Earlier today, Lincoln hosted the first game of the 3-game series vs St. Mary's. Game was tied 2-2 going into the 7th. With 2 outs and runners on 2nd and 3rd for the Rams in the top of the 7th, Lincoln chose to intentionally walk Christian Almanza to load the bases and face Dillon Tatum. Tatum, one of the Rams top hitters, flied out on one of many pop-ups the Rams handed to the Trojans in this game, and Lincoln escaped the huge threat. Earlier, Almanza was handed first base twice on two HBP's. He grounded out in his only AB. Lincoln, with 2 outs and a runner on 3rd, also had its chance to win the game in regulation, but they too popped out with Christian Almanza making a diving catch in foul territory in front of the Rams dugout (play of the day) to send the game to extra innings. St. Mary's went on to win the game scoring in the 8th. Rams pitcher, Dylan Fagundes, pitched a complete game (going 8 innings) limiting the Trojans to 2 runs on 5 hits. He also helped himself out with 2 hits (including a double) and 1 RBI. Sam Bones, Lincoln's pitcher, pitched well, too, going 7 innings and limiting the Rams to 2 runs early (1st inning), keeping the Trojans in the game.
With the Rams victory, St. Mary's clinched the TCAL league title. Lincoln needed to sweep the series to tie for the TCAL league title. The rivalry continues tomorrow at St. Mary's with the Rams recognizing their seniors (last league home game).
