Geibel rides early lead to win over Frazier
PERRYOPOLIS – Geibel Catholic scored five runs in the second inning and played solid defense behind Nolan Zavora and Brendan Costantino in an 8-3 win over Frazier in Section 1-A baseball Wednesday. The win lifts the Gators to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in section games, while Frazier fell to 5-3, 3-3. Geibel Catholic is in a virtual tie for second place, a game behind section-leading Carmichaels as the section season nears its halfway point.
“I’m not used to being here this early,” Gators coach Mark Riggin said, referring to Geibel Catholic’s past habit of starting slowly before charging back in the second half of section play. “We’re into the second half after Friday, plus a make-up we have, but wins early are big. There are still a lot of games left that could go either way.”
The Gators got on the board in the first when Phil Mariani singled, stole second, advanced to third on a groundout and scored on a Frazier error.
Geibel padded its lead with five in the second inning. The burst was highlighted by a two-run single by freshman Anthony Speeney and another two-run single by Tyler Erdely. Mark Gira reached on an error in the third and Erdely’s third RBI put the Gators ahead, 7-0.
“We had one bad inning, but give them credit because they hit the ball hard today,” Frazier coach John Phillips said of the Gators. “When we boot a ball, it just gives them another chance. They are a very good hitting team.”
Frazier got on the board in the bottom of the third when Ronnie Olbrys singled ahead of Dave Genua’s home run to left-center field.
The pitch was one of Zavora’s few mistakes. He earned the win with six solid innings. Costantino worked the seventh.
Justin Berklovich gave up five earned runs on eight hits in three innings to take the loss for Frazier. “I thought Ronnie Holp did a good job the last three innings,” Phillips said. “He held them to one run. We hit the ball hard today, too, just right at somebody.”
“We hit the ball well early, but after that it was sparingly,” Riggin said. “Nolan pitched another great game for us and our defense was a lot better today.”
After committing six errors in Tuesday’s win over Bentworth, the gators had only two against Frazier. Erdely paced the Gators offense with three hits and three RBI, while five other Gators, including Speeney, had two hits each.
“Tyler’s from this area, so I’m sure he wanted to do well against his friends and he did,” Riggin said. “Anthony’s playing exceptionally well for a freshman and Mick Betler’s been hitting well also.”
Geibel Catholic travels to West Greene Friday, while Frazier travels to California.