Nov. 1, 2013
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Erik VanMeetren hit a solo home run in the top of the 11th to give the Gray team a 4-3 win on Friday at Earl E. Wilson Stadium. The Gray team leads the Scarlet/Gray World Series 1-0.
Pitching and defense were the strengths of the day with John Richy, Brayden Torres and Bryan Bonnell completely dominating the hitters. Richy threw 4.0 innings for the Scarlet team and allowed only two hits and one walk while striking out five. Bonnell replaced Richy and threw 3.0 innings of relief and only allowed one hit and struck out six. Cody Roper took the loss but still pitched efficient going 3.0 innings and allowing only the solo home run by VanMeetren.
VanMeetren also hit an RBI double earlier in the game to lead the Gray team to victory. Brayden Torres was the star on the mound for the Gray team, allowing one hit and one walk and struck out eight in 4.0 innings of work. Andrew Astone got the win and Brennen Flaherty earned the save after getting Scott Tomassetti to pop up with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth.
"I thought Richy, Bonnell and Torres were lights out," associate head coach and pitching coach Stan Stolte said. "All three pitched like a weekend starter should pitch. It was very encouraging to see. They all pounded the zone and had great tempo and confidence going. VanMeetren steps up like he always does at crunch time. The kid flat knows how to win."
Games 2-3 of the Scarlet/Gray World Series will be November 8-9 and both games will start at 9:00 a.m. Admission is free for the games and fans are encouraged to attend.
