Game 4 (3/17) vs. Mets

Heading into the top of the sixth, the Cubs trailed the Mets by three runs and things looked bleak on a warm St. Patrick's Day evening in Irvine. However, the Cubs broke out the hitting Shellelaghs, with Mario, Michael, Kaden and Anon ripping consecutive singles, and came back to tie the game. After holding the tie in the bottom of the frame, the Mets were able to push across a single run in the bottom of the seventh, giving them a hard-fought 7-6 extra inning win over the Cubs.

On the mound, Michael got things started with two strong innings, including 5 strikeouts. Mario came in and threw two solid innings. Anon showed grit in his first stint at pitcher in the fifth, and Sean closed out the game, including shutting out the Mets in the bottom of the sixth to get us to extra innings.

At the plate, the sixth inning heroics of Mario, Michael, Kaden and Anon were not the only highlights. In the first inning, Michael and Kaden each stroked two-out singles, with Michael eventually scoring following walks to Anon and Matthew. In the second, Zach was hit with a hard pitch in the back, but got his revenge by stealing second, stealing third and scoring on a throwing error by the catcher. Mario led off the third by ripping a triple and scored on an RBI by Kaden. Kanade laid down two textbook bunts, including one for a single and one to move a runner. Matthew had an RBI walk and Matt drew a key walk. Wyatt put up a strong at bat in the sixth and Brandon nearly beat out an infield hit.

On defense, Matthew closed out the first inning with a great running stab of a liner at first base. Anon made a similar great snag on a screaming liner a couple of innings later at second base. Kaden made a great diving tag at home to catch a basestealer and Michael at catcher and Sean at pitcher combined to throw out a stealing baserunner from third in the bottom of the sixth inning to preserve the tie (photo). Michael also turned in an unassisted double play at first base.

Awards:
Effort: Kanade, with two bunts, one for a hit and one to move a runner
Energy: Mario, who hit the ball hard three times, scored two runs, and got the game tying rally started in the sixth
Focus: Michael and Sean, who recognized the potential game winning run on a delayed steal from third and combined to record the out, preserve the tie and end the inning
Physical Toughness: Zach, for wearing one for the team then creating a run on the bases
Mental Toughness: Anon, who while having a little trouble finding his control, told his coach "I still want to pitch" to stay in the game, and then delivered the game tying-single the next inning.