California, Perryopolis split Legion twinbill
PERRYOPOLIS – Perryopolis had all the makings of reenacting its come-from-behind win in the first game of its American Legion doubleheader with California Wednesday. All except one intricate detail – the comeback.
Perryopolis lost the second game of the twinbill, 3-1, after a dramatic 3-2 win over California in the first game.
“We scrambled a bit and gave up a run in the first inning, and I thought, ‘Here we go again,'” said Perryopolis manager Ray Smitley. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to come back.”
Perryopolis could not come back from a two-run deficit in the second game, as it did in the first game when Jake Rabatin plated Ben Herspold with a bloop single in the bottom of the seventh for the game winner.
California starting pitcher Matt Morich prevented a Perryopolis comeback. He tossed a complete game with six strikeouts, while escaping the seventh inning after walking Rabatin and surrendering a single to Jeff Horrell. Herspold grounded to a second-base force out to end the game, stranding Rabatin at third.
“This was two tough ballgames,” Smitley said. “We just couldn’t make a ballgame of it (in the second).”
California’s improved hitting and mental toughness in the second game is what acting manager Mark Hollowood credits to the win.
“We just didn’t hit the ball in the first game,” said Hollowood, who filled in for a vacationing Romaine Howell. “But our kids our are mentally tough; they just come out and play.”
Hollowood wasn’t sure whom he would start for the second game, as Morich’s nod was a game-time decision.
“Well, it worked out,” Hollowood said.
That it did. Morich’s curveball had Perryopolis guessing.
“That kid had a nice curveball,” Smitley said. “We weren’t as patient, and we didn’t hit the ball quite as hard.”
Morich retired eight consecutive batters between the first and third innings, while not giving up an extra-base hit.
California thrived on its extra-base hits, as a pair of two-baggers put the team over the top of Perryopolis starting pitcher Scott Knight.
Morich’s double in the right-center gap scored Shane Tonkavich in the first inning, while Casey Thompson plated Mike Hollowood from third base with his double.
“Casey’s a tough batter,” Smitley said. “He is a tough kid to pitch to. Scotty’s curve got up and Casey just finished it off.”
“That was a big one,” Mark Hollowood said. “Just as long as the sticks are coming around, everyone is happy.”
Thompson advanced to third on the play, as Perryopolis’ throw home to get Mike Hollowood was too late. Thompson later scored when Larry Christinis laid down a sacrifice bunt.
Perryopolis scored its lone run when Christinis dropped Tom Begonia’s line drive to left field, as Ryan Warner scored from second base.
Adam Souply led Perryopolis with two of the team’s four hits, while Mike Hollowood paced California’s attack with a pair of singles.
Horrell pitched Perryopolis to its win in game one, while leading the team’s offense with two singles. Denny Nakutis took the loss for California, as both starters went the distance in the first game.
Perryopolis (3-6) travels to Masontown-Point Marion on Friday, while California (3-8) hosts Carmichaels.