Rattlers Defeat Hays and Wichita Aeros at Goddard

The Liberal Rattlers began their final tournament of the summer in fine fashion.  The Rattlers topped Hays and the Wichita Aeros Friday afternoon and evening at the Genesis Sports Complex in Goddard.  The Rattlers won 4-3 against Hays and 9-7 against the Aeros in pool play.

In the afternoon game with HBC Hammer from the Hays area, Liberal’s offense was strong in the middle innings scoring two in the third and two in the fourth.  HBC Hammer scored singe runs in the fourth, fifth, and seventh.  Cade Thomas spent his 18th birthday holding Hays in check.  He pitched five strong innings and Brooks Kappelmann worked two innings to close it out.  Adam Mendoza was 2-3 in the win.  Gus Eylar hit and RBI triple down the right field line.

In game two against the Aeros, the Rattlers scored early and often with two in the first, one in the second, four in the fourth, and two in the fifth.  The Aeros plated two in the first, one in the second, three in the third, and one in the fifth.  The game went five innings due to the time limit.  Gus Eylar was 3-4 and pitched the first three innings.  Westin Johnson was 2-3.

The Rattlers are 19-5 and play the Hutchinson Celtics Saturday morning at 10:40 in Goddard.