Fike Takes Care Of Pitching, Barber Takes Of Hitting, Knights Take Care Of Yankees

SYLMAR, CA - If there was a must win this early in the season it was Sunday versus the Yankees. Coming off an embarrassing 18-3 loss to the last place Storm the Knights were tied for first place with the Cubs (5-3) and in need of a win versus the 2006 league Champion Yankees. But the Knights were also back to their lean and mean selves with a who's who list of missing players (Brooks, Vogel, Van Buren, Steiner and Sulser). The Lightning Bolt kids not only had their inner demons to battle but they also had to face former Major League pitcher Matt Whisenant. It was the 6'3 lefties first time facing the Knights.

The Knights got off to a good start taking advantage of a Pete Halvorsen lead off single and Steve Fike being hit by a pitch. But Whisenant buckled down and struck out the next two hitters Rod Boaz and Kevin Murkey. The Knights looked like they would squander another great opportunity much like last game, but Erik Barber had other plans. Barber smoked the second pitch he saw into right centerfield scoring Halvorsen easily and allowing Fike to go to third. Fike then scored on a Pete Nelson chip shot over first base giving the Knights a 2-0 lead.

Rod Boaz fresh off being snubbed the MLB Draft, he had something to prove. Boaz tossed 5 shutout innings striking out 7 and getting out of 2 bases loaded jams. Boaz on a strict pitch count was removed after his 100th pitch in the 5th inning. Manager Ryan Saul then handed the ball to seldom used pitcher Steve Fike. Fike acted like it was just another day for him out of the bullpen. The left handed Fike tossed 3 strong innings allowing 0 earned runs and keeping the Yankees powerful lefties off-balance. Fike said after the game "I felt great out there, my mechanics were sound and I could have gone a few more innings. I am just happy to help out wherever Coach needs me."

The Knights offense continued to thrive behind the bat of Erik Barber who went 4-5 on the day and continued to come through with runners in scoring position. Also with a strong day at the plate third baseman Brendan McDonald. McDonald has ramped up his game since his brother Ian joined the squad. In over 25 years of playing baseball, this is the first time the McDonald brothers have played on the same team. Another milestone was reached Sunday when Ryan Saul connected on an RBI fielders choice, his first of the season, with runners at 1st and 3rd giving the Knights their 9th run of the afternoon. Halvorsen followed up with a single scoring Ian McDonald and capping the Knights scoring at 10 runs.

Knights closer Kevin Murkey came in to shut the door on the Yankees and had a 5 run cushion. The Yankees first two batters reached on a single and a HBP and later scored, but this gave Murkey the extra stress he needs to dig deep and concentrate. Murkey then retired the Yankees 3 and 4 hitters ending the game and giving the Knights a 10-7 victory. Keeping them tied with the Cubs at the top of the division with a 6-3 record.

The Knights will face off against the Cubs next week for the battle for sole possession of first place. However they will be without Ryan Brooks, Pete Halvorsen and Mike Vogel. But as we've seen this Knights team loves to play the underdog and they love to play with uneven numbers, much like a certain movie.