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Piilola Has Enough - Knights Split with Loggers
Last Updated: 7/14/2013 3:00:00 PM

After dropping game one of their double header with the Stillwater Loggers, the Knights looked to win game two or be handed with a losing record for the first time in the season.  Shane Moore took the mound and looked to earn his first win of the year, which is long over due based on how he has pitched all season.

Unfortunately, right from the beginning the wheels began to fall off.  The Loggers would strike in the first inning with 3 runs on some of the most bizarre play seen in Knights history.  The Loggers would essentially score 2 runs when a ball slipped out of their catcher's hand when returning a pitch back to the mound.  The 90 degree sun with humidity took it's toll.

Eventually, down by 4 runs, Matteson would reach on a single sending Dan Piilola to the plate.  After fighting off a few pitches, Piilola would send a ball that was arguably hit higher than it was long.  The no-doubt home run would cut the Logger lead to 4-2.

Shane Moore would start settle in and pitch 4 strong innings leaving the game on the hook for the loss.  Colton Smit would come into the game in relief, hoping to allow the Knights offense a chance to battle back.  Smit would stay in control and allow 1 run in his 3 innings, sending the game into the bottom of the 7th with the Knights losing 2-5.

The Loggers would change pitchers and send in their hard throwing closer.  He would retire the first Knight he faced.  Then, with one out, TJ Mayer would drive a fastball up the middle for a base hit giving fans some hope.  The base hit would be followed by a hard fought walk by Tim Urban.  With 2 on and 1 out, veteran Shawn Rasmussen would take an outside fastball with strikes on him and send it into right field for a hit.  The bases were now loaded with 1 out sending 3 hitter Frank Matteson to the plate.  He would follow off multiple pitches and get deep into the count and would appear to earn a RBI scoring walk.  Not so fast - the umpire had a different idea and sent him walking back to the dugout stopping the runners on the bases and giving the Knights 1 more out to try and make the comeback.

Dan Piilola would come to the plate, already with a 2 run HR under his belt.  After taking a pitch, he would drive a fastball over the left fielder's head.  It was a line drive smash that could have left the park if hit 10 more feet into the air.  The hit would clear the bases and tie the game at 5 a piece.  Brandon Warne would come to the plate hoping to finish what Piilola started.  Dan Koopmeiners would replace Piilola at second base giving the Knights some speed on the base path.  Warne would not disappoint at the plate and drove a pitch up the middle for a base hit.  The ball would end up into shallow center field but experienced third base coach Ryan Meehan sent Koopmeiners home on the throw knowing with 2 outs it was a gamble worth making.  The throw was dead on to the catcher at the plate, but Koopmeiners would slide inside the tag while dislodging the ball from the catcher.  He beat the throw, but the great slide took any judgement out from the call.

One of the better comebacks in Knights history.  Game ball to Dan Piilola who had a part in all 6 Knights run.  He finished with a home run, a double, 5 RBI, and 2 Runs scored.

 

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