On a strikingly verdant Walther Christian field, Erik Frontzac (SP) and Jules Cantor (CR, RP) combined for ten strikeouts and seven innings of shutout baseball to take down the Blazers. Overcoming the powerful odor of their stored-wet-for-a-week helmets, the Hounds scratched across 8 total runs in 5 separate innings against a procession of 4 different Jammers soft-tossers (Red Shirt, Trojans Jersey, Nike Shirt, Gray Shirt).
The Hounds loaded the bases in the third on Tim Riggenbach (LF) and Tony Correa (C) walks and a Cole Thompson HBP (one of two HBP on the day to move into the season-long lead over Greg “2022 HBP King” Sells). Pedro Rondon (2B) got the scoring started with an RBI groundout to score Cantor (CR) from third. The Hounds put across two more in the 4th inning on an RBI infield single from Brian Lehman (SS) and an RBI from Thompson. After a leadoff single in the fifth, Rondon rocketed a line shot foul directly at Arron Kruse (3B), who alertly dropped to the ground and deflected it with his helmet. Unfortunately, during the post-game helmet-cleaning, manager Correa discovered a large crack in the helmet, leading to its retirement. Undeterred, the Hounds would score twice in the inning on an RBI double by Joe Malafronte (RF).
Meanwhile, Frontzak cruised through four scoreless innings. He appeared to finish off his fifth inning of work with what was described from the bench as ‘probably the best Hounds defensive highlight of all time’. On a soft dribbler between the pitchers mound and first base Frontzak raced over, grabbed the ball and flipped it behind his back towards first base. The flip was misjudged slightly and looked to be sailing into right field. Rondon, hustling over from second base, appeared out of the blue to grab the ball and redirect it toward Phil Zelenka at first base. The umpire was unmoved by the Hounds’ heroics and deemed that the runner was safe. Despite the setback, Cantor would come on and close out the inning for the Hounds without allowing a run.
The Hounds would tack on two more runs in the seventh with RBIs from Japeth Bandi (EH) and Lehman, while Cantor fired two more shutout innings to end the game.
Hounds fans attending the game included Mel, Big T, & Mike “Resident Scorekeeper” Kruse. Following the victory, the Hounds celebrated the final Maywood game of the year at Johnnie’s Beef. The Hounds will be back in action (weather permitting) Saturday morning against the Jammers.