Game Summary

BOX SCORE - July 18, 2008 - Evansville Jays at Jefferson Blue Devils

Pitchers:
Jefferson - Wagner, Baumann (9, L)
Evansville - Larson, Drefahl (9, W)
Strike Out Leaders:
Jefferson - Wagner 6
Evansville - Drefahl 4
Leading Hitters:
Jefferson - K. Lange 3x6, C. Lange 2x5
Evansville - J. Rasmussen 3x3, Manion 2x4, Bronkema 2x6, Frey 2x6

EVANSVILLE HOME TALENT WINS IN EXTRA INNINGS; RAIN HOLDS OFF FOR YOUTH BASEBALL NIGHT

On the afternoon Thursday, July 17th the weather radar did not look promising for a dry evening for a baseball game. Fortunately, Evansville stayed dry with only a couple of light sprinkles because that night the Evansville Jays Home Talent Baseball Team hosted the Ashton Aces in a Home Talent Night League game. Thursday night was Evansville's annual Youth Baseball Night, where young baseball fans play catch with the Jays, chase free foul balls and obtain player autographs. A DJ game announcer provided the playing of our National Anthem, starting line-ups and music between innings. Youth Baseball Night Pictures.

An estimated crowd of 125-150 people enjoyed the game at the park that evening. There were flocks of kids chasing after foul balls, and truly having a great time watching their local baseball team. As for the game, the Jays lost in extra innings 7 to 6. The game ended on a dramatic play at the plate when the Jays' Ben Kraus attempted to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth inning on a passed ball, but was called out.

On Friday, July 18th, Evansville (9-2) traveled to Jefferson (7-4) to play a Sunday league game that was rained out on May 11th. The Jays found themselves down early in the game when Jefferson scored 4 runs in the bottom of the second inning to take the lead 4-0.

Evansville scored 3 runs in the top of the seventh inning. Jasen Koebler and Jeremy Rasmussen lead off the inning back-to-back base hits. Nick Manion reached on an error to load the bases. Koebler scored from third on a wild pitch. Jake Bronkema singled in Rasmussen and Manion. Score Evansville 3 Jefferson 4.

With the Jays down by one run going into top of the ninth and with 2 outs remaining, Jeremy Rasmussen reached on a walk and advance to second base on a wild pitch. Next batter, Nick Manion, ripped a base hit to left field, but Rasmussen was unable to score and held up at third base. Again, Jake Bronkema singled in Rasmussen to tie the game.

Starting pitcher, Nic Larson, had pitched 8 strong innings by scattering 6 hits. Larson was relieved by Matt Drefahl in the bottom of the ninth inning, and shut down Jefferson 3 up and 3 down in that inning to send the game into extra innings.

Both teams did not score in the 10th and 11th innings. Jerod Steindl led off the 12th inning with a base hit and later advanced the second base on a fielder's choice. Chad Rasmussen reached on a throwing error by Jefferson's shortstop that sailed over the first baseman with Steindl scoring on the overthrow. Rasmussen advanced to second on the overthrow. Rich Nelson pinch ran for Rasmussen and scored on a base hit by Nic Larson. Evansville was able to hold Jefferson scoreless in the bottom of the 12th inning to win 6 to 4.

On Thursday, July 24th Evansville will host Cottage Grove for a 7:30 p.m. Night League game at Leota Park. Stop by the park and check out the Jays, and enjoy grilled burgers, brats and hot dogs. On Sunday, July 27th Evansville (10-2) will travel to Fort Atkinson (8-4) for a Sunday League game starting at 1:00 pm. For the latest schedule and results please visit the team's website at www.evansville.hometalent.org.

This week the Evansville Home Talent Team would like to recognize their Web Sponsors: Dairyland Real Estate and RE/MAX Preferred both of Evansville. Next week the Gold sponsors will be listed. A complete list of sponsors is listed on the team's website.