Game 1 of the 2022 Sunbelt League Championship series got underway Tuesday night at Ivey Watson Field in Gainesville matching the Gainsville Gol Diggers against the Atlanta Crackers.
Gainesville went on the attack early. Cracker starter Ramsey David lasted but one inning giving up three runs in the first innings including a two run homer to Bobby Boser and a solo shot to John Anderson. After a lead off double in the second, David was replaced by Birmingham Southern reliever Davis Williams. The fourth run would score after advancing to third base on an infield single and later on a double play induced by Williams.
Williams would baffle the Gainesville hitters, scattering four hits while striking out eight over the next seven innings. Cracker manager Kevin Meistickle; “ Davis (Williams) came in and did a great job of changing speeds and keeping the hitters off-balance. Just a great job of coming in and shutting things down. The best relief outing I’ve seen in a very long time.”
Gol Digger starting pitcher Halton Hardy would be equally effective against the Cracker hitters. Hardy would pitch seven strong innings, scattering seven hits and striking out nine Cracker hitters.
Offensive highlights for the Crackers included a long solo home-run from Cam Suto in the second inning and the continued hot hitting from lead off hitter Scott Campbell. Campbell added three more hits including a bunt single that raised his batting average to .393 which leads the league. He has 42 hits on the season and 16 stolen bases. He’s also been nearly flawless in centerfield as he’s made but one error all season (.984). Meistickle on Campbell; “He’s been so consistent all year. He comes here every night. He plays hard. He cheers on his team mates. The kid has an incredible drive to just play baseball. It’s fun to watch young guys with that kind of fire. He’s been a treat to have all season. We’re here because of that kind of play.”
Several questionable calls would impact scoring opportunities for the Crackers. One play at second base where the Gol Digger second baseman appeared to be in the air when he took the throw for the force out on the front end of a double play and another in the ninth inning where Cole Smith would ground to third base but the throw appeared to pull the Gainesville first baseman off the bag. Smith was called out. The Crackers asked for help from the umpiring crew to convene to review. After all 4 umpires convened, the call would stand which brought Meistickle out to further question the call. A walk from Jamarie Brooks and a ground out to second base by Shane Newsome would end the threat and the game giving Gainesville a 4-2 win and a 1-0 lead in the best of 3 series.
Game two will be Thursday night at Stillwell Stadium at Kennesaw State. First pitch scheduled for 7:05pm. – Cracker Baseball
Cracker Baseball 