Game 5-02

Cutthroats were back in action against their rival foes, the Denver Chill (1-0). The last time these two teams played was in the league semifinals in 2014. The Chill won that game to advance to the championship, which they eventually won. After spending 2015 in the 25W AA league, the Chill have now dropped back down to the 25W A league.

This game only took one hour and fifty-five minutes, thanks to the great pitching dual between Cutthroat's Zach Scott and the Chill's Alex Common.

Both pitchers flew through the first three innings. It wasn't until the top of the 4th that the seal was broken. With two outs in the inning, Joe Cordo hit a triple down the right field line. It looked like it was only going to be a double, but Cordo tested the arm and was able to slide in safely at third. Graham Baughn then hit an infield roller that he beat out for the infield hit, scoring Cordo from third. The 1-0 score would stand all the way until the 9th inning.

Zach Scott would pull himself from the mound after seven innings pitched. He didn't give up a run; he didn't even let anyone reach third base. He was on pace to be the second complete game shutout in Cutthroat's history, but he said seven innings was enough. He gave up four hits and walked one while striking out ten. He would receive Cutthroat of the Week honors for the second week in a row.

In the top of the 9th, it was Cordo again leading things off with a walk. Baughn followed with a hit by pitch. With one out, Cordo decided to test the Chill again-stealing third base. Baughn would go to second to complete the double steal. Mark Link would then hit a comebacker to the pitcher which ended up scoring Cordo to make it 2-0.

Graham Baughn came in to relieve Scott for the Cutthroats. He got into trouble in the 8th inning, but struck out the side to get out of it. In the 9th, Alex Common reached on a walk to have the tying run come up to bat. Greg Agho pinch hit for the Chill, but he would ground to Link at second base to complete the 4-6-3 double play to end the game. Baughn was credited with a save.

The Cutthroats improved to (2-0) on the year while the Chill drop to (1-1). These two teams will be at it again in a month.

This was the first combined shutout in Cutthroat history and only the second shutout ever. Mark Link is the only Cutthroat pitcher with a complete game shutout.