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Smethport takes 6-4 game in playoff prelude |
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Tuesday, 30 June 2009 |
By Joseph Bell
Despite a 4-0 Ridgway lead after the first inning, Smethport chipped away in the middle innings and pulled away for a 6-4 win last night against Ridgway in American Legion baseball action at Sandy Beach Recreational Park.
With a 4-0 deficit, Smethport used a single from starting left fielder Scott Stratten to cut the lead in half in the top of the second inning. Stratten would later score to pull Smethport to within one run.
The visitors later took the lead with consecutive singles by starting second baseman Brian Zetwick and starting catcher Alex Myers to take a 5-4 advantage. Smethport added an insurance run in the top of the fourth inning on a run-scoring single from starting shortstop Mark Larsen.
Smethport, fielding only the minimum nine players, tallied 11 hits. Starting third baseman Cody Matzner was the only Smethport starter without a hit as he went 0-for-1 with a run. Matzner reached base on an error, walk, and was struck by a pitch in the top of the second inning.
But with only a two-run deficit, Ridgway was unable to mount a successful comeback. Despite consecutive walks to open up the bottom of the third inning, Mike Miraglia came off the bench and struck out swinging before starting catcher Derek Gaffey was called out at the plate following a wild pitch.
The home team managed a one-out double by Alex Dickant in the bottom of the sixth inning but Matzner, who pitched three innings of relief, shut down the next two batters.
Smethport's Trevor Watson, who started the game in right field, took the mound in the bottom of the seventh inning and retired the side for the save.
Ridgway had previously lost to Smethport, 6-3, earlier in the season. But despite another loss, Ridgway coach Barry Caggiano was optimistic.
"This game didn't mean a whole lot to us for the playoffs so both of us were using different pitchers," coach Caggiano said. "We're saving the pitching for Wednesday.
"It was a tight game all the way through and we look forward to playing these guys on Wednesday. It'll be a good game."
Ridgway is scheduled to travel to Smethport for a playoff game Wednesday night.
"The young pitching didn't look too bad and for two of those guys, it was their first time on the mound all year," coach Caggiano said. "I expect a close ballgame up there.
"It's supposed to rain through Wednesday so, weather permitting, we'll see what happens."
In the bottom of the first inning, Ridgway sent its entire starting lineup to the plate. A single by starting third baseman Kevin Kilhoffer scored starting shortstop Sam Skraba to take a quick 1-0 lead. Back-to-back doubles by starting pitcher Alan Buehler and second baseman Nate Dornish scored two more runs. A single by starting center fielder Ben Jaques scored Dornish to give Ridgway the early 4-0 lead but Ridgway was unable to extend their hot hitting deeper into the game. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 July 2009 )
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