Gamers Split Versus Shockers

Lynbrook, NY - The Gamers flexed their offensive muscle early on in easily defeating the Shockers 20-8 in the first game of a doubleheader that marked their return to action after nearly a month of inactivity. However, their bats went cold towards the end of the second game as they disappointingly dropped a game they could have won, 17-18.

In the first game the Gamers benefitted from being handed a season high 7 walks, including 2 each for leadoff hitting random peep, Mark Wan, and pitcher Craig Shames. With so many runners on base, sluggers like Rob Rathbun, John Schultz, Ian Zeigler, and Kale Buckley were able to take advantage with homeruns including a grand slam by Schultz. Rob Roll added 3 hits, Scott Zimmerman 2, and Scotty Goldsmith and Zac Nicholson one a piece as the Gamers collected 18 base knocks in the game.

In the second game, the Gamers had a six run second inning and 7 run third inning to take an early 13-10 lead. Their lead wouldn't last long though as the Shockers put together a 7 run rally in their half of the fourth inning to take a two run lead. The Gamers came back right away with a 2 run double by Craig Shames that tied the game in the bottom half of the inning. But they wouldn't score over the final two innings as the Shockers got successive doubles in the top of the seventh inning for the winning margin.

Offensively, the Gamers were lead by Scott Goldsmith who went 3 for 4 with a grand slam, Brian Malfettone (3 for 4, 3 runs scored), Craig Shames (3 for 3, 5 rbis), Scott Zimmerman (2 for 3, 2 rbis), and John Schultz 3 for 4 with 2 rbis. Both Rob Roll and Rob Rathbun chipped in two hits including a homerun for Roll and Mark Wan scored two runs.

But unfortunately the Gamers were ultimately undone by baserunning gaffes and the field conditions as three runners were gunned down trying to take extra bases and slugger Ian Ziegler hit three foul ball homeruns that were automatic outs including one that landed on the front windshield of a passing car.

The Gamers (7-3) who have alredy clinched a playoff spot and in all likelihood the number 3 seed will conclude the regular season next week when they meet the Game Face for the second time this year.