The Flames kept this game competitive through the top of the sixth inning, trailing only 8-7.  However, the Elrosa Saints got the bats going late and defeated the Flames 20-7 in eight innings on a perfect day for baseball in Elrosa.  The Flames are now 1-1 in league play.

The Flames started their scoring in the third inning.  Chad Mergen and Zach Posterick led off the inning with singles.  Derrick Roush walked.  Chris Wehseler was hit by a pitch, bringing in the first run.  John Theis walked for a second run, before Greg Holthaus completed the rally by ripping a two-run single to left-center. 

In the fourth inning, Chad singled and Ian Hoffarth walked.  Derrick Roush hit into a force play at second, but the first basemen mishandled the return throw trying for the double play and the speedy Chad scored all the way from second.

In the sixth, the Flames plated two more runs.  With the bases loaded and one out, Chris hit a ground ball to the shortstop who fielded the ball, touched second, and then threw wildly to first.  Pinch runner Eric Schmidt and Zach scored on the play.  After a walk and an infield single, Chris was thrown out at home on a good play by the Saints’ catcher.

The Flames hit Elrosa pitching pretty well this afternoon, amassing a total of nine hits.  Greg Holthaus led the way with three hits and two RBI’s.  Chris had two RBI’s as well, while John Theis and Derrick had one each.  Chad  had two hits and scored two runs.  Zach scored two runs as well.

On the mound, Brent Mergen took the loss for the Flames.  He was followed by Greg Rausch, Ian, and Zach.

The ballclub travels to Marty next Friday night for a 6:30pm exhibition against the Pearl Lake Lakers.  On Sunday, the Flames will travel to Richmond for a 1:30pm tilt against the Royals.