Express Notes:
In the last game before the playoffs start, the NOLL AAA Express got contributions from every member of the team and put together their most complete effort of the season, coming away with a 13-8 victory over the host Bees. In a see-saw battle that featured big innings from both teams, the Express struck the last big blow, scoring five runs in the top of the fifth inning to take the lead and then shutting the Bees down in the bottom of the frame behind the arm of closer Sam W-S.

'Up and down the line-up and all around the diamond, every guy on the team contributed,' said Coach Brook after the game. 'Even Tyler J. - who was too sick to play but showed up to cheer the team on. That tells you all you need to know about the kind of team we have.'

The Express got off to a fast start, scoring five runs in the top of the first inning behind hits by Alex N., Sam W-S, Ari F., and Cole E. and walks by Sommers D-N, Erik W., John S. and Kiran K. Heads up base-running by Cole and Sommers contributed to the Diesels' big inning.

Given a big lead, Express starter Aidan D. held the Insects scoreless in the bottom of the first. After giving up hits to the Bees' James and Jon to lead off the inning, Aidan settled in to retire the next three Bees on a pop-up, a strike out, and a ground ball to second. 'That's just Aidan being Aidan,' said Coach Brook. 'He throws strikes and trusts in his defense behind him.'

The Locomotives tacked on another run in the top of the second, as Jonah L lead off the inning with a well-hit double to left-center off the Bees' Joaquin G. and came around to score three batters later on Ari F.'s infield single.

Down 6-0, the Bees struck back in the bottom of the second, plating four runs on a series of walks, a steal of home, and an uncharacteristic throwing error by the Diesels' second baseman Ari F. The damage could have been worse, but Express catcher Liam D threw out the Bees' James trying to steal third base to notch the final out of the inning. 'Sommers pitched well,' said Coach Brook. 'He was one play away from getting out of the inning with minimal damage, but the chopper to Ari took a long time to get to him, and he rushed the throw a little bit. That was a tough play.'

After the Express threatened in the top of the third inning but couldn't add to their lead, the Diesels got the quick inning they were looking for in the bottom half of the frame, as pitcher Liam D needed just 14 pitches to retire the Bees in order on two comebackers to the mound and a strike out. 'Liam was terrific out there,' said Coach Brook. 'He did everything that inning - he threw strikes, and he played perfect defense.'

In the top of the fourth, Liam D. followed up his strong pitching performance with a timely hit, driving in Sam W-S and Cole E. on a two-out double to center field, giving the Freight Trains an 8-4 lead.

The Bees struck back in the bottom of the fourth, though, knotting the game at eight runs apiece, behind a two-out, bases-loaded triple by Josiah to right field that cleared the bases.

With the score tied headed in to the fifth and final frame, the Express put up five runs behind RBI doubles by John S., Sam W-S, and Ari F. and heads-up base running by Erik W. and Jonah L. Sam finished the game 3-for-3, with two RBI and two runs scored. Ari finished the game 2-for-3 with two RBI. And John S., whose double drove in what proved to be the winning run, had his second big hit against the Bees in as many games, as he drove in the tying run in the bottom of the sixth against the Insects on Tuesday night. 'I can't say enough about John's play right now,' said Coach Brook. 'He is really coming around, and I am very happy for him because he has worked hard all season.'

Given a five-run lead, Express closer Sam W-S did not waste any time finishing off the game, retiring the Bees in order on just four pitches in the bottom of the fifth. After a nice play at shortstop by Jonah L on a hard hit grounder, Sam retired the next two batters on pop-ups to the mound. 'That was great work by Sam,' said Coach Brook. 'He was really dealing out there.'

'All around, a great team effort,' said Coach Brook, 'and a great way to end the regular season. Now, we're on to the playoffs!'