Game 16
The White Sox dropped their first game of the year on Saturday in a 7-4 thriller against the Culver Marina Giants. The Sox were short staffed on the day, fielding only 10 players
After spotting the Giants 5 runs, the Sox scratched out a run in the bottom of the second inning on back to back singles by
Alonzo Billips and
Lawrence Gilliam. Alonzo utilized his speed to score on a passed ball.
The Giants struck back with 2 more runs in the top of the fourth inning by stringing together a single and a double with 2 outs.
The Sox responded with a solo shot to right center field in the bottom of the fourth inning by Lawrence Gilliam. The home run was Lawrence's team leading fourth of the year.
Trailing by 5 runs in the bottom of the fifth,
Kaelin Woodard ignited a rally with a screamer that cleared the left field fence. The blast was a career first for Kaelin. With one out,
Devin Martin and
Grant Craddolph reached on errors. Alonzo followed with a ground ball to short stop, moving Devin to third base with Grant being thrown out a second. With
Jordan Strong at the plate, Devin scored on a wild pitch. Jordan showed patience at the plate and drew a walk to place runners on first and second with two outs. Lawrence delivered a single to left center field to load the bases but the Giants dug deep and squashed the rally.
The Sox went quietly in the bottom of the sixth inning to seal their fate.
Kelvin Murillo also had a hit in the game.
Quentin Collier just missed hitting his first home run of the year with a deep fly ball that landed foul into La Ballona Creek.
Pitching duties were handled by
Jibri Walden, Kelvin, Jordan, Lawrence and Grant.
Devin Martin had spectacular day in center field; handling 2 deep fly balls, and Jordan Strong was flawless on first base.
You can find the game summary
here.
Game 17
The Sox bounced back on Sunday afternoon thanks to a masterful shut-out pitching performance by
Grant Craddolph (0.44 ERA-6). The Sox beat the Ladera Braves 3-0.
Grant threw 6 innings of shutout ball; striking out 10 and allowing 3 hits and 1 walk. He now leads the team with 53 strikeouts and a .7 WHIP.
Robert Togia was solid behind the plate for 6 innings. He also threw out a runner attempting to steal.
The Sox played brilliant defense behind Grant, punctuated by a rally ending 1-3-2 double play executed by Grant, Lawrence and Robert to end the fourth inning. Shortstop,
Jibri Walden, had an assist and a put out, and Second Baseman,
Kelvin Murillo had a put out.
The Sox only mustered 3 hits in the game.
Lawrence Gilliam stroked a bloop single to left center, was hit by a pitch, and scored a run. He now
leads the team with a .525 batting average.
Alonzo Billips' bat stayed hot with a single and a run in the game. Jibri had the remaining hit and an RBI. He and Grant are tied for the team lead in RBIs with 19 a piece. Kelvin scored the remaining run.
Dominic Vasquez,
Nathan Moore, Robert, Kelvin and Grant contributed walks. Nathan earned an RBI on his walk. Lawrence and Kelvin had stolen bases.
White Sox Nation rejoiced with the return to the win column by feasting on a post game meal of tamales, chicken, and cake (thanks to Jordan's folks).
You can find the game summary
here.
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Ladera Little League White Sox
