Trojans rout visiting Carmichaels, 14-0
Holly Tonini
California’s Jake Columbus takes off after hitting a three-run triple in the bottom of the third inning against Carmichaels in a Section 1-A game. Columbus was selected as one of two players of the year in the area.
California's Gavin Anderson slides into home but is called out in the bottom of the first inning of Wednesday's Section 1-A game against Carmichaels in Coal Center.
Holly Tonini
California’s Louden Conte reaches first base before Carmichaels first baseman Joel Spishock (26) can catch the ball in a pick-off attempt during a Section 1-A game in Coal Center April 9. The Trojans won that game, 14-0, and the rematch at Carmichaels, 6-5. The two will meet for a third time today for the WPIAL Class A baseball title at Consol Energy Field in Washington at 8 p.m.
Carmichaels’ Tyler Aeschbacher attempts a bunt in the top of the third inning in the Mikes’ Section 1-A game against California in Coal Center on April 9.
COAL CENTER — Josh Luko was nearly perfect and his California teammates brought their “eye” to the plate Wednesday afternoon as the Trojans unexpectedly routed visiting Carmichaels, 14-0, to remain undefeated in Section 1-A action.
The Trojans (8-0) remain atop the Section 2-A standings at 3-0, while the Mikes lost for the first time this season to slip to 2-1 in the section and 4-1 overall.
Luko allowed just one runner in five innings in a game called because of the mercy rule. The senior right-hander retired the first 11 Mikes he faced before a mishandled infield ground ball allowed Mike Blasinsky to reach first.
Ronnie Baron ended the inning with a sharp, diving snag of a sharply hit line drive by Ty Cole. Luko closed the game in order in the fifth with two of the three outs by strikeouts.
“I can’t say enough about Josh,” praised first-year California Nick Damico. “As his former pitching coach, I really love to see that effort. He had three pitches for strikes.”
Carmichaels coach Scott VanSickle gave Luko due recognition for his steller performance.
“Luko has a lot of movement (on his pitches),” said VanSickle.
Michael Luketich then laced a single into left-center field. Anderson, who is a sprinter and throws the javelin for the track team, got his motor going and never slowed down. Ryan Zalar’s throw to shortstop Ty Cole was relayed to catcher Blasinsky to just get the speedy Anderson.
Robbie DeFranco’s bases-loaded walk, the third of the second inning, produced the first run, but the rally was killed with a line drive double play.
“I did at first,” explained Damico if he thought it might be just one of those games. “We knew they didn’t have their ace pitcher (the Mikes’ Brandon Lawless) We wanted them to take a lot of pitches. They were patient at the plate.
“It worked out for us.”
Lawless, who was unavailable because of a “situation at school.”
Four walks and two hit-batsmen in the inning all scored. The back-breaking blow was a bases-clearing triple by Jake Columbus with two outs.
“Columbus’ triple opened the game for us. His triple was the game,” said Damico.
The California offense kept its foot on the pedal in the bottom of the fourth inning, scoring five more runs. The Trojans sent 10 batters to the plate with the definitive hit a run-producing double by Nathaniel Luketich.
Eight of the nine starting batters for California received a walk.
Conte walk, was hit by a pitch and scored two runs. Columbus walked in addition to his three-run triple. Lukp walked once, was hit twice, singled and produced two RBI. Ronnie Barron walked three times and scored three runs. Aaron Previsky walked and had a two-run single. Casey Zajicek singled twice, walked one and scored two runs. Robbie DeFranco, No. 9 hitter, walked three times, once with the bases loaded and scored two runs.
VanSickle was disappointed not just the outcome of the road game.
“I expected a lot more fight out of the kids,” said VanSickle. “I hope the boys learn something from this. I’m a prideful player. I hope they go home and remember this game.
“I tip my hat to Nick (Damico). He has that team firing on all cylinders.”
One loss does not mean the end of the season, though.
“It’s a long season. You have to protect your home turf,” said VanSickle. “I got to see a lot from these younger kids. Now I know some guys who can come in and pitch.”
Both teams return to section action on Friday. California is on the road at Avella, while the Mikes entertain West Greene.