Babson Park, FL – The 6th-ranked Webber Warriors opened post-season play as they took on Crooked Lake rivals, Warner on Thursday afternoon.
Blayne Huter got the start on the mound for the Warriors, getting to work with two quick outs, before the Royals doubled to get one on base. A pitch down main street kept Warner from scoring as the Warriors headed to the plate. The Warriors responded with a hit of their own, as Ian Kalman singled through the 5-6 hole.
Two strikeouts and a flyout kept the Royals from scoring in the top of the 2nd inning.
The Warriors will have a short break before heading into the SUNC tournament, beginning May 2nd. Brodey Neveker added a hit to the board, before a fielder's choice put Joseph Becker aboard with two outs. A walk for Gabriel Cruz put two on, before the Royals got the final out of inning number two.
The Royals took the lead with a run in the top of the 3rd and 4th innings. Becker led off the bottom of the 5th inning with a single to center field. A stolen base and fielder's choice put runners on the corners with no outs. A Richard Rodriguez single to left field scored Becker – cutting the Royals' lead to one. A sac bunt for Christian Campbell scored Cruz to even the score late in the game.
Warner led off the 6th inning with a double. Huter responded with three straight outs to keep the game tied as the Warriors went back to work. Brodey Neveker gave the Warriors their first lead of the day with a solo shot over the left field wall.
Huter kept the Warriors ahead with a quick 1-2-3 inning. Gabriel Cruz got on base with a lead off bunt in the bottom of the 7th inning. A sac bunt for R. Rodriguez moved the runner into scoring position. Camren Carroll singled to left field, scoring Cruz and extending the Warriors' lead to two.
Thomas Nelson came in to pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning for the Warriors. The Royals got two on before a double play and a strikeout put Webber back on offense. Back-to-back hits for the Warriors set up Neveker for a 2 RBI single to left field. Cruz doubled down the right side, scoring Neveker to make it 7-2 for the Warriors.
Nelson closed the game with a swift 9th inning, picking up two more strikeouts and a popout.
The Warriors will be back to take on the winner of game three, which is set to take place tonight at 6 PM.
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