The SOL National/Bicentennial fell to the Olympic/Colonial squad in Monday’s opening round of the Carpenter Cup. To view photos of all the action, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By Dave Conard for SuburbanOneSports.com
PHILADELPHIA—Baseball is a team game, plain and simple.
Some would even say it is the ultimate team game as it is the only major sport where one man can sacrifice himself for the betterment of that team.
On Monday, the annual gathering of the tri-state’s best baseball players that epitomize that team concept, otherwise know as the Carpenter Cup, got underway at Richie Ashburn Field in FDR Park.
A Philadelphia institution for more 28 years, the Carpenter Cup has grown into one of the premier college showcases in the nation and has seen more than 30 future major league players compete over the years, including the likes of Mike Piazza, Bobby Higginson and many more.
The Suburban One National/Bicentennial League All-Stars, which have claimed four Cup titles over the years, found themselves pitted against the Olympic/Colonial stars from New Jersey, which have five championships to their credit.
Therein lies the rub, as the very best fight to earn the right to compete for the title on the hallowed ground of Citizen’s Bank Park is that it takes time to build “team chemistry,” and time is something that the format of the tournament just does not allow for.
“This is such a huge honor for these boys and especially our team,” said Abington coach Dave Torresani. “In my time with our program, I don’t ever remember having three kids here and to have Trey (Guaglionona) get two hits was just great.”
The Olympic/Colonial jumped out to the early lead, posting four runs before the fans had found there way to their seats, and unfortunately, it was a sign of the things to come as the “Jersey Boys” cruised to 16-8 win.
SOL/BAL designated hitter Tyler Callender (Council Rock North) crushed a 1-1 fastball that landed in the shadows of Citizen’s Bank Park, the site of the Cup finals, to get the SOL all-stars on the board, cutting the lead to 4-1 after two.
“It was awesome to hit one out of Ashburn Field,” said Callender. “We don’t really get a chance to practice together, which made it tough, but you have to make sure you make the most of every chance at bat. I was hurt, but I was very proud to be asked to play and this was an incredible experience.”
The lack of practicing together may not have been the only culprit in a mistake-riddled game that featured new Carpenter Cup records for unearned runs (16), combined errors for both teams (12) and errors by one team (9).
“It’s pretty tough, when you don’t start the game,” said William Tennent centerfielder Vinny Case, who seemed to be unfazed by the pressure of having more than 40 college coaches and scouts present. “I was getting antsy and couldn’t wait to hit the field. This is a dream come true.”
Case made the most of his opportunities as he posted three putouts in the field, including a sensational running catch in the gap before launching a three-run bomb over the centerfield wall which got the SOL/BAL stars to within striking range at 12-8 after six, which was a close as they would draw.
“He started me with a curveball, so I was looking for a fast ball at 1-0,” added Case, who will spend the summer as member of the Southampton American Legion squad as well as playing in travel showcases. “I can’t express the feeling. It’s pretty amazing to hit a home run in the Carpenter Cup, and it is such an honor just to be here.”
“This was a lot of fun for the kids and to see our colors in the stands and the support our kids got was so amazing,” added Torresani. “Unfortunately, we only got to play one game, but I am sure the kids will take something from it as it is a tough environment with a lot of pressure.”
The Council Rock South duo of Ryan Fleming and Greg Paprocki were stellar on the mound combining for 3 IP, 0ER, 0R, 3K and 3 BB, stabilizing the pitching duties for the SOL/BAL all-stars.
EXTRA INNINGS—The Suburban One National All-Stars are now 38-24and (14-8) overall since merging with the Bicentennial Athletic League Carpenter Cup competition while the Olympic/Colonial All-Stars improved to 31-21 and will advance to play the winner of the Lehigh Valley versus Delaware game on Friday…Vinnie Case (William Tennent) 2-for-3, 2R, 3RBI; Dylan Evert (Bristol) 1-for-2, 5 PO; Andy Moser (Bensalem) 0-for-3, 2R,2 PO; Cole Creighton (Neshaminy) 0-for-1, 1 PO; Shane Monahan (Truman) 0-for-2; Sean Udris (Neshaminy) 0-for-1, RBI, 2 BB, 2 A; Brandon DiBona (WT) 1-for-2; Brendan Campbell (Pennsbury) 0-for-3, RBI; Sean Gallagher (Abington) 0-for-3; Eric Tidwell (Abington) 0-for-2, PO; Brendan Garrett (Pennsbury) 2IP, 3H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2K, BB; Chuck Delogal (WT) 2.1IP, 4H, 3R, 0ER, K; Greg Paprocki (CRS) 1IP, K, BB; Ryan Fleming (CRS) 2IP, 3H, 2R, 0ER.
Olympic / Colonial 4 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 1 --16 15 3
Suburban National BAL 0 1 0 0 3 4 0 0 0 -- 8 11 9
- Log in to post comments
