The Moeller Crusaders baseball squad took a trip to the Panthers Athletic Complex this evening to take on their GCL opponent Elder Panthers. This was the second meeting between the two GCL heavyweights, the first of which the Crusaders lost 12-1 back in the beginning of April, this time around would be much different.
The first inning started off well for the Crusaders as Zach F. '21 was able to get on base by way of an error in the field and eventually score from second base on a hard roundball to second base by Blane N. '22. The Crusaders were able to maintain their 1-0 lead after making quick work of the Panthers in the bottom of the first. Through the 2nd and third innings the Crusaders were having trouble getting anything going offensively and Elder was able to capitalize and take the lead with 2 runs in the bottom of the second and 1 run in the bottom of the third. Heading into the fourth inning the score was 3-1 Elder, but a big Crusade was coming.
Moeller was able to string together a multitude of hits in the top of the fourth inning including a 2-run triples from both Griff C. '22 and Blane N. '22, who also had a single to begin the inning. These three hits coupled with a double from Toby H. '23, a singles from Nathan M. '23 and several walks helped the Crusaders score 7 runs and take the lead 8-3 over the Panthers after hiding them scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, but the Crusaders offense was far from finished. In the 5th, Toby H. '23 and Griff C. '22 got on base both with singles and Keelan D. '22 drove them both in with a screaming ground ball that got past the second baseman and made its way into right field. After another scoreless inning for the Panthers, the Fighting Crusaders were now leading 10-3 heading into the top of the 6th where Moeller would add even more runs to the tally.
After two quick outs, Toby H. '23 was walked and advanced by Griff C. who singled into left field. Toby H. '23 was then able to show off his awareness and speed and scored off an error made by the Panthers catcher. The bases were then loaded due to three consecutive walks by the Elder pitcher which led to Griff C. '22 scoring and then Cole R. '21 was able to capitalize with a 2-run single scoring both Keelan D. '22 and Nathan M. '23.
The mercy rule in high school is 10 runs after five innings, and trailing 14-3 going into the bottom of the 6th, Elder had one last chance to keep this game alive, but closing pitcher Nate G. '22 was having none of it. The junior came in and struck out two of the Elder batters and the game was concluded on a fly ball out to centerfield, a routine catch for senior Cole R. Moeller defeats the Elder Panthers by a score of 14-3 in 6 innings to improve to 9-4 (3-1) on the year and take first place in the GCL south. They are back in a action taking on the Panthers again at Schuler Sports Complex on Wednesday, first pitch at 5:00pm.
Notable Performances:
Ryan B. '22 (P): 3.0IP, 1H, 3SO
Nate G. '22 (P): 1.0IP, 1H, 2SO
Toby H. '23 (2B): 3-3 hitting (1 Double), 3RS
Blane N. '22 (SS): 4-3 hitting (1 Triple), 3RBI, 3RS
Griff C. '22 (DH): 4-3 hitting (1 Triple), 2RBI, 3RS
