7/21/2022-Clutch relief pitching from Michael Buice and a 12th inning single from Cole Smith gives Crackers thrilling 4–3 when over Waleska Thursday night.
(Kennesaw, GA) The Crackers played the Wild Things in the continuation of a suspended game from earlier in the month Thursday night in Kennesaw. The two teams would stay in a 2–2 deadlock from the eighth inning until the 12th. Cracker Reliever Michael Buice pitched four scoreless, hitless innings to hold Waleska until the Crackers could break through in the 12th for the win.
The extra inning rule of placing a runner at second base to begin the inning is once again in place in the Sunbelt League. Cracker reliever Ryan Suppa began the 12th inning in relief of Buice. After giving up a lead off single which would not score the runner at second base, he would retire Micah Morgan on a pop up but walk WildThings centerfielder Brett Blomquist to load the bases. Suppa would walk Landon Underhill on five pitches to force in the go ahead run making the score 3-2 in Waleska’s favor. Cracker pitching coach Steve Autry on Suppa’s 12th inning walk. “The first one (walk) was a bit of strategy. The second walk was just a mistake. Supp (Suppa) has been off a few days due to sickness. He was well rested but for a guy who normally throws daily, he was almost too rested. He said he felt really strong. He’s been lights out all summer and dang near perfect. It happens sometimes to guys when they feel stronger due to rest. The command takes a bit of a hit. He’ll be fine and ready to go the next game. He’s got a warrior mentality and always wants the ball. He’ll be fine.” Suppa would go on to strike out the last hitter of the inning to send the game into the bottom of the 12th to give the Crackers one more shot at either tying or winning the game.
Cracker Third baseman Shane Newsom would sacrifice bunt base runner Ethan Kavanagh to third base to give the Crackers two chances to tie the game. Cracker Corey Lee would then be hit by a pitch to put runners at first and third. Lee would then steal second base to put the go ahead run at second. Cracker shortstop Cole Smith would quickly get down in the count no balls and two strikes to Waleska reliever Micah Morgan. Just trying to protect the plate with an O-2 count , Smith would single into right field just beyond the reach of the Waleska second baseman, scoring Kavanagh and Lee to complete the walk off 4-3 win for the Crackers. Cracker manager Kevin Meistickle on the win. “A nice team win for us. Newsome got that bunt down. Corey (Lee) with some smart base running and Smith put that ball in play and found a hole to win it. Buice held Waleska for four innings. This doesn’t happen without that. Like I said, a nice team win where multiple guys did their jobs to help with the win. And how about (Scott) Campbell? Three more hits for him. He’s having a really good summer and playing great in the outfield.” Campbell currently leads the SBL with a .380 batting average. He also leads the league in hits with 30 and runs with 24.
The Crackers return to action Saturday in Brookhaven. First pitch set for 6:35 at Hermance Stadium at Oglethorpe University. –Cracker Baseball
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