Away at Worcester (League game)  

Grizzlies Game 5 VS Worcester Sorcerers

Stockton Grizzlies- 8 Worcester Sorcerers- 11

Match report brought to you by Rugby Taekwondo Academy.

On Sunday 1st of June the Grizzlies travelled to friend’s Worcester Sorcerers for the fifth game in the West Midlands Baseball League.

The Grizzlies got off to a strong start in the first inning. Yasu drew a walk to get on base, setting the tone early. Humphrey followed up with an RBI single, bringing Yasu home for the first run of the game. Fin then added to the momentum with an RBI double, and Lu Choy reached base on a Worcester error, allowing Fin to score. In total, the Grizzlies put up 3 runs in the top of the first.

Worcester began their half of the inning with a few walks, giving them an early opportunity. However, a key defensive play helped turn the tide — Albie working from the mound, made a great tag at home off a throw from catcher Luke, after a pitch bounced in the dirt- recording the first out for the Grizzlies. The team settled in quickly and closed out the inning, conceding just one run.

A solid start all around for the Grizzlies on both sides of the ball.

Both teams tightened up defensively in the second inning, limited scoring opportunities. Each side managed to add just one run to the scoreboard, keeping the game competitive and well-balanced.

By the end of the second inning, the score stood at: Grizzlies - 4 Sorcerers - 2.

A pitching change was made by the Grizzlies heading into the third inning as they looked to maintain their lead saw Lu Choy taking the mound and Albie Waterton moved to first base. Offensively, the Grizzlies kept the momentum going, with Fin Jackson reaching base after being hit by a pitch. He made an impressive effort to round the bases, but a close—and somewhat controversial—call at home plate saw him ruled out. (We’re still convinced he was safe… and yes, we do have photo evidence!)

Despite continuing to get runners on base, the Grizzlies struggled to convert those chances into runs, thanks in large part to a strong defensive showing from the Sorcerers.

On the other side, the Sorcerers began to find their rhythm at the plate, managing to level the game at 4-4 by the end of the inning. Pitcher Lu Choy recorded two clutch strikeouts to help contain the damage. Sorcerers also had some good defensive worrk with a stunning double play starting with the pitcher, who fielded the ball cleanly and threw to their catcher for a force out at home, who then fired it to the first baseman to complete the play. A textbook double play that sat the Grizzlies down in the inning.

Would the Grizzlies be able to answer back? The game was very much alive.

The Grizzlies came out strong to start the fourth inning, with Yasu leading off with a solid double. He was quickly brought home by Ryan Mushinski, who reached first on a fielding error by the Sorcerers. Taking advantage of further defensive miscues and some sharp base running, the Grizzlies managed to tack on two more runs, pushing their total to 6.

However, it proved to be a tough inning on the mound for Lu Choy, who battled through a tight and challenging strike zone set by the umpire. The Sorcerers capitalized on the opportunity, showing off their offensive strength and putting together a big inning, scoring 5 runs and seizing the momentum.

By the end of the fourth, the score had shifted: Grizzlies 6 – Sorcerers 9

The Grizzlies would now need to dig deep to swing the game back in their favor.

The fifth inning remained scoreless for both teams as defenses held strong. On the mound, Lu Choy delivered a composed performance, recording two strikeouts looking and keeping the Sorcerers off balance.

The inning was wrapped up in style with a textbook defensive play — second baseman Octavio Leon fielded a clean grounder and fired it to first baseman Albie Waterton to secure the final out.

The Grizzlies opened the sixth inning with promise as Humphrey hit a strong double to get into scoring position. However, the Sorcerers responded with tight, well-organized defense that shut down any further offensive progress. Despite getting runners on, the Grizzlies couldn’t bring anyone home.

In the bottom half of the inning, the Sorcerers capitalized on a few defensive mistakes to extend their lead. A couple of fielding errors allowed them to plate an additional run and keep the pressure on.

End of the sixth inning: Sorcerers 10 – Grizzlies 6

With the gap growing, the Grizzlies would need a late rally to stay in the game.

The Grizzlies came out swinging in the seventh, looking to close the gap. Rob Cumming and Albie Waterton both drew walks to spark the offense, showing great discipline at the plate. With smart base running and consistent pressure, both players eventually came around to score, adding two much-needed runs to the board.

But the Sorcerers weren’t ready to back down. The bottom of the inning turned into a tense, edge-of-your-seat battle as they managed to get runners on base and push across one more run, keeping the pressure on the Grizzlies' defense.

With the game hanging in the balance, Lu Choy stepped up in a big way. Facing the top of the Sorcerers’ lineup, he delivered when it mattered most — striking out batters both looking and swinging, and slamming the door shut on this inning.

As the final inning was called, the Grizzlies trailed 8–11, needing three more runs to keep the game alive and give themselves a shot at a comeback win. The question hung in the air: Could they deliver under pressure and get the bats going?

The team showed signs of life as Humphrey Willshire stepped up with another solid hit, giving the Grizzlies a glimmer of hope. But the Sorcerers responded quickly and shut down the rally before it could build, bringing the game to a close.

Final Score: Sorcerers 11 – Grizzlies 8

It was a hard-fought game filled with momentum swings, standout plays, and strong performances on both sides. The Grizzlies will take the positives forward and look to bounce back in the next matchup.A big thank you to Worcerter Sorcerers for a great game of baseball and we look forward to the return fixture in a couple of weeks at The Den!

The Grizzlies now look ahead to next week where they will be travelling to Long Eaton Storm for game 6!