The Rotten Bananas recorded their 2^nd straight win to start the season, by beating Team Hartglass 5-1 on a beautiful Spring afternoon on Saturday. After a quick strikeout to open the game, Matt A smacked a single to left. Matt was erased on a fielder’s choice by Sam R., and after a single by Tyler M., and Gianni R. reaching base, the Rotten Bananas had the bases juiced with 2 outs. Sam R. was able to steal home, but that was all the scoring that would take place as the Team Hartglass’ pitcher, Sam Z. struck out the last batter of the inning to keep two Rotten Bananas on base. Trying to help himself, Sam Z. led off Team Hartglass’ half of the inning with a single, but Tyler M, in his first start of the year, struck out 2 of the next 3 batters, with the other out coming on a nice catch by the Banana’s rightfielder, Zach H.

            The Rotten Banana’s were able to put 3 more on the board in the top of the second, as Robbie P, Zach H., and Ethan B. were able to score with a key RBI by Nick C. Team Hartglass looked like they might have something going, as after two quick strikeouts by Tyler M., Dan H. singled, and Andrew M. walked, but the threat was ended when first baseman Ethan B, caught a line drive to end the inning.

            Sam B came in to pitch the 3^rd and the Rotten Banana’s were able to work out another run, as Matt A, opened up the inning with his second single in a row, and came home on a single by Tyler M. Tyler was doing it on both sides of the field, as in his 3^rd and last inning of work, he struck out the side, and after 3, the Rotten Bananas held a 5-0 lead.

            Hard throwing Sam B. was still on the mound, and although some of the Banana’s hitters were able to make some contact, Team Hartglass was flashing the leather as the Bananas went down in order in the 4^th. Sam R. then took the mound for the Bananas and Wyatt G. greeted him with a hard single. After a walk to Jason H, Sam R. settled down a bit and recorded the next two outs via strikeouts. But after a walk to Dan H., Team Hartglass was threatening with the bases loaded and two outs. Wyatt G. showed his speed as he stole home, and Team Hartglass was on the board. But Sam R. came back to strike out the last batter, and it was 5-1 after 4.

            That would be all the scoring in the game, as Sam B, true to his name, blanketed the Rotten Bananas lineup as he retired the last 10 batters he faced with a little help from Jason H, who needed only one pitch to finish off the 3-2 count inherited from Sam, due to pitch count. Though maybe not as dominating, Sam R, of the Rotten Bananas, got through the last 2 innings with only a walk in each inning to preserve the win. Nice job by both teams on 'a beautiful day for baseball!’