|
|
|
Friday, August 8, 2008
Boyertown Claims World Series Regional Spot
Greater Reading, PA
|
|
|
By: Dave Conard
|
Photo(s) By: Dave Conard
|
beat Plum 4 - 0 last night
|
In stark contrast to the Bears come from behind win over Holidaysburg on Wednesday, they seized control of the contest early posting two runs in the first inning.
|
|
|
Boyertown claims a World Series regional berth, set sites on Norchester
By David Conard
Bear Stadium-Nate Schnell doesn’t play the field very often, or seldom gets an at bat, and never pinch runs. In fact during most Bears games, he is usually seen in the Boyertown dug out carrying a clip board. That’s because Nate Schnell’s job description as a member of the Bears is simple, he pitches; very well.
Thursday night, young Mr. Schnell pitched the game of his life, leading the bears to 4-0 win over Plum Legion in the winners bracket final to claim at least an American Legion Worlds Series qualifying regional berth.
“Wow, this is awesome,” exclaimed Schnell. “That was the biggest game that I have ever pitched in my life. I was really nervous in the beginning because in the bullpen I was struggling a bit. Once I got into the game though, I got in a groove and found everything.”
In stark contrast to the Bears come from behind win over Holidaysburg on Wednesday, they seized control of the contest early posting two runs in the first inning. The Bears loaded the bases on three hits with out the ball leaving the infield. Brandon Sullivan, who led off the game by dropping a textbook bunt down the third base line, scored the game’s first run as red-hot Shayne Houck drew a walk with the base juiced. “It was huge for us to get the lead early,” said Sullivan. “We knew with it raining before the game it would be to our advantage to bunt. That’s Bears baseball right there. Nate went out and pitched his heart out tonight. That’s the best I have ever seen him throw since I have been here.”
Boyertown (51-1) added another run in the fourth. Logan Herb who had doubled, was driven in by Brent Ruminski’s ground out to deep second with one down. Plum then turned the second of three inning-ending double plays that they executed during the tilt.
After a nine strike out performance by Todd Speilman in the Bears 7-4 win on Wednesday, it would only be normal to wonder if Boyertown would be able to get the same kind of outing from their young right-hander in the winner’s bracket final. But time and time again Schnell proved he was up to the challenge, pitching seven scoreless innings and allowing just three hits, while fanning four and walking two.
“I was able to use my curveball to keep them off balance,” said Schnell. “When we needed a strikeout we finished it off with a slider. It’s easy with Z (Ryan Zakszeski) back there. If I’m doing anything wrong, he can tell and he always helps me correct it.” Zakszeski, (drove in the bears second run with a sacrifice fly) who has done a fantastic job all year of handling a very diverse pitching staff, was quick to give his battery-mate props. “This was a big game, and they’re only going to get bigger from here. Nate and I were on the same page from the start. He kept shutting them down and throwing goose eggs on the board. It’ great when I know he is going to hit my glove where ever I put it.”
With a 3-0 lead Shayne Houck, who went 5-for-5 with a home run and 2RBIs on Wednesday, was called on in relief in the top of the eighth. With one on and no one out, Houck calmly struck out three in two scoreless innings to record his first save of the tournament. Houck also has a win from the opening 12-2 conquest of Abington VFW. “This is where we wanted to be at the start of the season,” said Houck. “We still have along way to go and we need to step up every game. I have been seeing a lot of fastballs since people don’t want to pitch to Nole (Saylor) and I’ve been making good contact.”
Up next for the Bears is a 7:30 pm match up with local nemesis Norchester.
Even though Boyertown has defeated Norchester the last two seasons to win the state title, the Bears know not to take them lightly. In talking with the Bears’ players it seems that they would love to help the Bulldogs (30-10) pack away their equipment for the summer. “It would be great to end their season.” said Brandon Sullivan. “The last two seasons, they have finished second in the states but still got to go on to a regional.”
“I would have no problem at all ending another team’s season,” said Ryan Zakszeski. “I would feel bad for about five minutes, but after that I would be fine, especially if it’s them (Norchester).
Only four teams remain alive in the tournament. Friday’s games will feature Plum (35-6) from just east of Pittsburgh taking on upstart Bradford (26-10) at 4PM. The nightcap will be the highly anticipated battle between Boyertown and Norchester at 7:30 PM. Some tickets for the late game are still available. The winner of the Pennsylvania State title will travel to Virginia next week to compete in the Mid-Atlantic regional, while the runner up will have their ticket punched for the Great Lakes regional held in Ohio.
|
|
|
|
™
™
