Carmichaels advances
MOUNT PLEASANT – Carmichaels coach Dave Bates was able to save some innings for his pitching staff during a 9-0 first-round playoff win over Vincentian Academy. An eight-run offensive explosion in the second inning allowed Bates to split innings on the mound between starter Joby Lapkowicz, Billy Musgrove, and Zach Wolfe. Faced with the absence of several starters and some tough choices, Vincentian coach P.J. McKay decided to start Ryan Thompson on the mound and place ace pitcher Adam Dian at shortstop.
Thompson stranded one Carmichaels base runner in the first inning, but three errors by the Royals opened the door for the Mikes’ eight-run second inning that essentially put the game out of reach.
Big hits in the inning were Chuck Gasti’s second single in as many innings to drive in one run, Lapkowicz’s single to drive in two runs, a squeeze bunt single and RBI by Jonathan Krall, an RBI single by Nick Clarke, and singles by Justin McCann and Musgrove.
In the middle of the inning McKay brought Dian in to pitch, and he struck out a pair of batters around two of the Mikes’ six hits. From that point on, Dian gave up one run on four hits and struck out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings.
The Mikes’ only other run came in the sixth when Lapkowicz walked, stole second, and scored on Musgrove’s second single of the day. Lapkowicz also had a double, while Gasti doubled, tripled, and singled twice.
Chris Koryak and Alex franc had the only hits by the Royals. In the meantime, the Mikes’ pitching trio combined for 10 strikouts.
Bates said the eight-run second inning allowed him the opportunity to save Lapkowicz for possible innings on the mound later in the week. “Joby threw a great three innings, and we didn’t have to use Chuck (Gasti).” When asked whether he’ll start Gasti or Lapkowicz in the next scheduled game, Bates said his decision would depend on his next opponent’s tendencies.
Bates tipped his hat to Dian who “had our guys frozen” at the plate. “If he starts (as pitcher) it might have been a different story.”
McKay said he was proud of his team’s effort with several starters not in uniform. “I think we did a fabulous job against (Lapkowicz) by taking him deep into some counts and a couple hitters were able to put the ball in play.”
He admitted the Royals knew they had to try to get to Lapkowicz early and took some chances that didn’t work out.
“In the first inning, we had a runner thrown out trying to steal and weren’t able to complete a bunt.
“And it’s been the story of our season to have that one bad inning.”