Six Runs Win Season (Maybe) Finale
Published: July 27th, 2009 8:21AM
Pirates (29-9) wrap-up their regular season schedule (not including the “maybe game” — scroll down to learn about that) on Sunday, July 26 with their ninth consecutive victory, a 6-1 win over their opponents from Southern Maryland (15-19). The Pirate attack began early with three runs in the first inning. Zach Costello doubled to center field. Alex Guerra reached first base on an error by the pitcher on his well-placed bunt. This allowed Costello to score the first run of the day. Guerra stole second. Matt Snyder then singled to left field earning an RBI as Guerra scored. Snyder was the victim of a pick-off and the bases were empty. Chad Morgan walked, followed by a zippy single by Mike Snyder to left field. With men on first and second the Southern Maryland crew began to let things unravel as wild pitches allowed the Pirates to advance bases, providing the final run for the Pirates in the first inning as Morgan scored the third run.
Southern Maryland scored their only run in the fourth inning on a big triple down the right-field line. The game remained tense and tight until the eighth inning when the Pirates stepped into the batter’s box and added three more runs to their booty. Chad Morgan started things with a triple (team high 4th) down the right-field line. John Ralston smacked a double into right field sending Morgan home. Tim McCormick rocketed a double to right-center field moving Ralston to third . Matt Murakami reached on a fielder’s choice to second, McCormick moving to third but Ralston was thrown out at the plate. Zach Costello powered a double to right field earning two RBIs as Murakami and McCormick scored the final two runs of the inning.
The Pirate defense was rock-solid, too, as Matt Crouse (6-0 with a league leading, unworldly .082 era) tossed another beauty, 7 innings with 4 strike outs, allowing just 3 hits. Reed Bromley finished out the regular season on the mound for the final two scoreless innings with 3 strike outs allowing no hits.
The Pirates conclude a successful 29-9 regular season. Offensive leaders for the year were: Chad Morgan with a wood bat .325 average also leading in slugging, on base averages, and triples. George Piccirilli had the most hits and doubles (tied w/Alex Guerra). Zach Costello led in RBI’s, stolen bases and runs (tied w/ Guerra). Guerra, Costello, and Mike Snyder each homered three times to lead the team. Defensively, Mike McMenamin (league leader), Piccirilli, Costello, and Tim McCormick handled over 300 chances errorlessly, impressively all at more than one position each. Pitching was excellent all season long, Matt Crouse (6-0) was the league’s era leader at .o82, Chris Yates led the talented staff in strikeouts and Mike Manfro had twice as many saves (10) as the nearest reliever in the entire league. The tournament awaits, it’s been demonstrated that any team can beat you, so get ready.
Maybe Game
Keep your eyes and ears open for the Wednesday “Maybe Game” which is dependent on the Vienna Senators and how they perform in their next two regular-season contests. They need to win BOTH games to challenge our Pirates for the CGL Regular-Season Championship. If they win both, we’ll see them Wednesday at PVI. Scroll-down in this page for more details.
