Souza Battles CG, Kaz and Pooch Mash GM2 Win

Sussex played a doubleheader against a solid Dakota County Tech College on Tuesday, March 20. Game 1 was a pitchers duel through 4 innings, but mental errors from Sussex caused 6 unanswered runs, leading to the Skylanders losing 6-0. Edgardo Matute suffered his first loss as a starter. Sussex hit the ball well, however, they always found a way to hit right at people. The Skylanders couldn't catch a break, as only 4 total hits were earned for the game.

In game 2, Gustavo Souza got the start on the mound and went the distance for 7 hard fought innings. Souza (Brazil) got in a rough patch in the sixth inning, giving up 3 runs to make the score 5-4, but settled down with the game-tieing run at second base and struck out the batter to keep Sussex in the lead. He went back out to finish the job he started, and closed out the 7th inning with quick efficiency. "Gustavo showed a lot to me and the team going back out in the seventh," said Head Coach Ramadan Mehmedi. "I had our closer (Nathan King) ready to go in, but I sat and looked Gus in the eye and could tell that he wanted it.  So, I took the gamble and sent him back out there. He pitched great!" 

Offensively Wataru Kazama continues to stroke the ball with some authority, as he went 2-3 with a monster double to drive in Derek Sarapuchiello, who also had another huge day going 2-3 with 2 runs scored, and a triple to drive in a Matt Douma. Sussex also stole 6 bags, as well, to continue to add pressure to the Dakota County. Head Coach Mehmedi affirmed afterwards, "When we run, we win.  That is one of our philosophies this year, so it was great to see it in action in today's win."

Sussex is now 7-8 overall, and 5-4 in Florida, as they look to avenge their first loss to Niagara, suffered last Thursday, when they will face off again tomorrow at 2pm, with Sean Kelemen on the bump.