Williams Tosses a Gem
What do you get when the state's best pitching staff clashes with one of the state's most prolific hitting teams? You get the most exciting Barons game of the 2006 season. The Barons faced the league leading Rainiers Grey and their dominating pitching staff that had surrendered only 36 runs in their previous 16 games. The Barons were forced to meet that daunting task short handed. Five of the Barons regulars were missing from the lineup leaving coach Cassill with only nine players to face the Rainiers' Ace. The Barons countered with freshman Josh Williams. He and his teammates were ready for the challenge. Williams toyed with the Rainiers' hitters for six scoreless hitless innings. Entering the seventh the score remained tied at 0-0. With two outs Jay Skilton and Aaron Knapp worked walks. The Rainiers elected to load the bases by intentionally walking Zack Gagnon who already had two hits on the day. This decision proved to be fatal. Mike Buck stepped to the plate and delivered a line drive single to plate Skiliton. Justin Lee then walked to score Knapp. Catcher Carson Walbert then drove a three run double to deep right field. The devastating blow was Walbert's third hit of the day. Williams entered the bottom of the seventh with a five run cushion and a no hitter. Unfortunately, he was fatigued and unable to complete the game. He was relieved by Knapp who allowed the only Rainiers' hit of the day, a double that plated the runner he inherited The 5-1 victory was Williams fourth of the season. He threw six innings of no-hit baseball without striking out a single hitter. The Barons played spectacular errorless defense behind him. Anthony Tomyn and Justin Lee ran down numerous drives in the gap. Zack Gagnon made three diving plays. Jay Skilton made a play for the ages and John Boire stuffed a Rainer base runner while jumping to snag an errant throw. The Barons now have fifteen wins and four losses. The loss was the Rainiers second of the year.
Added on June 24, 2006 by 21SDAD
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