Jul 31, 2009 4 min read

CARMICHAELS, Pa. – The last time Blue Mountain and Watson & Sons met was one week ago during the regular season finale for both teams. Blue Mountain was able to pull out a 2-0 win, despite getting outhit 10-1. When the two teams met Tuesday night in the opening round of the Fayette County Baseball League (FCBL) playoffs, the Copperheads not only outhit their opponents, their win came in a much more convincing fashion. Not only did Blue Mountain pick up a 12-4 victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series, they also out-slugged W&S, 18-9. Team manager Dickie Krause was obviously pleased with his team’s performance, but was able to keep it in perspective.

“It was a nice first game for us, but it’s only step one,” Krause said. “Tomorrow we start all over.”

Speaking of starting, the home team Copperheads hit the ground running offensively as center fielder J.W. Kayla got things going with a single in the top of the first. Designated hitter Rick Smykla followed with a single, and Blue Mountain took a 1-0 lead on a Gene Franks single.

The home team blew it open in the bottom of the second, thanks to four runs on five hits. Catcher Aaron Thompson and right fielder George Taylor each recorded RBI singles, while Franks got the first big hit of the game with a two-run double.

Thompson drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the third to make it 6-0, and Kayla drove in a run on a groundout to make it 7-0.

After Watson & Sons got on the board in the top of the fourth (7-1), the Copperheads struck again, this time with three runs in the bottom of the frame that sealed the deal.

Left fielder Ryan Group singled and stole second during the at-bat of shortstop Cy Mozingo. Mozingo brought Group home with a one-base knock, making the score 8-1.

After a Chuck Gasti double, Thompson struck again, this time with a two-run single, putting his team comfortably ahead 10-1.

W&S managed a run in the top of the sixth and two in the top of the seventh, but Blue Mountain tacked on two more in the bottom of the sixth to maintain a comfortable lead.

Along with their outstanding hitting, the Copperheads got a very solid pitching effort from Kevin Holzworth who got the win after throwing six innings in which he gave up two runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits. He also struck out seven and walked three.

Thompson led the way at the plate, despite hitting in the nine spot, as he went two-for-two with a walk, four runs driven in and a run scored. Franks added a three-for-four evening with two doubles, three RBI and a run scored.

Gasti went two-for-two with a double and a single, while also getting hit twice. He scored three times, as did Mozingo.

“We were able to spell some guys tonight and get some guys some rest,” Krause said. “It was a nice team effort.”

Travis Largent took the loss for Watson & Sons after giving up seven earned runs in 2 1/3 innings.

The visiting team was led at the plate by shortstop Dave Montibeller and designated hitter Jarrod Moskola, who each picked up a pair of singles.

Second baseman Marcus Robinson reached base all four times he came to bat thanks to two walks, an error and getting hit by a pitch. Adam Swinchock hit a pinch-hit two-run single in the seventh.

After the loss, W&S manager Ron Falcon had little to say.

“That’s a good team, but we’ll be alright.” He said.