2017 55+

Las Vegas Rattlers 16, So Cal Fire 8

‘Offensive Explosion in Seventh and Eighth Seals the Deal’

Submitted by Manny Ocampo, Las Vegas Rattlers manager

In the bottom of the first inning the Rattlers struck first with two doubles and three singles to score four runs. Our complete line-up was offensively effective in the championship game and throughout tournament, as we went undefeated. So Cal Fire chipped away and tied the game in the third, then went ahead by three runs with the score now 7-4 in the fifth. We rallied up and answered back with three runs and tied the game at seven apiece after five innings. In the seventh we scored four more and then added an extra five in the eighth, not looking back! We then held them down to win 16-8.

“”I will never take So CaL Fire lightly. They always battle and will come back and fight to win,” stated manager Ocampo.

Significant contributors throughout the tournament were Steve Archambo, Paul Joncich and Joe Gho. Steve, our lead-off batter, (DH, only due to right shoulder injury) led the team in RBI’s, hitting two doubles and three triples for the tournament. Paul was solid at shortstop for all of the games, including a fantastic unassisted triple play. Paul snagged a line drive line drive at short then stepped on second and threw to first to complete it. Joe complimented Paul at second base, turning double plays smoothly as he and Paul worked well together. Joe batted at the bottom, carrying hits and speed as an extra lead-off hitter. All other Rattlers had either power and/or speed on offense and even the subs off the bench contributed to all wins.

Dave Nutter was our Championship pitcher, who sat patiently while only pitching one full inning in pool play and not batting at all for tournament. He waited patiently and had no complaints. When he was ready, he came in and did his job. I awarded the championship trophy to him so he can give to his new born Grand Daughter, who was born a day before our first double header in pool play!