Uniontown routs Farmington
HOPWOOD – Uniontown built an 11-3 lead in the first four innings before exploding for eight runs in the sixth inning to defeat Farmington 19-4 in the first round of the American Legion playoffs on Thursday. The hosts sent 10 batters to the plate in the sixth, highlighted by three-run home runs by Carmen Congelio and Evan Arison, the latter ending the game on the 15-run mercy rule.
Uniontown (15-6) sent nine batters to the plate in the first inning and scored four runs. Dave Gaisbauer celebrated his selection to the state American Legion all-star game by leading off with the first of his three hits before stealing second base and advancing to third on a throwing error. Nick Forsythe was safe on an infield error as Gausbauer scored, Gio Schiano later singled home Forsythe, and Schiano and Kevin Mitrisin scored on a single by Max Beatty.
Schiano doubled in Gaisbauer in the second inning and Mitrisin doubled to drive in Forsythe and Schiano for a 7-0 lead.
Farmington (2-19) scored twice in the third as Mike Haines walked and scored on Cody Jackson’s bases loaded walk after Anthony Sparks and Dante O’Connell had infield singles. After a force out, O’Connell scored on a Uniontown throwing error.
Jake Riddell doubled to drive in Beatty in the home third, and Riddell scored on an error on a ball hit by Gausbauer. Schiano’s third hit gave him his third RBI as Gaisbauer scored for a 10-2 lead.
Anthony Sparks singled to drive in Ron Nara in the Farmngton fourth, and Uniontown answered when Riddell singled in Arison in the home fourth.
Farmington’s final run scored in the top half of the sixth when Nara doubled and scored on Haines’s second hit.
Congelio’s sixth inning homer came with Gausbauer and Forsythe on base, while Arison’s game ending homer came with Mitrisin and Mason Fordyce aboard.
“At the beginning of the game, we made all the plays,” said Uniontown coach Ron Popovich. “We ended up with a few errors later on. Farmington can surprise any team, but our kids were ready to play.”
Pitcher Nate Workman wasn’t as effective as he has been under the hot sun. “He was not at his best,” Popovich said. “But he got us through the first game. At least we have two games left,” in the double-elimination tournament.
While Uniontown will host its second round game tonight at 6 p.m. in the winner’s bracket, Farmington must win in the loser’s bracket in order to avoid elimination.
Farmington coach Lloyd Jackson used three pitchers against Uniontown and said, “As usual our pitching was a wreck. If we lose, we’re out. If we win, we keep going. I hope we can do better tomorrow.”