by Trevor Dugan
The LI Bandits and NBNM Rebels faced off at Wantagh Park Saturday afternoon in an ECYB Fall matchup.
The Bandits grabbed an early advantage in the top of the first inning. With a runner on third base, Partick Barbarite was able to drive in a runner on a sacrifice fly to right field, giving the Bandits a 1-0 lead.
Bandits take an early lead on a sac fly off the bat of Patrick Barbarite
Bandits 1 – Rebels 0
Mid first pic.twitter.com/e7EUoM462e— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 5, 2024
The Rebels were able to erase that 1-0 deficit very quickly, and build a lead of their own in the bottom of the first. A whopping nine runs scored in the first inning for the Rebels, with just about everyone in the lineup making a contribution.
Nathan Williamson was one of those contributors, driving in a run with an RBI single in the first. He finished the day 1-for-2 with two runs scored and an RBI. The Rebels took a commanding 9-1 lead into the top of the second.
Rebels explode for nine in the bottom of the first, one coming on this single by
Nathan WilliamsonRebels 9 – Bandits 1
End first pic.twitter.com/uBFvEH5LhI— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 5, 2024
Needing an answer, the Bandits cut into the Rebels’ lead in the top of the second. Two runs scored in the inning for the Bandits, cutting the Rebel advantage to six. Joe Lasorsa drove in one of those runs with a solid base hit to right field, making it 9-3 Bandits.
Unfortunately for the Bandits, the Rebels’ offense continued to pour it on. They struck for four more runs in the bottom of the second thanks to a few timely hits, one coming off the bat of Trey Kerszko. He laced an RBI single to grow the Rebels’ lead, and would finish the day 1-for-1 with one walk, an RBI and two runs scored. The Rebels led 13-3 after two.
The Rebels are feeling good after their big win here in Wantagh pic.twitter.com/3oplNEJ2SM
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 5, 2024
Evan Ettinger pitched the entire game for the Rebels, which lasted only four innings due to the mercy rule. Ettinger allowed just four runs and two hits over four innings of work while striking out three batters.
The Rebels scored two more in the third inning, and ended up with a 15-4 victory after just three and a half innings due to the mercy rule.
It was a dominant performance from start to finish for the Rebels. They’ll return to action Tuesday October 8 against the MXE Academy Spartans.
