Speaking with press before the game, White Sox starting center-fielder, Lawrence "Cadillac" Gilliam said, "I owe the Braves big time. I have unfinished business." You may recall that Lawrence did not play in the last season's finale against the Braves due to a broken nose suffered during pre-game warm up. "I'm bringing my buddy, Mr. Combat, today! They used to call me Cadillac, now they just call me 'Lac", Lawrence added.
The hard throwing Jibri "J-Breezy" Walden got the start on the mound for the White Sox. Rookie sensation, Nikelle Galatas, got the start for the Braves.
Nikelle was in top form in the top of the first, surrendering only a walk to White Sox lead off batter, Kelvin Murillo, in the top of the first inning. He struck out the next two batters and Gary McCoy threw out Kelvin on a steal attempt to close the side.
The opportunistic Braves struck for 2 runs in the bottom of the first inning. Jaylen Johnson drew a walk and was singled in by Derek Marshall. Aaron Greenfield, who was hit by a pitch, displayed his veteran base running skills and stole home for the second run. Jibri Walden struck out 2 in the inning and through to starting catcher, Robert "Big Rob" Togia, for a force out at the plate for an out.
Down two runs, White Sox clean-up hitter, Lawrence Gilliam, and his buddy Mr. Combat, delivered on their pre-game promise and ignited a rally with a lead off double to left center field. Kaelin Woodard and Nathan Moore followed with walks to load the bases. Braves pitcher, Nikelle, settled in to get the next two batters on strikes. With two outs, White Sox starting first baseman,Jordan Strong stepped to the plate with the bases loaded. With the count full, 3-2, Jordan stroked a towering fly ball over the left field fence for a GRAND SLAM HOME RUN. The dinger was the first of Jordan's career. White Sox Nation went berserk. Kelvin followed with a shot to center field that was nicely handled by Braves center fielder Jordan Crisp.
The Sox made quick work of the Braves in the bottom of the 2nd inning. After a lead-off walk to Braves catcher, Gary McCoy, catcher Robert Togia threw a bullet to shortstop Grant "G Money" Craddolph to nail Gary attempting to steal second base. Jibri buckled down and struck out the next batter. Jordan handled a ground ball to first base for the third out of the inning.
Grant Craddolph got the party started for the Sox in the top of the third with a walk. Braves speedster, Jordan Crisp, relived Nikelle on the mound. Jibri sent a fly ball to right field that was caught for out number 1. Lawrence's bat stayed hot as he delivered an RBI double to left center-field to score Grant. The Braves defense toughened, allowing only a walk to Alonzo Billips, before closing out the inning.
Dominic Vasquez entered the game in left field, Alonzo entered at second base, Quentin Collier took over in right field, and Devin Martin manned center field for the bottom half of the third. Lawrence moved to first base, Kelvin to third and Jordan to left field. The Braves scrambled to load the bases but the rally was extinguished on 3 strikeouts by Jibri. At the end of three innings, the score stood 5-2 White Sox.
Braves pitcher, Jordan Crisp, befuddled White Sox batters in the top of the fourth, striking out the side on 13 pitches.
White Sox closer, Grant Craddolph, relieved Jibri on the mound to start the fourth inning. Alonzo relieved Robert behind the plate. Robert moved the second base. Grant showed mid season form in his debut. The Sox defense stood firm behind him with ground ball put outs by Kaelin and Robert throwing to Lawrence at first. Grant took care of the third out with a strike out.
The White Sox sent the meat of the lineup to the plate to start the fifth. Grant drew a walk to get the ball rolling. Jibri followed with a single to left field. Lawrence, sent a blooper to left field to score Grant and collect his 2nd RBI of the day. Kaelin drew a walk to load the bases. Alonzo showed great presence at the plate to draw an RBI walk, scoring Jibri. Rookie, Matthew Hamilton, collected the first RBI of his majors career with a ground ball to second base that scored Lawrence.
The Braves went quietly again in the bottom of the fifth. Lawrence handled a bouncer to first base for out number 1. Grant recorded a strikeout for out number two, and Alonzo threw out a runner attempting to steal third base for the last out.
The White Sox offense sputtered in the top of the 6th, with only a single by Kelvin.
Closer, Grant Craddolph, returned to the mound with fire in his eye to close out the game. He made quick work of the Braves, retiring the side on strikes to secure the victory for the Sox.
The victory takes the White Sox to 1-0 on the young season and tied them with the Ladera Diamond Backs who beat the MLK Mets later in the day.
Game balls go to the following players:
Jordan Strong for stroking the Grand Salami and turning the tide in the game and solid work on first base.
Lawrence Gilliam for going 3-3 and collecting 2 RBIs.
Jibri Walden for excellent starting pitching.
Grant Craddolph for closing out the game.
The stats site is up and can be found at: http://home.roadrunner.com/~lgrhythm/WS10/default.htm
I will send an email with definitions for the stats categories shortly.
You can also always find the link at the bottom of the emails.
You can find the play by play for the game by clicking here.
Thanks to Craddolph family for providing the snacks.
Thanks to team photographer, Celeste. We'll be looking for the photos soon.
Thanks to WHITE SOX NATION for keeping the spirits up during the game.
We'll see you out at practice on Tuesday.
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Ladera Little League White Sox
2010 White Sox Stats
http://LaderaWhiteSox.blogspot.com - Blog
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http://LaderaWhiteSox.blogspot.com - Blog
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