Thunder Pound Rays, Advance to State Tournament

     -Sandy Springs. The Thunder took on local rivals the Rehoboth Rays on Monday night after strong storms prevented the game on Sunday.  There were dark clouds encroaching, but the radar looked promising. The game got underway at 6:39 with a temperature in the high 80's. Kenny got things started with a solid single and stole second. Noah punched an RBI double to the wall to get the Thunder on the board. With one out, James walked and Ryan followed with his own RBI double. Mercer walked and the red hot Trevor Gulley hit a single, scoring James and Ryan. As Jarrett came to the plate, the "lightning thingy*" sounded and play was halted (*credit to Jack Hammond).  Just under a half-hour later, play resumed and Jarrett smashed a double and Gaines hit his signature single to right to give the Thunder a 6-0 lead. Before the inning ended, the game was halted by a lightning delay, although none was seen by Thunder parents. 

      Mercer took the mound for the Thunder and was able to hold the Rays to 2 runs thanks to some great defense by Noah Hammond, who made a running catch in center and hit the cut-off to get the runner heading for third.  The second inning was uneventful for the Thunder and just as the inning ended, another lightning alarm sounded. Play resumed shortly and Mercer had a quick inning, only needing eight pitches to shut down the Rays. In the third, Noah, Jack and James all had RBI's to give the Thunder a seven run lead. After three straight hits by the Rays, Mercer settled down allowing those baserunners to score, but no others. The score after 3 innings was 11-5 in favor of the Thunder.

    The Thunder fourth added four runs on great hustle by Max on the base paths and a three base error by the Rays on a hit by Noah. Jack came on in the bottom of the inning to shut down the Rays and secure the win 15-5 on the mercy rule. DHYS Thunder advance to Dizzy Dean States! Two wins in a row for the Thunder with a game to immediately follow against the Sandy Springs Storm.

Interesting stats and facts:

-THUNDER ADVANCE TO DIZZY DEAN STATES!

-No fielding errors for the Thunder!

-Solid pitching from Mercer and Jack

-3 Doubles by Thunder batters (Noah, Ryan and Jarrett)

- 594 miles logged so far

So long everybody.

Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	R	H	E	L
DHYS Thunder	6	0	5	4			15	13	0	3
Rehobeth	2	0	3	0			5	9	4	4