Trojans have more walks than hits in win over Mapletown
Holly Tonini
California’s Robbie DeFranco hits the ball during Wednesday’s game against Mapletown in California.
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Mapletown’s Garett Kiger (3) strikes out against the Trojans’ Chris Swartz during Wednesday’s Section 1-A game in California.
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Mapletown’s Keith Popernack (2) slides safely into second base in the first inning before California’s Mike Luketich can apply the tag in Wednesday’s Section 1-A game in California.
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California’s Drake Johnson (15) scrambles back to second back to beat the throw to Mapletown’s Jon Dotts during Wednesday’s Section 1-A game at California.
COAL CENTER — There were more walks than hits in California’s 15-5 Section 1-A win over Mapletown on Wednesday.
Seven different pitchers combined for 19 walks, while three Mapletown pitchers also combined to hit six batters.
California coach Nick Damico was pleased with being able to get all 22 of his roster players in the game, including eight freshmen.
“We had four young guys pitch for us,” Damico said. “We’re still working on some things, but we’re getting there. We’re always trying to build the program. We want to keep improving this year and working towards the future.”
Mapletown coach Brian Lewandosky said, “Two of our more consistent pitchers couldn’t find the (strike) zone today.”
California starting pitcher Chris Swartz gave up three hits and walked a batter in the first three innings. But, he helped himself out by picking a runner off second base in the first inning and catching another runner off first base in the second inning.
The Trojans scored three runs in each of the first two innings, with Aaron Previsky hitting a triple to drive in Josh Luko and Louden Conte before Previsky scored on a sacrifice fly by Jake Columbus in the first, and Swartz’s double keyed the California offense in the second inning.
California (7-0, 13-0) sent 13 batters to the plate and scored seven runs in the third inning with Nathaniel Lucketich hitting a two-run single to drive in Bobby Harris and Mitch Niccolai. Four walks and two hit batsmen led to five additional runs in the inning.
Mapletown (0-6, 2-8) scored five runs in the fifth with Jon Dotts singling to drive in one run, and Chace Johnston also singling in the inning. There were also two hit batsmen and four walks as 11 batters went to the plate.
California loaded the bases in the fifth and Garritt Woodburn’s single drove in Enzo Mariscotti with the deciding run on the 10-run rule.
Keith Papernack had two of Mapletown’s five hits, including a double. Lewandosky said Papernack “has been having a great season at the plate.”