An hour rain delay did not dampen the enthusiasm shown by the fans when Rich Walker was given his moment to bask in the glory of his Perfect Game Friday night in Fort McMurray. The Prospects offence seemingly took it as a challenge. A 4-run first followed by a 6-run second inning was just the tip of the offensive explosion on Saturday night. When it was all said and done, 21 runs crossed the plate for the Prospects. The Prospects franchise was founded in 2005 but the WMBL stats page only goes back to the 2010. Unofficially this is the highest run total put up by the Prospects in franchise history.
Before we go into the plethora of offensive exploits let us first give due to the pitching performance of Prospect starter Connor Burns. His longest and arguably best start of the season saw him go 7 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits while fanning 7 batters. Burns retired his first 6 batters faced before giving up his only three runs of the night in the 3rd inning. Recovering from the runs against Burns would retire 7 consecutive Melville Millionaires.
Mathieu Brisson made his 2018 debut for the Prospects relieving Burns on the mound. Only Nate Doleman reached base during Brisson’s 1 2/3 innings played. Now let’s talk about the offence.
Seven (7!) starters and two pinch-hitters collected RBI! Michael Gahan led the team with 4 hits and 6 RBI. Eric Crain hit a rare RE/MAX Field home run. Daylen Calicdan and Anthony Cusati both drew 3 walks!
First Inning:
With the bases loaded, Cusati walked bringing home the first run of the night. Gahan singled bringing home two then Crain hit a sacrifice fly making it 4-0.
Second Inning:
The Prospects loaded the bases again. Spillman walked bringing home the fifth run of the night. Gahan would again single home two runners making it 7-0 Prospects. Crain would clear the bases with a 3-run homer.
Fifth Inning:
A Percy Liu double scored two runs. Three batters later Liu scored on a fielder’s choice. Gahan collected RBI number 5 singling home Daylen Calicdan making the score 14-3.
Sixth Inning:
With the bases loaded, a Tony Olson hit ball caused one of 5 Melville errors in the game and brought home two more runs. Spillman took the team in lead in sacrifice flies with 3 and made the score 17-3. Gahan drew a bases loaded walk. The first at-bat in a Prospects uniform for Beaux Guilbeau was a RBI out making it 19-3.
Eighth Inning:
Once again the Prospects loaded the bases. With 2-out, Gio Villaneuva singled bringing home Spillman and Jake MacDonald. That would end the scoring on a historic 21-3 game.
The leader of the offensive charge with 4 hits and 6 RBI Michael Gahan earns the Player Of The Game nod.
Tuesday July 3rd: Melville Millionaires 7PM First Pitch at RE/MAX Field
