The place to be last Thursday evening was Benevento Park for a Farm League showdown between the Mariners and A’s.

In a tightly contested game, hustle plays and fundamentally sound baseball were on full display. Leading the offensive charge for the Mariners were the two Jacobs: Jacob Mead keyed the team’s attack with three singles, including a bases-loaded hit in the fourth inning; Jacob Gallivan’s hustle to first base to beat a throw proved to be a critical during a big fourth inning.

Not to be outdone, Mariners teammates Ava Stasiowski, Noah Forbush, and Antonio DiGiambattista each had multi-hit games. Instinctive base running by DiGiambattista led to three runs. And in addition to their hits, Stasiowski and Forbush each took turns making slick plays at second base.

The star of the game for the A’s was Nate Downey. His memorable day at the plate kept the scorekeepers busy as he lined a single, double, and a well-placed bases-clearing triple. Also for the A’s, Cole Reynolds was tough to keep off the bases, going 3-for-3. William Nickas and Ethan Deveau added to the cause with hits and strong infield play.

Brayden Carr contributed a single for the A’s, but it was his eye-popping catch at third base that left his teammates buzzing. He stretched out to make the tough grab, preventing the Mariners from scoring.