Bottom Of Falcons Order Shines In District Win Over Cypress Bay

What started out as an exciting game, with Cypress Bay tying the score at 3-3 after three innings, turned into a mercy-rule shortened five inning contest, when Flanagan’s bats erupted for fifteen runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

“They made some plays early and we didn’t,” said winning coach Ray Evans. “We got on top of our guys because our pitcher shouldn’t be in a 3-3 game when he is throwing the way he was. We had three errors out there that just made me sick to my stomach.”

Cypress Bay came out swinging in the bottom of the first when a pair of infield singles, an outfield error, and Forrest Misler’s RBI single gave the Lightning an early 2-0 lead. However, the bottom third of the Falcons lineup got things going in the second as they each singled with two down, and along with lead off hitter Ricky Santiago’s double produced three runs to take a 3-2 lead after one and half innings.

A third inning double down the right field line by Cypress Bay’s Jay Woo, his second hit on the night, was followed by a pair of errors and the score was even at three a piece. Flanagan starter, Mike Emigh, got out of the jam with a pair of strikeouts stranding runners on first and third.

Once again it was the bottom three Flanagan batters who started things for the Falcons in the top of the fourth. With one down, designated hitter Matthew Beauchemin legged out an infield hit. He scored when Robert Collin clubbed an RBI triple to right center. Collin then scored on Alfredo Lozada’s RBI single to center. Three Cypress Bay errors and a pair of Flanagan doubles upped the score to 10-3 after three and half innings.

“Our bats woke up a little bit and we started to hit the ball when we figured out the lefty (Cypress Bay starter Zach Fraley). And then the next guy came in and he threw a little bit harder, but we hit him pretty well,” said Coach Evans.

After a scoreless Lightning fourth, the hot Falcons bats continued their long ball barrage in the fifth, scoring eight more runs on seven hits, including three doubles. Andres Sanchez’ grand slam home run highlighted the inning.

“I was looking for a fastball and got one down and in, that’s where I like them and I hit it real good,” said Sanchez.

Flanagan’s bottom three hitters went 10-for-12, with seven RBI’s and nine runs scored. Beauchemin went 4-4 with three runs scored batting in the seventh hole. The Falcons eighth hitter, Colin was 3-4 with a single, double and triple, almost hitting for the cycle. Batting in the nine hole, Lozada went 3-4 with three runs and an RBI.

“The bottom of the lineup has been hitting the ball real well,” said Evans, adding, “Now we just have to get the top of the lineup to do the same.”

Flanagan did get production from their lead-off hitter Santiago, who went 4-for-5, including three doubles and two RBI.

The Falcons starter Mike Enigh went five innings and picked up the win. He yielded three runs and six hits while setting down seven on strikes. Despite the three early runs, Enigh was pleased with his performance.

“I settled down after a shaky first and got into a decent groove,” said Enigh. “I was happy with the seven strikeouts and no walks. A win always feels good.”

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