Concepcion and Dingus Help Carry Colts Past Bucks

Both the Colts and the Bucks were aware of the importance of a win Thursday night in the HSBN Fall Classic, and as such, both looked focused and determined as they prepared for the game.

Colts starting pitcher Dameon Concepcion carried that focus and determination into the game, and the Colts offense scored early and often on their way to a 9-6 victory in the second game for each in Bracket B.

Colts leadoff hitter Justin Mixon, who reached on base four out of five times, led off the game with a walk and quickly stole second base. Two-hole hitter Michael Montalvo followed with a perfect bunt for a hit down the third-base line, allowing Mixon to score on a wild throw from the Bucks defense. Bucks starter Matt Simons continued to battle by retiring the next two hitters. Simons was able to work out of the inning leaving two Colts on base.

Concepcion started the top of second with a walk, but quickly picked off the runner and struck out the next two hitters in the line up. The Colts added more pressure by getting the bases loaded but were stopped by Simons.

After Concepcion’s third shutout inning, the Colts exploded, scoring seven runs, including six of them with two outs.  Second baseman Tre Dingus, who has been hot at the plate, went 2-for-4, hitting  a three-run shot over the right-field fence.  

“Just trying to do my best possible,” Dingus said. “That’s all I try to do.”

Andy Rohloff and Ryan Denardo followed with back-to-back singles, but came up short of scoring.

The Bucks’ bats became energized and responded in the fourth by adding three runs on four hits. Shortstop Mitchell Carroll started the inning with a single to right. First baseman Will Edmunds came up and hit a clutch two-run base hit to left field. Concepcion continued to showing great poise and was able to get out of the inning with the Colts still leading 8-3.

Deerfield coach Scott Bragg said he was encouraged by the promise his team shows and it accomplished a goal despite the loss. His main goal is to allow his players to get experience so they are ready for the season.

“I want to give my players more experience, and that’s what this tournament is great for.  Give them some pressure situations and see what these guys can do.”

The Bucks replaced Simons with Carroll, who kept the Bucks in the game by recording seven strikeouts in three innings. The Bucks made another run to possibly tie the game or take the lead. Center fielder Brian Johnson knocked a base hit to right scoring two runs and hen scored himself on a base hit to center by second baseman Aaron Johnson bringing the score to 9-6.

With a day off in between, the Bucks prepare to face the Trojans at 4 p.m. The Colts will face the Panthers at 7 p.m., with the winner advancing out of Bracket B.

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