Knights Battle Cobb Coyotes to the Wire in NABL West Action

Austin Hansell celebrated his birthday with
Johnny's Pizza, 2 big hits and a postgame cake

The Marietta Knights took on their good friends the Cobb Coyotes in a NABL - Western Division matchup at Walton High School Wednesday night. The Knights looked the heavily favored Coyotes right in the eyes and fought hard for six strong innings before coming up just short in a 7-6 loss. Several Knights players got together at Johnny's Pizza before the game to celebrate Austin Hansell's birthday and then made the short trek over to Walton HS ready to play.

Cal Hughes was great in his first start on the mound. He struck out 2 in 2 innings of work and did not give up any earned runs. Cal also helped himself with a big double to the CF wall and 2 runs scored.

Cal Hughes struck out 2 in 2 innings

The defensive play of the game came in the 2nd after a Coyotes batter blasted a deep shot to the LF wall. Isaac Zefo threw a strike from the fence to SS Jack Rinehimer who made a perfect relay to Garrett Wells who spun around and applied the tag to cut down the runner at 2B. It was a great athletic and fundamental play by all 3 players and put a charge in the Knights' dugout and crowd.

Garrett Wells was nearly perfect after taking the mound in the 4th and gave up no runs in 2 innings of
work. Birthday boy Austin Hansell had a big night going 2 for 3 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. JD Rinehimer, Will Nelson and Hunter Williamson each added RBI singles. Isaac Zefo finished the night with 3 assists.

JD Rinehimer delivered an RBI single

Big Game Hunter drove in a run with
 a single to RF and came around to score

Coach Rob was extremely proud of the boys tonight and saw a changed team in action. Facing a strong, AAA team stocked with talented players, the Knights took the field confidentally and showed they can play with anybody. They were aggressive at the plate and their defense was excellent. Marietta only committed 1 error and it occurred on the first batter of the game. The road doesn't get any easier as the Knights travel to Douglasville this weekend for the USSSA Global Sports Qualifier NIT at Hunter Park. But the boys are playing great baseball and they look to keep it going in tournament action this weekend.