Frederick Hustlers (13U)

The 12U Hustlers played uninspired baseball over the weekend and found themselves heading back from the Longhorn Tournament in Leesburg, VA earlier than expected. The Hustlers got a strong combined pitching effort from Nick DeLisi, Tyler Prather and Matt Cunningham under the lights on Friday night and beat a solid Fielder’s Choice team from Purcellville 5-3. With a chance to win their pool on Saturday morning, the “black and gold” came out flat and lost to PG Select 11-5. “We didn’t compete. We simply went thru the motions - it was a very disappointing performance,” noted Coach Main. One bright spot in the game, however, was the emergence of newly acquired LHP Luke Schlimm. “He’s extremely crafty. He has an idea – he’s going to be a good one,” added Main. The Hustlers responded to the challenge and showed the determination and grit that’s become a trademark of the program in the consolation game on Saturday night. Down 4-2 heading into the last inning, the Virginia Force padded their lead to 6-2 after a Hustler miscue. With the Forces’ starting pitcher still on the mound, the Hustlers went to work in the bottom of the sixth. Dustin Isanogle led off with a liner to center. DeLisi gave the Hustlers hope with a "take this" two-run homer to left center. Cunningham answered with a solo shot to left (his second of the night) sending the pitcher to the showers and the Hustler faithful into a frenzy. Down 6-5 and no outs, Tyler Prather greeted the reliever with a sharp single to left and Ryan Bennett followed with a drive to right that went off the right fielder’s glove. The Hustlers had second and third with no outs. Unfortunately, the next three hitters struck out and the rally fell short. JT Sachar gave the Hustlers a huge lift pitching four solid innings and Cunningham was outstanding in his two frames.

The Hustlers are back in action Sunday, October 4, 1:00pm and 3:00pm, at the Yellow Springs baseball complex against the MD Warriors.