Opening Day
May 1, 2012
All season we will be choosing a Game of the Day to feature in our reports. These games will be based on exciting finishes, outstanding accomplishments, and, as the season goes along, the best teams.
The Season Opener and Game of the Day:
In a low-scoring league premier, the Houston Slammers blasted their way to a 4-3 win in the bottom of the ninth. Hayden George hit a one-out, two-RBI single to give the hometown team a win its opening game.
Houston opened up the scoring in the first when Evan Guerehan went deep. Richmond tied the game in the fifth with an RBI single by Clinton Vickers, but Houston retook the lead when Neal Astley singled in Chris Olson.
The Robins were down to their last out in the ninth when James Barrett doubled. Ray Bailey then hit the Robins’ first home run of the season to take the 3-2 lead. In the bottom of the ninth, Christian Holmes led off with a single and was replaced by James Kelley as a pinch runner. Astley followed with a single. Bob Chase then singled, but Kelley was thrown out at home plate. Astley advanced to third and Chase moved to second on the throw. Then George ended the game with his two-RBI single.
Outstanding players of the game:
Ray Bailey, Richmond, 2-run home run in the 9th
Hayden George, Houston, 2-5, 2 RBI
Evan Guerehan, Houston, 2-4, HR, R, RBI
Neal Astley, Houston, 2-4, R, RBI