Jack Cantwell shuts the door for the Dodgers as they complete the comeback and take the 4-3 victory. pic.twitter.com/C1KuMw5PCE
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 12, 2020
By Chris Amato
In a game that started off slowly for the Dodgers Nation offense, it was the work of exceptional pitching and tremendous defense that kept them in the game until it was time to finally wake up at the plate. Going down early 3-0 and seemingly not being able to get anything started with the bats, the Dodgers could have easily accepted defeat and handed the win over. However, through some key defensive plays that kept their spark alive, the team persevered through their struggles and came up with a way to get the job done.
The scoring started early for the Gators when John King led off the game with a walk and came around to score later in the inning on a ground ball to third base off the bat of Matt Goldstein.
Then in the 2nd, the Gators were able to load the bases with no outs in the inning. What looked like a prime scoring opportunity for them was squandered when Dodger SS Ben Pilgrim made a tremendous diving grab on a line drive hit in the hole and was able to double up the runner at 3rd base. The play likely saved at least 2 runs from scoring. The Gators were however able to scratch 1 run across in the inning when Alex Hawkins came home on an overthrow by the catcher.
In the 3rd, Gator starting pitcher Ethan Albert was able to help his own cause by hitting an RBI double to the left center field gap scoring Goldstein. His hit put the Gators up 3-0.
After only being to collect 2 base hits in the first 5 innings, the Dodgers chances at a comeback facing a 3 run deficit looked slim heading into their half of the 6th.
The inning was led off on a double hit by center fielder Buckley which was then immediately followed by a Gene walk. Now with the tying run at the plate, the Dodgers were a big hit away from being right back in the game. The next two batters would both be sat down, and Andrew Criolo was able to draw an HBP which loaded the bases. In desperate need of a hit, Jack Cantwell stepped to the plate looking to get his team on the board. After going down in the count, Cantwell delivered with a single into center field that scored 2. The next batter, Ippolito, then hit a chopped ground ball to the pitcher who overthrew the first basemen allowing the tying and go-ahead run to score, sending his team up 4-3.
Cantwell would come on to pitch in the 7th looking for the save and hoping to shut the door on the Gators. After giving up a lead off single to Shane Burns and then quickly getting him to second on a sacrifice bunt by Will Signoraccio, the Gators looked like they were in business. Cantwell would eventually settle down and retire the next two batters sealing his team the victory.
The Dodgers will look to carry the momentum off this win into the final stretch of the regular season where they hope to improve their chances at a playoff bid.
