Shayden Luna slides into home last week against Bottineau.

From a nine-run first inning to holding their breaths in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Rugby Babe Ruth team was able to hang on to a victory last Thursday versus Bottineau. Both teams left steady pitching and defense at home as the final score was 16-11. Bottineau used five different pitches throughout the contest and Rugby was able to get by with just two but combined 25 walks were issued and a bevy of errors as well. Rugby came out swinging, literally, as they scored nine runs in the first inning. The run production was highlighted by a three run triple off the bat of Kyler Gingerich. “We started hot but then let our guard down as the game progressed,” stated Head Coach Kipp Johnson, “…just inconsistency on the mound helped them back into the game.”

Rugby did lead throughout the game and had great production up and down the lineup. All starters scored at least once and offensively they were led by Gingerich, who was 2/4 with a run scored and four RBIs. Joining in with the production at the plate was Isaiah Johnson as he was also 2/4 driving in two runs while scoring twice and Jordan Stone was 3/5 with a run scored and two RBIs.

The victory was bittersweet as Shayden Luna was injured in the later stages of the game on a play at first base and will be out for the reminder of the season. Luna was reaching out for a ball when the base runner collided with his arm. X-Rays showed damage to his wrist.

The win moved Rugby to 2-0 in the early stages of the season. After two games at the end of this week, the team will be back in action on Monday, traveling to Rolette and then hosting Bottineau this upcoming Thursday.

Hauser is the sports director for AM 1450 KZZJ radio.