Eastside Baseball Outlasts Cedar Key 12-11

The Eastside varsity baseball team defeated the Sharks from Cedar Key 12-11 on Tuesday night. The Rams are nearing the end of their season as they have only two games remaining.

Early Dominance for Eastside

The first inning saw both teams score one run and leave base runners stranded. However, the action would pick up in the bottom of the second. The Rams were getting hit by pitches, being walked and getting hits. Errors from the Sharks did not help Eastside slow down as the Rams would lead 7-1 early.

Bottom of 2nd— Infield single and a wild pitch scores 2. Followed by 2 RBI triple and another infield single. Eastside in the lead 7-1.

— Isabella Mascioli (@isamascioli23) April 18, 2023

Getting On Base

The momentum for the Rams would not slow down as they looked to put the Sharks away. The Rams easily found scoring chances as batters continuously got on base. The OBP looked good for the Rams on Tuesday and the scoreboard reflected it. Six batters would get walked throughout the game and almost every time a wild pitch followed. Eastside had no trouble scoring, but their defense and substitutions would bring the score close.

Huge Comeback

After Eastside’s impressive start, Cedar Key faced a seven-run deficit entering the fifth inning. With a comfortable lead, the Rams seemed to take their foot off the gas. They made multiple defensive substitutions, including a pitching change. The Sharks took advantage of the changes. Cedar Key pushed across only one run in the top of the fifth, but followed with an offensive explosion in the next inning. The Sharks scored six runs in the sixth to tie the game. Multiple errors by the Eastside substitutes allowed Cedar Key to round the bases with ease. The Sharks also feasted on the Rams’ new pitcher, tallying six hits in the inning, including a game-tying 2-RBI double.

Big 6th inning for the sharks as they tie the game 11-11 and look to get 3 quick outs and keep their momentum rolling.

— Isabella Mascioli (@isamascioli23) April 19, 2023

Wild Finish for Eastside

With the game now tied at 11 and Cedar Key possessing all the momentum, Eastside needed a resurgence. They brought the starters back in to hit in the bottom of the sixth inning, and they delivered. Rowan McDonald drew a two-out walk and stole second the next pitch to put the winning run in scoring position. Senior Nicholas Eichel stepped in and blasted a triple into left field, scoring McDonald from second and retaking the lead for the Rams.

Eastside closed the game out in the top of the seventh inning to secure a 12-11 victory. The Rams will look to keep their playoff push going as they travel to P.K. Yonge next Tuesday.