Brooks’ home run key in Connellsville’s 7-4 victory over Uniontown
John F. Brothers | Herald-Standard
Connellsville’s Garret Brooks (7) is congratulated by his teammates at home plate after hitting a three-run home run during the second inning of Friday’s game against Uniontown at Hutchinson Park.
With a man on first, Connellsville pitcher Trevor Farrell fires the ball toward a Uniontown batter during American Legion baseball action Friday at Hutchinson Park.
Uniontown catcher Zack Stashick waits for the late throw home as Connellsville's Grant Witt scores on a double hit by teammate Evan Onusko during the third inning of American Legion baseball action Friday at Hutchinson Park.
Uniontown's Luke Wallace worked the mound Friday during its game against Connellsville at Hutchinson Park.
HOPWOOD — Connellsville American Legion coach John Przybylinski needed little time to respond when he was asked to name the turning point in his team’s 7-4 win over Uniontown on Friday.
“Garret Brooks’ at-bat (in the second inning) early on,” Przybylinski said. “He fouled off some pitches and went from 0-2 to 3-2 and hit a curve ball over the fence. That was a big momentum swing.”
Brooks’ home run to right field came with two outs and Grant Witt and J.R. Blocker on base to give Connellsville a 3-0 lead.
Brooks also singled in the eighth inning to drive in Dakota McWilliams to cap a four RBI night.
Uniontown (11-7, 7-3) literally stole a run back in the third inning when Drew Yauger crossed the plate on the back end of a double steal with Drew DeBerry.
Connellsville (9-4, 9-3) struck for three more runs in the fourth. Witt singled, McWilliams was safe on a one-out error and Evan Onusko doubled to drive in Witt. After Brook was intentionally walked, Grant Wortman was hit by a pitch to drive in McWilliams and Mike Parlak doubled to drive in Onusko for a 6-1 lead.
Connellsville pitcher Trevor Farrell struck out 12 batters in eight innings, allowed just six hits and forced Uniontown to scrap for runs.
Zack Stashick’s sacrifice fly in the sixth drove in Giuseppe Schiano, and Mike Bochnak and Steve Salanick were each hit by pitches with the bases loaded in the eighth to drive in Joe Superick and Schiano.
Tyler Dubovich’s double in the sixth was Uniontown’s only extra base hit.
McWilliams pitched the seventh inning and allowed two base runners before getting a strikeout and pop out to end the game.
Uniontown coach Scott DeBerry said his team has struggled at the plate all season. “We haven’t hit the ball all year. We’re just not a good hitting team. It doesn’t matter if we’re facing someone who is throwing hard or throwing off-speed.
“We really shouldn’t have scored any runs. We took way too many pitches for strikes. When you’re in the hole you’re going to struggle.”
Przybylinski said Farrell has been strong on the mound all season. “Trevor is dedicated to what he does and works hard at it. He deserves every accolade he gets.”
He said Brooks “is another one who loves to play the game. We have a good group of kids. Dakota (McWilliams) is in his first year on the team and this was his first time (to pitch). He showed he belongs here for sure.”