The Nevada Capitols looked ready for their trip to Australia in an impressive 9-3 win over the Nevada Bighorns on Tuesday at Ron McNutt Field.
While the Bighorns were missing several of their top players, the win still has to be considered definitely an upset for the Capitols, who took control of the game by scoring six runs in the second inning to take a 6-0 lead.
David Leid had three hits and Bryt Lewis belted a two-run home run for the Capitols. Kyle Stone added two hits, including a double and Cody Stevens, Paul Cagle, Brooks Greenlee and Ray Barrett all had a hit.
Adam Anderson had two hits, Josh Caron and Greg Pellici both doubled and Steve Mays, Ryan Simpson, Nick Nyman and Jonathan Silva all added a hit for the Bighorns.
Stephen Sawyers threw three effective innings and Kyle Mandoki threw two scoreless innings for the Capitols thanks to two outstanding defensive plays by Greenlee in centerfield. Greenlee threw out a runner trying to score from second in the fourth.
In the fifth after Simpson walked, Pellici doubled over Greenlee's head. But Greenlee quickly got the ball back in, allowing the Capitols to throw out Pellici at third for the final out. The out was recorded before Simpson, who couldn't run at full strength because of a strained hamstring, could score.
Tyler Smith threw a scoreless sixth for the Capitols and Greenlee finished up, allowing an uneared run in the seventh while striking out two.
The Capitols also had a chance to face Owen Brolsma and his fastball in the 90-mile an hour range. Brolsma was making his second appearance for the Bighorns.
Leid greeted Brolsma with a single and moved to second on Brett Valley's sacrifice bunt and to third on a wild pitch. Leid scored on an error to make it 9-2. Brolsma allowed the unearned run and struck out two in his inning of work.
Darren Boone pitched a scoreless fifth and Pellici threw a scoreless sixth for the Bighorns.
The Capitols will leave Friday for their trip to Australia where they will participate in a tournament. The Bighorns will next play a doubleheader at 4 p.m. Saturday against the San Francisco Seagulls at McNutt Field.