on me!”
Trevor Williams chipped in with a 2-for-3 performance, scoring a run and driving in another, while manager Cory Bond made a game-changing move in the fifth. Subbing himself in as a pinch-runner for Larry Pawelek, Bond’s hustle led to a crucial run that kept the momentum squarely in the SweatSox’s favor.
In a moment that could have altered the course of the game, Eric White’s wife, Mrs. White, arrived at the field mid-game as Eric was in the middle of a dominant performance. Recognizing the potential distraction, she graciously chose to watch the remainder of the game from behind the Kinsmen bullpen, staying out of sight. Her selfless gesture was not only appreciated by Eric but also by the entire team, who valued her commitment to keeping the momentum intact.
“It was the ultimate team-first move,” joked White. “Justine knows how superstitious we ballplayers are, and how easily distracted I can be.”
The lone blemish in an otherwise perfect game was a dropped fly ball in right field by Steve Brown, but the miscue allowed White an opportunity to notch his record-breaking 18th strikeout.
“I did that on purpose,” Downtown teased. “I knew Eric had a chance to make history.”
With the victory, the SweatSox improved to 13-9-1 and solidified at least third place in the standings. To secure the coveted second spot and a first-round bye, the SweatSox will need a win in their final regular-season game Sunday against the Barons or some help from a Rockets loss.
“It’s all about momentum now,” Bond said. “We’re peaking at the right time, and this team is hungry for more.”
First pitch Sunday at the Stadium is set for 6:30 p.m., with Mark Bond slated to take the mound.
Final SweatSox vs Bats IV Notes/Thoughts:
- I’m not sure what’s in Larry’s dropbox, and I don’t want to find out.
- Saying it’s not spam is something a hacker who’s hacking would say.
- Many people often confuse Major League 1 with Major League 3.
- Kinsmen bombs are the new normal.
- Really, Cory is our pinch running specialist?
- The SweatSox reached base twice via a wild pitch 3rd strike.
- It’s our job to stir the pot, getting people to question the whole rotten system.
#WONTHEHYJINX