The SOL American Conference season got underway on Monday. Check out all of the results.
By Scott Huff
The Chinese New Year is the Year of the Dragon – in the Suburban One League baseball world it is the Year of the Bat.
The PIAA has instituted a new baseball bat that has restrictions that make the metal bats muted to the ‘feel’ of a wooden bat. And the early returns from area coaches have been favorable ones.
“I love the new bats,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Robert Slagle. “It is going to make people play the game a lot differently – more the way that it should be played. Teams are going to find themselves moving runners more – bunting more – and getting key hits to win games. It will be a shorter game, but a game that might be played at a higher level.”
“I think we might bunt quite a bit more,” said Upper Dublin head coach Ed Wall. “It will change the focus on how we play the game, and that is a good thing.”
“Something had to be done with the bats at this level,” said Norristown head coach Vince Elsier. “There was a real danger factor with the way the ball came off the bat, and I’ve seen severe injuries because of it. Plus, I think having the feel of the wooden bat will make the younger hitters much better hitters.”
“I have been surprised at how well you can still drive the ball,” said Quakertown head coach Steve Cherrybon. “If you make good solid contact, the ball is still going to be hit a long way. I see it as a positive improvement to the high school game.”
“The good hitters are still going to be able to hit with these bats,” said Central Bucks South head coach Mike Schaefer. “We had a good day hitting the ball (in the season opener at Wissahickon) and had 13 hits. You have to make good contact and good results are still going to happen.”
“I guess I like them,” said Upper Moreland head coach Ernie Rehr. “Both teams play with the same bat, and in the end the best team is going to win the game.”
Amen.
Suburban One League American Conference
Upper Dublin (1-0) captured a breathtaking 6-5 conference victoryas senior Andrew Yekel blasted a walk-off homerun to end the game against visiting Wissahickon (0-1).
“It was pretty obvious off the bat that it was going to be a homer,” said Upper Dublin head coach Ed Wall of the inside-the-park four bagger. “He has great speed, and he really crushed the ball to left-center field which is a long way out there. He got his eyes checked before the season, and he has really been hitting the ball this year.
“There must have been eight to ten fly balls that fell because of the wind,” added Wall. “It was a tough game to play, and I’m glad we were the last team to get an at-bat.”
The win went to senior right-hander Zach Walsh who threw a pair of shutout innings for the Cardinals.
“Zach is his own style of pitcher,” said Wall. “He can really make the ball move, and he was very effective today.”
Wissahickon Trojans 100 130 0 - 5 7 0
Upper Dublin Cardinals 002 100 3 - 6 10 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh (1-0) opened conference play as the Colonials marched to a 4-1 victory over Cheltenham (0-1) in a game played at the Villanova University baseball field.
“It was so windy at the field that the batters’ eye and all of the things draped around the fences blew off,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Robert Slagle. “The umpires had to stop the game a couple of times because of the wind. Where were those 80-degree days when you need them.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh senior lefty Steve Wallace was masterful on the mound for the Colonials. Wallace threw a complete game – did not allow an earned run – registered five strikeouts – and issued just a single base on balls.
“Steve was very economical with his pitchers, and to get a complete game this early in the season is very impressive,” said Slagle. “And got him a lead with some good baseball at the beginning of the game.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh scored a run in the bottom of the first inning when junior Austin DiBonaventure walked – was sacrificed to second on a perfect bunt by senior Matt Minetola – and scored on an RBI single by senior catcher Bobby Slagle. Slagle – who has committed to Villanova to play baseball next season – would collect a second RBI later in the game.
“In our conference, with the 18-game schedule, we get right into league play,” said Slagle. “Personally, I like it. Let’s play ball.”
Cheltenham Panthers 000 001 0 - 1 4 2
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 101 020 x - 4 5 2
Upper Moreland (1-0) scored seven runs in the first two innings as the Golden Bears clawed host Norristown (0-1) by a 10-6 score in the conference opener for both teams.
“To be honest, without the (windy) weather the way to was, I don’t know who would win that game,” said Upper Moreland head coach Ernie Rehr. “The game was much closer than the score might indicate – there were a number of nail biting situations for us in that game. It was just a difficult way to play baseball.
“We hit the ball hard the first two innings, and I don’t want to take anything away from our hitters,” added Rehr. “But Norristown came back at us, and it was a 6-3 game in their favor after those first two innings.”
Upper Moreland finished the game with six doubles. Sean Valenza stroked a couple of two baggers for the Bears, while Robert Knox, Matt Kohn, Ryan Snyder, and Charlie Hooker each collected a single double. Hooker finished the game with three hits and four runs batted in.
“I know as a player, I would have hated to play under those conditions,” said Rehr. “But both sides battled through it.”
Upper Moreland Golden Bears 430 000 3 - 10 12 0
Norristown Eagles 001 101 3 - 6 12 3
SOL Non-League Games
Pennridge (2-0 overall) won its second straight non-league contest as the Rams captured an 8-2 victory over host Palisades (0-2).
Pennridge banged out 12 hits in the win and were sparked offensively by Dan Shane blasted a homerun and collected four RBI. Freshman Dave Tatoian also homered for the Rams, while Evan Herndon spanked a triple. Both Jake Gordon and Evan Myers doubled for the winners.
Phil Allebach was the winning pitcher for Pennridge.
Pennridge Rams 040 110 2 - 8 12 2
Palisades Pirates 100 010 0 - 2 7 2
Souderton (2-0) won its second straight non-league contest as the Indians captured an 11-4 victory over visiting Neshaminy (0-1).
Souderton scored seven runs in the fourth inning to break open a 3-3 deadlock. Kyle Wenger had a huge day at the plate for the Big Red with three hits that included a triple and homerun. Mike Bartholomew doubled and tripled for the Indians, while Jake Ebersole also doubled and earned the win on the mound.
Neshaminy Redskins 030 001 0 - 4
Souderton Indians 003 701 x - 11
Council Rock South (1-0) won its season opener as the Golden Hawks soared to a 10-3 victory over host Central Bucks West (0-1).
Council Rock South broke open a 3-3 tie with a seven run fifth inning to secure the win. The Hawks managed just three hits for the day and were led offensively by Zac Fitzgerald with two hits – two runs scored – and two RBI. Jeff Miller was the winning pitcher for Rock South as Hawk pitching held West to only a pair of hits.
Council Rock South Golden Hawks 003 070 0 - 10 3 1
Central Bucks West Bucks 030 000 0 - 3 2 6
William Tennent (1-0) opened its season with a victory as the Panthers out slugged visiting Quakertown (1-1) – 17-11.
Vinnie Case was a perfect 4-4 on the day – all doubles – and collected three RBI. Jimmy Lewicki picked up the victory for the Black Cats in relief.
Quakertown was led by Colin Utterbeck – who hit a homerun – and Mike Potynski who collected three hits and scored a pair of runs for the Panthers.
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