Pitch-count rule hurts Maples in 13-6 setback to Avella
The pitch-count rule played into the Maples’ 13-6 non-section setback to the Eagles on Thursday at CONSOL Energy Park.
Mapletown starting pitcher Brian Bogden had to be taken out of the game after the fifth inning because he was approaching the 100-pitch mark with 91 thrown. The Maples (1-2) held a 5-1 advantage, but wanted to keep Bogden fresh for their section opener with Geibel Catholic coming to town on Monday.
Avella (1-0) took advantage of Bogden’s absence with seven runs in the sixth for an 8-5 advantage. Mapletown, who was hurt by walks and errors in the sixth, added a run in the sixth to cut the deficit to 8-6 but the Eagles put up five more in the seventh.
Dylan Rush took the loss on the mound for the Maples, but had three hits, including a triple. Bogden and Tanner Griffin had two RBIs for Mapletown.
Dalton Simonelli picked up the win on the mound for Avella. He had nine strikeouts and walked three. He also had one of four triples for the Eagles.
The Maples’ opener the Gators is scheduled to start at 4:15 p.m.