18U Nationals start three-in-three

Pitcher Cooper Yantzi throws his pitch in the first inning against the Kitchener Diemert Panthers at Stratford National Stadium on May 18.

The Stratford 18U Nationals started their first multi-day regular season games with a matchup against the Kitchener Diemert Panthers on May 18 at the warm Stratford National Stadium.

The Panthers opened the scoring with two runs at the top of the first inning, but the Nationals responded with a run of their own at the bottom half on an RBI single from Ethan Priestap, driving home James Robinson, who avoided disaster by dodging the Kitchener infield on the rundown from third base.

After starter Cooper Yantzi and the defence retired the Panthers in order at the top of the second inning, the Nationals took the lead with an RBI from Daniel Hovius and a run by Tucker Otto on a wild pitch.

Kitchener extended their lead in the following inning, taking a one-run advantage into the bottom of the fourth. A near costly baserunning error then loaded the bases for the Nationals. Hovius’ second RBI of the game with an outfield sacrifice fly scored Nolan Miller, tying the game.

Moments later, rain flooded the field, leading to the game being called off with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. As of press time, the rescheduling of the game has not been announced.