March 21, 2006 > Niles-Centerville Little League Minor-B

by Michael J. Titera, Edited by Biff Jones

Saturday, March 11
Padres - 12, Braves - 13

With a bye on the first weekend of the season, this was the Padres debut. For their first game they took on the mighty Braves and it turned out to be quite a battle. Both teams demonstrated very strong offensive and defensive skills. In almost every way, these two teams were evenly matched. Inning by inning, this was a very tightly-fought game.

Finally, during the bottom of the sixth, the Padres thought they had won the game with their 12 to 8 lead and two outs. But the Braves had another story, and that story was a comeback. The Braves tied the score at 12 to cause the game to go an extra inning. In the bottom of the 7th, with the score still tied at 12, the Braves loaded the bases with two outs. The final play of the game was a grounder to pitcher Stockton Stohl, who rifled the ball back to catcher Rickey Brown. The very close play at home went to the Braves, who scored the 13th run to win the game.

This game was intensely enjoyed by all: the players, the fans, and the coaches. What a way to start off the season. Great game Padres and Braves!