Week 2 Recap: Cropdusters Bounce Back in a Home Game-Filled Week

By Dylan Lewis, Cropdusters Social Media Assistant

After a sluggish and tiring start to the season, the Cropdusters looked to change the tempo and gain momentum heading into week two.

Luckily, the team began the week with a rest day, giving players an opportunity to recharge and even attend an Orioles game after a long opening week.

On Tuesday, it was back to business for the Crops. The team was slated to play at home against Big Train, the third time they would face Bethesda this season. While keeping the game close early and trailing only 3-1 after four innings, a five-run fifth inning gave Big Train the momentum for the rest of the game as they went on to win 11-4. Despite the loss, a bright spot for the Cropdusters was infielder Logan Barrata, who collected three hits in Tuesday night's contest.

On Wednesday, the Cropdusters were scheduled to head to Gaithersburg to face the Giants at Kelley Park for the second time this season, but storms forced the game to be postponed. That matchup is now scheduled to be played Monday, June 15.

The weather issues continued Thursday, when the Crops returned home to face the Senators. The Dusters jumped out to an early 4-2 lead before storms rolled through the D.C. metro region, forcing the game to be suspended and later resumed as part of Sunday's doubleheader.

On Friday, the Cropdusters were finally able to get back on the field. With storms looming, they jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the third inning. However, lightning in the area caused a delay as severe thunderstorms passed south of Olney, fortunately sparing OBGC from any rain.

After the delay, and a photoshoot beneath a beautiful orange sky, the Cropdusters resumed play and completed a 5-1 victory. The pitching was outstanding, led by Logan Hartman, who threw four innings and struck out four batters, along with Nolan Ross, who provided three innings of relief while striking out five.

Saturday continued the Cropdusters' home stretch as they hosted the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts in a Saturday Night Lights featured game. Tied at one run apiece entering the sixth inning, the Dusters plated four runs in the bottom half thanks to a Patrick Gozdan grand slam, helping secure a 6-4 victory. Devin Aponte also played a major role, providing four and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief while striking out four.

By Sunday, the Cropdusters had found their stride. To close out the second week of Ripken League play, the Crops played a doubleheader against the Southern Maryland Senators, beginning with the completion of Thursday's suspended game. The Dusters swept both games, winning the opener 8-5 and the second game 5-4.

After a busy week, the Cropdusters will continue their homestand by visiting Gaithersburg on Monday, June 15, for the previously postponed game against the Giants. They will then face Alexandria on Tuesday, Bethesda on Wednesday, and South County on Thursday before returning home Friday to take on the Thunderbolts. To finish the week, the Cropdusters will face the Southern Maryland Senators in a doubleheader in Waldorf on Saturday before meeting the Thunderbolts again on Sunday to conclude another rigorous stretch of games.

The Cropdusters currently sit at 6-4, marking a significant turnaround from the opening week. The team went 4-1 during the week and carries a four-game winning streak into the next slate of games.