In a battle for first place, the Bandidos upended the South Hills Devils in a 6-2 effort. The Devils threatened to make it a game during the 5th inning, but it was mostly a no doubter the whole way.

The Didos got out to a strong start in this one, behind an efficient performance from John Friend. Ben Hartz and James Contrella led the way offensively, with two hits and two rbi. Friend went two innings and no runs. Followed by Contrella, with three innings and no earned runs as well. Albert Olesko closed things out, with two strong innings and no runs.

The Bandidos depth showed up in this one yet again. Mitch Bacco made his 2023 debut in left field and made a diving catch to get the squad out of a jam. Travis Royer made his fielding debut at first base, before coach Eric Friend yelled at him and made him sit down. Jake “Stacks” Stackiewicz continues the strong play behind the plate and finally got a couple hits to drop in.

Jake Carter and Zack King made some great plays on the left side of the infield, which caused the Devils to never get much going offensively.

During his first game back from injury/travel/sickness, Eric Friend had a strong game, in spite of fellow manager John Friend trying to kill him, by ill-advisedly sending him home. #9 looked like he broke his ankle, but the man can’t be harmed (badly). Eric was not happy, which may have led to Royer’s benching.

The Bandidos were suppose to have three games in three days this weekend, but the squad was able to collect a forfeit win from D2 and the Sunday contest against the Buccos was rained out.

The Easy Bake Oven Boys have now won four games in a row and are sitting at 12-3 on the season. It appears as if the doubleheader against the Keystone Oaks could determine first place in the league.

Didos En El Rio

James Contrella is having a sneaky good campaign at the dish, batting .500 with 4 rbi. The man is more than a pitcher.

Zack King has gotten off the schneid, collecting 5 hits in the last 4 games.

There is no way to figure out lifetime stats against a team (unless Germani does it). That being said, John Friend owns the Devils. Except for that one time, in that one important game, during that one inning.