Eastbound and Dahn, led by free agent addition Morrison, won both of their opening games for the first time in franchise history
Eastbound & Dahn moved to 2-0 for the first time in franchise history as Helal’s gem of a performance on the mound quieted the Cookies & Cream bats in the final game of week 1.
Helal allowed a one-out triple to Blose in the top of the first inning, but he stranded the runner by retiring Joey, a theme that would repeat itself throughout the game.
With Guthrie out for week 1, Joey made his first start of 2015 for Cookies & Cream, and he got off to a rough start when the game’s first batter, Tim, crushed a solo homer to left-center, putting Eastbound ahead 1-0. Morrison would follow with a single, but Joey retired the side to minimize the damage.
Helal allowed a one-out double to Joey in the top of the second, but again stranded the runner, maintaining the 1-0 lead.
Helal was in command on the mound, keeping the Cookies & Cream offense in check in a 3-0 win
Eastbound would add to their lead in the bottom of the second, although they already had all of the run support they would need. Helal led off the inning with a single and moved to third when Tim followed with a double. The next batter, Morrison, hit a blazing line drive over the left field wall, and the three-run homer put Eastbound ahead 4-0.
Helal continued to roll in the top of the third, allowing another one-out double to Joey, but again stranding the runner and preserving the shutout bid.
Up 4-0, Eastbound would only manage one more hit the rest of the game, a one-out triple by Christian in the bottom of the third. Joey pitched much more effectively, but Helal matched him inning-for-inning.
Helal was flawless in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings, retiring the side in order.
The 3-hit shutout was one of the most dominating opening day performances in league history. Eastbound moved to 2-0 on the season, and Cookies & Cream dropped to 0-2, their first winless Opening Week in franchise history.
W: Helal (1-0)
L: Joey (0-1)
Game Notes:
– Helal allowed three hits in six innings pitched for the complete game shutout and victory.
– Joey surrendered four runs on six hits in five innings pitched for the complete game loss.
– Tim and Morrison led Eastbound & Dahn at the plate. Tim went 2-for-3 with a double, a home run, two runs scored, and an RBI. Morrison went 2-for-3 with a single, a home run, a run scored, and three RBI.
– When Morrison was retired in the bottom of the fourth inning, it was the first time he had recorded an out in 2015. He started the season 6-for-6 before being retired and finishing the week 6-for-7.
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