Carver Over Cologne

It finally came. Cologne's FIREWORKS AT FRITZ FIELD were held on a scortcher of a day. With a heat index reaching upwards of 110°F during the day, it cooled down at game time and turned out to be a great night in Cologne. Earlier in the year the Carver Black Sox were able to steal one from Cologne with a ninth inning rally. Coming in to Friday night's game the Cologne bats were hot, but the night proved to be a pitcher's duel. Cologne struck first in the game during the third inning when Joey Lilya started off with a double and reached third on a wild pitch. Brandon Fritz was able to deliver the run with a single. The lead didn't last long as Carver strung together four hits in the fourth to score their only two runs. From the fourth inning on it was all defense. Carver's starting pitcher Jack Schnettler and Cologne's starter Zack Nelson went back and forth much like the 17-inning marathon game held in Cologne last year. Every threat was put down by good pitching and good defense. The score would remain two to one for the night's final. Zack Nelson went the distance during the game and threw all nine innings giving up only two runs off of five hits, two walks and four strikeouts. The Cologne sticks weren't as hot as they had been leading up to the game, but Carter Clemensen managed to reach base three times with two hits and a walk. Joey Lilya got Cologne's only extra base hit of the evening and Brandon Fritz got the only RBI with his single. Tim Swanson and Jon Kummer also marked one hit.

Sunday's scheduled game versus the Hamburg Hawks was postponed due to rain. Stay tuned for the make up date and time. Up next, the Hollanders will play team Max Bat this upcoming Friday night at 7:30pm in Cologne. 

Thanks to all who came out to enjoy a wonderful evening. The fireworks show was spectacular and definitely worth waiting for. 

Ga Hollanders!