2023 Bandits Outslug Reapers for Championship in Michiana Adult Baseball League
Michiana Adult Baseball League
Buchanan Bandits 5, Riverside Reapers 2
Submitted by Jake Brentlinger
Kade Hearington collected four hits in four at bats, as the Buchanan Bandits defeated the Riverside Reapers 5-2 on Sunday. Hearington hit a solo home run to left field in the first inning, singled in the second inning, singled in the fourth inning, and singled in the sixth inning. The Bandits got on the board in the bottom of the first inning after Hearington homered to left field, and Brandon Rogers grounded out, each scoring one run.
The Reapers tied the game in the top of the third thanks to a single by Jamie Dyer, and a sacrifice fly by Gabe Zeiger. The Buchanan Bandits took the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Austin Williams hit a sacrifice fly, scoring one run, to give the Bandits the advantage, 3-2.
Clay Bixby stepped on the hill first for the Bandits. The righty allowed four hits and two runs over six innings, striking out one and walking one. Caleb Smith began the game for the Reapers. The right-handed pitcher gave up 13 hits and five runs over six innings, striking out three and walking two. Brett Michelin tossed one inning of scoreless ball for the Bandits in relief. He allowed zero hits, striking out none and walking none.
The Bandits collected 13 hits in the game, as Rogers provided pop in the middle of the lineup, and led the Bandits with two runs batted in. The right-handed hitter went 1-for-4 on the day. Keeghan Pelley and Adeen Harrington also each collected multiple hits for Bandits. Hearington stole two bases on the day as the Bandits ran wild on the base paths, amassing four stolen bases for the game.
The Bandits added two double plays in the game. Eillijah Williams set the tone at the top of the lineup, leading Riverside Reapers with two hits in three at-bats. Dyer and Zeiger were a one-two punch in the lineup, as each drove in one run for the Reapers. The Reapers turned one double play in the game.