Scott Huff recaps Wednesday’s SOL baseball action. To view photos of the Upper Dublin/PW games, please visit the Photo Gallery.
By Scott Huff
Plymouth Whitemarsh entered yesterday’s double header with Upper Dublin one full game behind the visiting Flying Cardinals in the Suburban One League American Conference standings. And when the day ended, the Colonials (4-1) were one full game ahead of Upper Dublin (3-2) as PW took out the broom and swept UD – 9-6 and 5-3.
“Both teams were aware of where each of us was in the standings, and both teams were excited to play the games,” said Plymouth Whitemarsh head coach Robert Slagle. “These were important games for both teams, and both games were very well played.”
Nobody played the games better than junior Colonial shortstop Austin DiBonaventure. DiBonaventure was a perfect 4-for-4 in the first game with three RBI and three runs scored, and in the second game he had three hits in four at bats and figured in the PW scoring.
“Austin had a monster game at the plate,” said Slagle. “He is our lead-off hitter, and he has been involved in getting innings started for us. He started as a sophomore at second base for us, and as a freshman he started at third base. There is no question that he is a player.”
Steve Wallace notched the win for Plymouth Whitemarsh in the first game with a six-inning performance that included just a pair of walks and five strikeouts. In addition to the big game by DiBonaventure, senior catcher Bobby Slagle was a perfect 2-for-2 with a pair of RBI.
“It was nice to be able to score runs in all but one inning,” said Slagle. “We want to stay aggressive the entire game, and you do that by tacking on runs with a lead.”
Plymouth Whitemarsh had a winning effort turned in by Mitchell Weikert in the second game. Weikert threw three scoreless innings in relief, as he was the second of three Colonial pitchers.
“I wanted to give Mitchell some innings, and he threw great,” said Slagle. “He kept us in the game until we were able to extend the lead later in the game.”
The offense in the second game was fueled by Wallace – who went 2-for-2 with an RBI – and Slagle – who went 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored.
“We played five league games in nine days and loved every minute of it,” said Slagle. “We play this doubleheader because of senior trips that both us and Upper Dublin have that makes us change our schedule. It has worked out great – we had a great day weather-wise – and a great crowd.”
And to leapfrog Upper Dublin in the standings was a huge bonus.
{Game One}
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals 010 301 1 - 6 11 1
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 410 211 x - 9 14 2
{Game Two}
Upper Dublin Flying Cardinals 000 001 2 - 3 6 0
Plymouth Whitemarsh Colonials 021 002 x - 5 11 1
Non-League Games
Hatboro-Horsham (4-1) won its fourth straight game as the Hatters captured an 11-1 mercy-rule victory over William Tennent (1-4).
“Right now we are cooking pretty good,” said Hatboro-Horsham head coach Peter Moore. “I knew coming into the season that pitching was going to be a strength, but right now we are also really hitting the baseball.”
Hatboro-Horsham pounded out 14 hits that included seven extra base hits. Tyler Zingle smoked a homerun and a double – and Casey Saverio matched that effort with a four-bagger and a two-base knock. The Saverio three-run blast came in a seven-run second inning, while the Zingle homer knotted the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the first inning.
“I will never complain about winning five inning mercy-rule games, but we haven’t been able to really get a whole lot of work for our pitchers,” said Moore. “The next few days we are going to play intra-squad games to try and get out pitch counts up for the pitchers. They need the work.”
William Tennent Panthers 100 00 - 1 1 4
Hatboro-Horsham Hatters 271 01 - 11 14 2
Bensalem (3-0) remained unbeaten this season as the Owls soared to a 6-2 non-league victory over Caravel (Delaware).
Bensalem ripped off 11 hits and scored five runs in the second inning to put the game away. Harry Daut (three RBI), Joe Nieves (three hits), and Rick Romano spearheaded the offensive attack.
Zach Hizer was the winning pitcher for the Owls.
Caravel (Del) 011 000 0 - 2 8 2
Bensalem Owls 000 501 x - 6 11 2
Upper Merion (1-4) lost its non-league contest as the Vikings were sunk by Harriton – 8-4.
The Upper Merion offense was sparked by doubles by Mike Kowalski and Mike Shannon.
Harriton Rams 101 222 0 - 8 9 1
Upper Merion Vikings 000 102 1 - 4 7 3
In the Rear View Mirror
Cheltenham made its trip to Disney more enjoyable as the Panthers routed Clarion Allegheny – 11-1 – Tuesday.
Jack O’Grady was the winning pitcher for the Panthers with a complete-game, nine strikeout, three-hit performance.
The 15-hit Cheltenham offense was fueled by Harry Rosenberg (3-for-3 with 2 RBI), Azaan Harris, and Matt Myers.
Cheltenham Panthers 000 137 - 11 15 1
Clarion Allegheny 001 000 - 1 3 5
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