Albert Gallatin seniors go out in style
John F. Brothers/HeraldStandard.com
Albert Gallatin’s Tyler Dubovich (5) throws out Connellsville’s Grant Wortman during Friday’s game at German-Masontown Park. Dubovich is backed-up by Colonials shortstop Bill Chahl (4).
Albert Gallatin's Ed Dutkewycz (11) tags out Connellsville's Brock Bonadio (13) during the fifth inning of Friday's game at German-Masontown Park.
Albert Callatin's Chris Uphold dives back to first before Connellsville first baseman Brandon Freed and put the tag on Uphold during Friday's game at German-Masontown Park.
Albert Gallatin's Cory Hoone (14) score a run for the Colonials as Connellsville catcher Zach Swink (12) waits for the throw home during Friday's game at German-Masontown Park.
MASONTOWN — Four starting seniors had a hand in helping to win their final home game on Friday as Albert Gallatin edged Connellsville, 6-4.
Starting pitcher Tyler Swenglish got the win while catcher Ed Dutkewycz, Cory Hoone, and Tyler Kutek combined for four hits, three runs, and three RBIs. Junior Tyler Dubovich also set a school record for hits in a season and pitching saves.
Albert Gallatin (9-9, 4-8) took a 1-0 lead in the first when Cory Hoone walked with one out, Dutkewycz singled and Cullen Hoone singled to drive in Cory Hoone.
Swenglish retired the first six Connellsville batters before the Falcons pounded out five of their 10 hits in a three-run third inning to take the lead.
Andrew Stone singled, Zach Swift was safe on a bunt single and both moved up on an errant pickoff attempt. Mike Parlak grounded out as Stone scored and J.R. Blocker singled to drive in Swift. Three batters later, and Brandon Freed hit the first of his three singles to drive in Blocker for a 3-1 lead.
The Colonials immediately responded with two runs to tie the score in the bottom of the inning. Cory Hoone walked Dutkewycz hit the second of his three singles, and Cullen Hoone bunted both runners into scoring position. With two outs, Kutek singled to drive in Cory Hoone and courtesy runner Chris Uphold to tie the score.
AG took the lead to stay in the fourth when Dubovich doubled and scored on a two-out hit by Dutkewycz.
Connellsville (4-13, 2-9) threatened in the fifth, but AG right fielder Jamal Palmer combined with Dutkewycz for a defensive gem that may have turned the momentum.
With Brock Bonadio on second, Freed singled to right field and Palmer threw home where Dutkewycz blocked the plate and reached to tag Bonadio after the runner had avoided an initial tag attempt.
The Colonials scored twice in the bottom of the sixth to lead 6-3. Palmer singled, Kutek was hit by a pitch and Chaz Phillips walked to load the bases. Pinch hitter Ryan Stewart hit a looping fly ball that forced the runners to hold before the ball dropped in left field. The Falcons got a force out at third base on the play as Palmer scored.
Dubovich followed with an RBI single to drive in Phillips. The hit was the 30th for Dubovich, breaking the school single season record of 29 set by Gene Franks IV in 2007.
In the Falcon seventh, Swenglish walked Blocker, but got two quick outs. But Freed singled to drive in Cam Bernhardt and Grant Wortman doubled Freed to third.
AG coach Shawn Chory brought Dubovich in to pitch, and he got a fly out to end the game.
Afterwards Connellsville coach Joe Bonadio said, “Baseball is a game of consistency. You’ve got to get runners on, move them up, score runs, and make plays. You’ve also got to be able to throw strikes and get people out.”
Chory said his team “has taken baby steps every year. If we had given up two less runs, we’d be 6-6 and in the playoffs. Connellsville is a class program and I knew they’d battle in the seventh. I’m happy we came out on top.”
Chory praised the efforts of his seniors. “Dutkewycz is tough and is a three-year starter. Kutek is excellent defensively and has had a hot bat of late. This was Tyler Swenglish’s first year as a starting pitcher and he has four wins.”
He said Palmer’s fifth inning throw was big, especially since it was his first start in the outfield. “I wanted to get his bat in the lineup. That was a huge play.”