Error Filled Eighth Sinks Eagles First Team 11-7

Baseball - WHS First Team

May 20, 2010

By David Field

 

Windham ME: South Portland capitalized on Windham’s mistakes in the eighth inning to record the 11-7 victory.

 

Windham jumped out to an early lead in the first inning taking a 2-1 lead.  Cole Moran led off but was picked off stealing second.  Christian Coons singled and scored.  Nick Sundquist drew a walk and scored on Sam Manly’s batted ball that was fumbled by the third baseman. 

 

In the second, the Riots bottom of the order lit up the scoreboard taking advantage of runners put on by walks, hit batters, singles and an error.  South Portland generated four runs before starting pitcher Colby Waterhouse retired the side with a strike out.  For Windham, Nick Sundquist drove in Cole Moran to make the score 5-3. 

 

In the third, both teams swapped lineups and no score was generated.  The fourth inning saw each team add a run each to keep the two run spread.  The Eagles narrowed the gap in the fifth when Jake Mello reached base on an error.  Cody Miller batted in Mello when the shortstop fumbled the ball and Miller reached base.  

 

The Eagles defense held firm again in the sixth inning.  Windham’s Christian Coons hit a single and was driven in by Nick Sundquist who hit a ball into center field.  Coons tagged on the play and tied the game. 

 

In the seventh and final regular game inning, each team scored a run.  Windham’s run was scored by Rocco Sbardella who reached on a single and was driven in by Cole Moran. 

 

In the eighth and final frame, the Eagles defense faltered.  Windham’s Corey Cole pitched to the first two batters and the first grounded out, the second popped out.  With things looking good, Cole felt confident.  However, the Riots lead-off batter was next.  He hit a single.  The next batter reached on an error.  The next batter hit a double, driving in two South Portland runs.  The next batter drove a single to drive in another Riot run.  The next two batters reached on errors and South Portland had posted four runs with two outs.  The Eagles got the final out and with their backs to the wall, took their turn at the plate.  Corey Cole led off for the Eagles and drew a walk.  Nick Sundquist also drew a walk.  Jake Mello also drew a walk.  With bases loaded and no outs, Rocco Sbardella struck out.  Sam Manly hit the ball to the second baseman who stepped on the bag and threw to first to record the double play and end the game. 

 

Catch the Eagles Saturday at 10am in Windham when they face neighboring Westbrook.