Rain puts Brownsville in tight spot
Brownsville's Ryan Novotney pitches against Bentworth during Monday's game in Republic. Novotney threw two scoreless innings before the game was called due to rain in the top of the third.
Christine Pocratsky
Brownsville’s Cory Lent (2) is out at first base as Bentworth first baseman Robbie Schlutz takes the throw during the second inning of Monday’s game in Republic. The game was called due to rain shortly after.
Brownsville's Cole Novotney chops the ball in front of the plate against Bentworth during Monday's game in Republic. Novotney was thrown out at first base by Bearcats catcher Matt Vickless. The game was called due to rain in the top of the third inning.
Christine Pocratsky
Brownsville’s Shane Roebuck (32) fouls off a ball against Bentworth. Roebuck was named Small School Player of the Year.
REPUBLIC — Playing three games in three days doesn’t seem like an unusual task for a WPIAL high school baseball team.
When that team is trying to win a section title, though, it can make that quest for first a little more difficult.
That’s the situation Brownsville finds itself in after its game against visiting Bentworth was rained out in the top of the third inning with no score on Monday. The game has been rescheduled for Thursday.
The Falcons (10-4, 8-2), who are tied with Washington for the top spot in the Section 2-AA standings, also have games slated for Wednesday against Fort Cherry and Friday at Beth-Center.
“I don’t know what to do with our rotation,” Brownsville head coach Scooter Roebuck said. “We’ll have to sit down and figure that out. We’ve got two or three quality starters and some good relievers. We’ve got enough arms.”
The Falcons’ Ryan Novotney allowed one hit and one walk in tossing two scoreless innings Monday. Kirk Stechly tossed two perfect frames for the Bearcats (7-9, 2-8).
Umpire Bruce Sakalik, working the game along with Jerry Simon, stopped it in the top of the third inning with no outs and a 3-2 count on Bentworth’s Jake Rothko.
“The field was getting pretty wet but I was more concerned with the mound,” Sakalik said. “We don’t want someone getting hurt out there, so we thought it best to call it.”
“I looked at the weather forecast and I thought if it didn’t rain too hard maybe we could squeeze it in,” Roebuck said. “I thought our field was in good shape, but it was just too much rain. It got too soupy out there.
“We felt, with the forecast, it was pointless to try to get this game in tomorrow, so we’ll try Thursday.”
That means three games in three days for the Falcons, but Roebuck doesn’t want any sympathy.
“It’s just the weather. Every team has to deal with it,” Roebuck said.
“We’re all in the same boat.”