On Monday morning, the Kingsmen played their third game in the Dominican Republic against Buena Vista in La Romana. The atmosphere was electric as the team invited their new friends from Orfanto Niños de Cristo and Orfanto Niñas de Cristo to come watch them play. In front of the crowd, the Kingsmen were hoping to put on a show. Starting pitcher Caleb Cox delivered.
The lefty from North Greenville was excellent all game long, tossing a complete game shutout. After allowing two hits in the first inning, Cox would go on to strike out 13 batters––including six in a row––while issuing just two free passes. With the start likely to be Cox’s final appearance of the season, it was undoubtedly his best one.
To back up their starter’s phenomenal outing, the Kingsmen offense put up eight runs with four coming in the second inning. After a Mikah Conner single to lead off the second, the Kingsmen reached base four more times on two walks and two hit batsmen. Each runner would score on a wild pitch as the Kingsmen jumped out to an early 4-0 advantage.
The offense would add another run in the third after Cam Troyer tripled to lead off the inning and Bryce Frederick drove him in with a sac fly. After going down quietly in the fourth, the Kignsmen plated another in the fifth thanks to a Blake Bevis RBI double that scored Troyer, who led off the frame with a base knock.
Entering the seventh and final inning with a six run lead, Ryan Fluharty launched a ball down the right field line that kicked up some chalk. The Kingsmen infielder would make it all the way around the bases for an inside-the-park two-run home run to cap the Kingsmen’s offensive outburst. Cox would set the opposition down in order in the bottom of the inning to secure the 8-0 victory.
Following the game, Coach Joe Hudak spoke to both teams about the Kingsmen’s mission and faith in Jesus Christ. Additionally, Tyler Baker shared his testimony to both teams before the Kingsmen gifted Buena Vista with New Testaments. Luckily for the visiting children from Orfantos Niños de Cristo and Orfantos Niñas de Cristo, the Kingsmen had a few extra Bibles that they distributed to everyone. After a picture with both the kids and Buena Vista, the Kingsmen said their goodbyes, thanking Jesus for another day of baseball, laughter, and good company.
Stay tuned for more Kingsmen Baseball news and updates as the team enters their final week in the Dominican Republic.
Coach Joe Hudak Postgame Comments:
