On Friday night, the New Life Kings hosted Chelten United for their second matchup of the season. It was a much different feel from New Life's previous game -- the dry infield produced quick ground balls, and the Kings did not jump out to an early lead -- but a late-inning rally provided just as much excitement.
Chelten led off the game strong, with hits from the first five batters, ultimately scoring all five runners. Neither New Life baserunner crossed the plate in their half of the inning.
The top of the second inning brought the first flyout in a strange phenomenon that would reoccur throughout the game during Chelten’s at-bats. It seemed as if a large magnet had been placed in the outfield grass beyond the second baseman, as Kings right-fielder Luke and rover Dan would combine for four diving catches in that spot, hanging onto the ball on each tumble. With the help of one of those flyouts, Brandy was able to bounce back and set down the side in order.
New Life strung together four baserunners in the second to cut the lead to 5-2, but Chelten responded with three of their own in the top of the third, as Mike circled the bases with a fly ball to right-center. A lone run on three hits in the bottom of the frame reset the margin to five, with United up 8-3.
Chelten threatened again in the fourth, but the Kings escaped a bases-loaded jam with no damage. Both sides exchanged quick innings, and it seemed like the fifth would be another inning without score after K.C. snagged his second lineout double play of the game from the mound. But Stoney drew a walk and came around to score on hits from Brandy and Schyler. The two-out rally was cut short, though, and a 1-2-3 top of the sixth had New Life facing a four run deficit in the bottom of the sixth. Any comeback would need to happen soon if the Kings were to keep up their winning ways.
The Kings proved their mettle. Dan, Josh, and Luke produced hits, and with one out, Jon S provided the clutch hit of the season to date, clearing the bases and cutting the lead to one run. Jimmy brought him home to tie the game, then scampered home himself for the go-ahead run on Stoney’s third hit of the night.
So after trailing for the entirety of the game, New Life took the field for the final inning up by one run. Brandy induced two quick flyouts, but Chelten was still in the middle of their order. Ethan and K.C. each singled to right, giving Mike a chance to replicate his big hit from the third inning. On this at-bat, the ball did not leave the infield, as Brandy fielded a one-hop come-backer and tossed over to first to end the game, securing a 9-8 New Life victory.
Tyler and Ethan paced Chelten with three hits and two runs apiece. K.C. and Mike each provided two hits, with Mike leading United by contributing 3 RBIs.
In their fourth consecutive victory, the Kings showed patience with a season high 5 walks. Stoney led the way with three hits, with Jimmy, Bret, and Dan each notching two. Brandy contributed two walks, and John S’s 7th inning hit provided a team-leading 3 RBIs.
Up Next:
New Life (6-2) hosts Chelten Baptist (3-5) in a week on Friday, 6/15, for their second matchup. The Kings took the first game, 8-3.
Chelten United (5-3) will face Calvary PCA (3-6) on Wednesday, 6/13, for the first game of their season series.