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Smith, Borga Rally Shorthanded Terps Past Bulldogs, 9-4

04/19/2018, 8:30am EDT
By Josh Belanger

April 18 - Aiden Smith and Nick Borga combined for three runs and three RBI to lead a shorthanded MVP Terps White 13u over the Burke Bulldogs Blue 13u, 9-4, in five innings last night at Poplar Tree Park in Chantilly.

The eight manned Terps did all their damage in the second and fourth innings, scoring four runs in each frame. Smith went 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored while Borga scored twice and drove in two runs. Krishan Shah, Jacob Worthen and Jack Gattoni each scored twice for the Terps.  

“We have been working with them to be more aggressive at the plate,” Terps’ coach Ian Smith said. “We are not out there looking for walks, we want our guys to be aggressive and put the ball in play.”

Smith started on the mound and did allow a hit until the third inning. The left-hander allowed three runs (one earned) with three strikeouts over three innings despite having only two outfielders.

“Just trying to get ground balls and have them put it in play where we have fielders,” Smith said.

Gattoni came on in relief and allowed an unearned run over two innings as he limited the damage to one run in the fourth inning after the Bulldogs loaded the bases. He then retired the side in order in the fifth.

Bulldogs’ starting pitcher, right-hander John DeCrosta, set down the Terps in order in the first inning, but then was pulled after allowing seven straight batters to reach base with just one out in the second. DeCrosta and reliever Ian Santamauro allowed seven runs (six earned) over 3.1 innings.

Luke Glaser entered the game in the fourth and allowed two unearned runs while striking out three over the final 2.1 innings for the Bulldogs. Glaser also scored a run after reaching base both times he came to the plate.

“Defensively, we struggled a bit. We had some plays that we probably want to have back,” Bulldogs coach Greg Clifton said. “For the first game of the season, happy about our effort and hustle.”

Josh Layman drove in a run and later scored, along with Matt Gunning, on a two-run single from Thomas Clifton in the third inning for the Bulldogs. Owen Clarke scored in the fourth on an error to supply the Bulldogs their fourth and final run of the game.

Added Clifton: “We were aggressive at the plate, but we need to be more aggressive on the base paths.”

The Terps will be in action next against the Win Within Gold in a doubleheader Saturday at Nottoway Park while the Bulldogs will face the the Shenandoah Sluggers Gray on Saturday back at Poplar Tree Park.   


Left to Right: Aiden Smith and Nick Borga lead the MVP Terps White 13u past the Burke Bulldogs Blue 13u at Poplar Tree Park.

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