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Monday, August 4, 2008
West Lawn Takes First Round Win At State Junior Legion Tournament
Greater Reading, PA
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By: Dave Conard
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Photo(s) By: Dave Conard
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beat host Valley Forge 9 - 1 to advance to second round
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“It’s no secret our outfield has been our strength all year,” said head coach Zack Williams. “Those three guys cover a lot of ground out there and they back each other up very well.
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Saturday - Fantastic Four lead Owls to state tournament win
By David Conard
Defense wins games. It seems that no matter what time of year it is you hear that phrase being uttered on playing fields, regardless of what game is being played.
On Saturday, West Lawn elevated those three simple words to a new a level as it smothered host team Valley Forge 9-1 at Heuser field to advance to the second round of the American Junior legion state championship playoffs.
“It’s no secret our outfield has been our strength all year,” said head coach Zack Williams. “Those three guys cover a lot of ground out there and they back each other up very well. Tonight they showed everyone what we as coaches already knew.” The three guys he was talking about were Freddie Caruso, Jordan Rosa and Eric Schmeck, who collectively recorded eight put outs, several of the ESPN variety, and prevented the Generals (17-7) from keeping any kind of rally going. After the Owls scored four runs in the fifth and two in the sixth, it set the stage for the most pivotal moment of the contest.
Center fielder Jordan Rosa ran down a shot in the gap with runners on first and second, that sent General’s pitcher Paul Valenti back to the dug out shaking his head. Much to the delight of the Owls faithful in attendance, Freddie Caruso followed that up by making a fully extended, diving grab of a Brian Desche laser to end the inning and preserve West Lawn’s 9-1 lead.
“At first I thought it was going to drop,” said Caruso. “I just kept running because I knew I had to make a play.” “That was a great game,” said Eric Schmeck. “They (Valley Forge) got us going early by being a little loud. We just got hyped up, and we hit the ball pretty well tonight.”
“We all have each others backs,” said Jordan Rosa. “When the ball is hit, I just try to get the best jump I can and do everything I can to make the play. It helps to know that Freddie and Eric will back me up.”
The Owls (24-6), got things going in the first with two outs, as Freddie Caruso reached base on what looked to be a routine ground out. Caruso busted it down the line to beat the throw.
Dylan Boll rewarded Caruso for his effort by driving him in two pitches later drilling a double into the gap in right center. “It is important to do the little things at this level,” said coach Williams. “To be honest, I was a little nervous before the game tonight. Valley Forge was coming off a lay off and you never know what to expect, We got a couple of runs early, and some timely hitting to build the lead. It’s really fun to watch these kids right now.”
West Lawn got another great start from 15-year old Mike Zinn, using his breaking ball to keep Generals hitter off balance. Zinn fanned three, scattered four hits and allowed only one earned run.
“It’s great to get the lead early,” said Zinn. “I know that my defense is always going to play well behind me, my job is to throw strikes. They had trouble with my curve today, I think they were guessing a lot. ”
“Mike is a character,” said Williams. “This is the second straight phenomenal game he has thrown for us. It’s amazing, before the game he is clowning around, but when the game starts he is ready to pitch.”
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A collection of this month's best action photos.
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