Crushers fall short in comeback

INDIAN HILLS - Though still searching for their first win in the 15-and-under United States Amateur Baseball Association (USABA) World Series, the Carson Crushers showed they have life in a 10-9 loss against the East Side Thunder Wednesday afternoon at James Lee Park.

After trailing by as many as four runs early, the Crushers put together a big fifth inning rally to take a 9-7 lead, only to see their Seattle area opponent come back to win with two runs in the fifth and one more in the sixth.

Even though it was the fifth straight loss of the tournament for the Crushers, manager Roy Good said this performance was a major improvement from the four previous games that were decided by a combined 62-13 score.

"That was better," Good said. "I was really pleased with the kids. After the lopsided defeats, they came back and played hard. They really dug in there deep -- both teams did."

The Crushers scored six runs in the fifth to take their 9-7 lead. Sean Costella singled to lead off the inning and scored on Paul Cagle's double to right. The damage would have been even more extensive except Cagle tried to score on an overthrow at third and was thrown out when the Thunder's Mackenzie Donah hustled to recover the ball and threw a strike home. The Crushers still scored four more runs, aided by Josh Caron's RBI single, two errors and Costella's single to the hole at shortstop. The inning ended when Costella was thrown out trying to advance to second on an overthrow on his hit.

The Thunder scored their winning run in the sixth when Daniel Reeves hit a leadoff single and advanced to third on a stolen base and passed ball. Carson relief pitcher Nick Smallman nearly worked out of the jam as he retired the next two batters on a strikeout and comebacker, but then opposing pitcher Kevin Sandon slapped a base hit down the first base line to drive in the go-ahead run.

Smallman hit 2-for-2 and Costella 2-for-4 to lead Carson offensively. Donah hit 3-for-4 and Reeves 2-for-4 to lead the Thunder.

The Crushers return to action today with a noon elimination game at James Lee Park.

"We'll be back," Good said. "We still have some life left in us."

Contact Dave Price at dprice@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1220.