Top Gun Spring Nationals G2: Canes 11, Blue Sox 12U 8

Let's play a little "caption this" contest. Anyone got any guesses?

No, Coach Sean didn't utilize his between-games free time to brush up on his electric slide. And he wasn't demonstrating how he once hung ten on the big waves in Maui. See if this adds a little context:

The Canes used the between-games down time to do a little base running work, which needed some improvement after the first game. It paid dividends in a much more crisp second game on the bases (if not in the field), as the Canes came back for an 11-8 win over the Blue Sox.

After a rout in the first game, this one required a comeback. The Blue Sox took advantage of some defensive miscues (they scored four runs on zero hits in the second) to build a 7-4 lead after two innings and 8-5 after three. But the Canes offense exploded for five runs in the fourth and held on for the victory.

They also tightened up the defense after making four errors in the first two innings. Over the final three frames, with Brady on the mound firing strikes, they made just one error, and even that one miscue turned into an immediate out when the runner got too adventurous.

The 2-0 record in pool play gives the Canes the second overall seed, and they will hit the field again on Sunday morning at 10:45.

Game 2 Canes scoring plays

First inning

Jake singled and stole second, then hustled all the way around to score on a routine fielder's choice. Gavin stole second. Chace drove him in with a single. Drew singled. Ashton's ball to the left side scored Chace.

Score after one-half inning: Canes 3, Blue Sox 0

Second inning

Asher reached, then went to third on Jake's double and scored on Bryce's sacrifice fly.

Score after one and a half innings: Canes 4, Blue Sox 3

Third inning
Chace singled and went to second on a wild pitch. A fielder's choice moved him to third, where he scored on Ben's fielder's choice.
Score after two and a half innings: Blue Sox 7, Canes 5

Fourth inning
Asher walked and stole second. Bryce scored him with a one-out RBI single. Bryce stole second and third, Gavin walked and stole second, and Chace scored Bryce with a fielder's choice. Elias dropped down a gorgeous bunt single and stole second. Ben's sacrifice fly scored Chace. A passed ball plated Eli.
Score after three and a half innings: Canes 10, Blue Sox 8

Fifth inning
Jake singled and stole second. Bryce singled and Jake hustled around to score.
Score after four and a half innings: Canes 11, Blue Sox 8

Pitching Performances

Ashton pitched two strong innings while working through some defensive issues.

Brady fired three stellar innings of relief.

Dugout wisdom
The Canes offense broke out the rally snipers early in this game.

Jake was a part of the rally snipers, but when he saw a picture was being taken, he suddenly disappeared. He returned a few seconds later.

"OK," he said. "I had to get my hat. My hair looks hideous."

Game 2 Web Gems

• Colin ranged up the middle to scoop up a grounder in the third, then fired to first, where Chace dug it out to retire the hitter.
• Chace sneakily allowed an overthrow at first, which tempted the runner into dashing for second and then going for third, where he was promptly eliminated by a terrific long throw to JT, who slapped the tag on him.
• Gavin made a running, diving, sprawling, rolling (MadSports!) catch in left to finish out the game.

Game 2 line score	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H
Canes	3	1	1	5	1	X	11	11
Blue Sox	3	4	1	0	0	X	8	6