Joey Linn - FCA

Game Summary

The Shepherds opened their 2019 summer season on Saturday June 1st against the South Bay Sliders. After the first inning, the game had the feeling of a potential offensive showcase. Both teams got on the board early and had dynamic offensive innings. This early indication turned out to be very misleading, as both teams went scoreless for the next 4 innings. Runs came at a premium throughout this matchup, as both teams had plenty of baserunners but failed to cash in on multiple scoring chances. It was ultimately the Shepherds hit parade in the 7th that broke a 5-inning hitless streak, and pushed the lead out to 4. The Shepherds would go on to add an insurance run in the 8th and hold on to win 6-1.

Moments that mattered

Switch hitting shortstop Sebastian Dunn lit a fire under the team after lining a leadoff double into the corner on the first pitch he saw in the 1st. He would eventually come around to score the first and only run for the Shepherds in the first 5 innings.

On the hill for the Sheps was right hander Philip Wall. Wall went 5 IP’s, 3 H, 4 K’s, and 0 ER. His impressive start kept his team in the game while they were struggling to score runs.

As earlier mentioned, it was the bottom half of the 7th when the Shepherds finally broke through offensively. Spark plug, Sawyer Smith led off the inning with a walk and soon after stole 2nd base. After a fly out that didn’t advance Smith, Dunn stepped back up to the plate. Hitting from the left side this time, Dunn jumped all over a 2-2 pitch and lined it into the right field corner for an RBI triple. This led to an RBI infield single from Colton Back, and a 3 run inning for the Shepherds.

Next Game

The next game for the Shepherds will be on June 4th, again at Biola against the Sparrows. It will be streamed on Facebook Live through the FCA So Cal Baseball Facebook page.