Recap: Thornton’s Walk-Off Blast Highlights Wild Day of WCBL Play

November 6, 2014 rshemanski Recap Brandon Thornton, Bryan Northumberland, Chris Buck, Cole Lunday, Daniel Hartman, Ed Jones, Eddie Canzler, Felix Inger, Glen Sherman, Henry Small, Joe Reynolds, John Cavazos, John Connolly, Justin Malone, Paul McDaniel, Richie Rivera, Sam Beasley, Wesley Shepherd

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Bethany first baseman Brandon Thornton (47, Hawley) rifled a walk-off, three-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Blues to a 4-1 victory over still winless Hawley in Wayne County Baseball League action on Tuesday.

Thornton’s blast highlighted a crazy day that included an extra-inning thriller, a late rally by an unbeaten team and a pitching gem.

“I just tried to get into a hitter’s count and then managed to get my pitch,” said Thornton, who came into the game hitting just .087 (2-for-23). “When you’re struggling the way I have been, you just have to try to make a good swing. Fortunately I did that.”

Thornton ripped a 3-1 fastball to left field to end a game that had been tied at 1 since the second inning. Blues center fielder Richie Rivera (35, Thompson) was the lone player in the game with two hits, including a double, and right fielder Justin Malone (35, Paupack Township) added a solo homer in the second.

Blues starter Daniel Hartman (24, Orson) improved to 4-0 by going the distance, allowing one run on seven hits and two walks while striking out 11.

Hawley starter John “Biff” Akers (22, Waymart) took a no-decision after allowing a run on three hits while striking out 10 in eight innings.

In other WCBL action …

♦ Honesdale 5, Damascus 4

Center fielder Sam Beasley (34, Cherry Ridge), a mid-game injury replacement, scampered home with the winning run on a sacrifice fly by left fielder Bryan Northumberland (49, South Canaan) in the bottom of the 13th to give Honesdale the win.

The All-Stars tied the game in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI single by third baseman Paul McDaniel (45, Waymart), his third RBI of the game. Right fielder John “Whiskey” Cavazos (28, Honesdale) singled twice, doubled, scored twice, drove in a run and stole a base in the win. Right-handers Chris Buck (23, Lake Ariel) and Henry Small (26, Waymart), the winning pitcher, combined for seven hitless innings of relief for Honesdale.

First baseman Joe “Crazy Legs” Reynolds (43, Paupack Township) had two hits, three RBIs and a run scored for Damascus.

♦ Waymart 3, Prompton 0

Waymart righty Ed Jones (26, Damascus) was masterful, twirling a three-hit shutout, walking one and striking out 11. He retired 22 straight at one point until a harmless one-out single in the ninth.

Generals catcher Wesley Shepherd (25, Moscow) had a two-run double in the fifth that essentially sealed the win.

Third baseman Eddie Canzler (40, Moscow) led off the game with a double for Prompton.

♦ Starrucca 7, Lake Ariel 2

Starrucca scored all seven of its runs in the bottom of the seventh and eighth innings to avoid its first loss of the season. Right fielder Glen Sherman (25, Paupack Township) drove in three and left fielder Felix Inger (45, Forest City) singled twice and scored twice to lead the Hawks. Starter Cole Lunday (43, Palmyra Township) improved to 4-0 by allowing two unearned runs in eight innings.

Catcher John Connolly (50, Lakeville) continued to prove that age is irrelevant, ripping three hits, including a double, and driving in a run for Lake Ariel. He’s now hitting .407 in seven games this season.

Recap: Millard’s gem, Anglers’ offensive burst highlight action

October 31, 2014 rshemanski Recap Barry Horton, Billy Carlson, Bob Murphy, Brent St. John, Cy Irvin, Dale Aitkenhead, Danny Millard, Dave Forrest, Denny Cole, Donald Phillips, Ed Jones, Ernie Martins, Felix Inger, Geoffrey Wallace, Jason Duncan, Joey Machado, John Pelletier, Lou Sandoval, Pat Wagner, Ray Sykes, Ronald Wilson

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Starrucca lefty Danny Millard (40, Beach Lake) tossed a two-hit shutout in a 1-0 win over Waymart and the Prompton Anglers burst out for a 13-1 victory to highlight Saturday’s action in the Wayne County Baseball League.

Millard struck out nine while improving to 3-0 with three complete games on the season. He had a perfect game with two outs in the fifth before Waymart left fielder Cy Irvin (44, Uniondale) singled to break up any chance at history.

“I wasn’t really thinking about it,” Millard said about the perfect game. “At my age, I was focused on just being efficient so I can pitch deep into the game. I’m just happy I gave us a chance to win.”

The Hawks scored their lone run in the bottom of the sixth when first baseman Billy Carlson (35 Clifford), who had three hits, singled with two outs and scored when left fielder Felix Inger (45, Forest City) followed with an RBI double.

Waymart starter Ed Jones (26, Damascus) allowed one run on seven hits while striking out three in a complete-game loss.

In Lake Ariel, the Prompton Anglers knocked out 16 hits to rout the Angels. Nine different players had at least one hit, led by shortstop Joey Machado (22, Honesdale), who was 3-for-6 with a double and two runs scored. Right fielder Geoffrey Wallace (22, Pleasant Mount) blasted a three-run homer in the third and finished with two hits, three RBIs and two runs.

First baseman Ronald Wilson (41, Canaan Township), center fielder Jason Duncan (42, Forest City) and catcher Bob Murphy (32, Greeley) each added a single, double and two runs scored.

In other action …

♦ Damascus 5, Bethany 4, 15 innings

Donald Phillips (49, Forest City) delivered a two-out, RBI double in the top of the 15th to lift the Grays to the win. Phillips had earlier tied the game at 4 with another two-out, RBI double in the top of the seventh.

Reliever John “Mauler” Pelletier (21, Honesdale) was brilliant in relief, earning the win with 5 1/3 shutout innings, allowing one run while striking out 10. Catcher Pat Wagner (25, Uniondale) added a pair of hits, scored twice and drove in a run.

Bethany left fielder Dale Aitkenhead (27, Mt. Cobb) had a two-run double in the fourth that gave the Blues a 4-3 lead at the time.

♦ Waymart 5, Honesdale 1

Waymart rebounded from the tough loss to Starrucca earlier in the day behind third baseman Ray Sykes (26, Mt. Cobb), who doubled, homered, drove in three and scored a run.

The Generals also received a single, double and an RBI from right fielder Dave Forrest (33, Lake Ariel), two hits and an RBI from center fielder Lou Sandoval (32, Clifford), and two hits and a run from shortstop Barry Horton (28, Mt. Cobb).

Waymart starter Brent St. John (27, Greentown) allowed a run on eight hits and four walks while striking out five in 7 2/3 for the win.

First baseman Ernie Martins (49, Honesdale) and second baseman Denny Cole (26, Greentown) both singled twice for Honesdale.

The doubleheader was caused by a request from Waymart to have Thursday off due to an important town hall meeting.

Recap: Damascus duo combines on two-hit shutout

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014 rshemanski Recap Alex Cross, Bo Rivers, Bryan Jenkins, Christian Milligan, Cole Lunday, Cy Irvin, Daniel Hartman, Donald Phillips, Ed Jones, Glen Sherman, Grigory Misitnikov, Jack Mitchell, Jake Sims, Joe Harris, John Pelletier, Paul McDaniel, Ralph Paulton, Ramiro Martinez, Richie Rivera, Ricky McMahon, Steve Cahill

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Righty Jack Mitchell (44, Orson) and lefty John “Mauler” Pelletier (21, Honesdale) teamed up to toss a two-hit shutout to lead Damascus to a 1-0 victory over the Prompton Anglers in Wayne County Baseball League action on Saturday.

Mitchell went the first six innings before being lifted for a pinch-hitter, allowing one run on three walks and fanning four to pick up the win. Pelletier followed and worked the final three innings, allowing a lone single while striking out five.

“That’s as good as you can ask for from two guys,” Damascus manager Bo Rivers said. “Jack battled for six innings, which is what we were hoping to get out of him. We were lucky enough to have a lead to hand to John and he did the rest.”

The Grays scored the game’s only run in the top of the sixth when they loaded the bases with no outs on two walks and a single. Right fielder Donald Phillips (49, Forest City) delivered an RBI sac fly to drive in center fielder Grigory Misitnikov, who had led off the inning with a walk.

Left-hander Christian “Crazy” Milligan (24, Moscow) was the tough-luck loser for Prompton, allowing a run on five hits and three walks while striking out seven in a complete game.

In other league action …

Bethany 2, Lake Ariel 1

The Blues stayed unbeaten as right-hander Daniel Hartman (24, Orson) went the distance for his second win of the season, allowing a run on five hits and two walks while striking out six.

Catcher Bryan Jenkins (38, Palmyra Township) ripped a solo home run in the third and finished the day 2-for-3. Second baseman Calvin Jones (46, Dreher Township) added an RBI single and center fielder Richie Rivera (35, Thompson) went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Lake Ariel center fielder Ralph “Refund” Paulton went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored, and starter Ricky McMahon (43, Lakewood) struck out nine over seven innings, but took the loss.

Starrucca 3, Hawley 2

Starrucca lefty Cole Lunday (43, Palmyra Township) overcame a two-run first inning to go the distance, allowing just those two runs on six hits and two walks while striking out eight as the Hawks stayed unbeaten. Lunday used his cutter and big, slow curveball to limit the Eagles to just three hits over the final eight innings.

The Hawks, who responded to Hawley’s two-run first inning with one of their own, scored the decisive run in the second on third baseman Alex Cross (25, South Gibson) doubled with one out, moved to third on a bunt by Lunday and scored on a wild pitch. Cross and right fielder Glen Sherman (25, Paupack Township) each finished with two hits.

Hawley center fielder Ramiro Martinez (41, Hawley) delivered a two-run double in the first inning for the Eagles’ only output.

Waymart 3, Honesdale 2

A pair of 40-somethings got the job done at the plate as Waymart won a battle of winless teams.

Left fielder Cy Irvin (44, Uniondale) laced a two-run double in the fifth inning as Waymart overcame an early two-run deficit. Irvin’s line drive down the right field line tied the score, and first baseman Joe Harris (42, Honesdale) gave the Generals the victory with a two-out, RBI single in the seventh.

Waymart starter Ed Jones (26, Damascus) allowed two first-inning runs and finished allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out five. Another well-seasoned veteran, Jake Sims (48, South Canaan), pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.

Center fielder Steve Cahill (26, Honesdale) delighted the his hometown crowd with two hits, including an RBI double in the first, and third baseman Paul McDaniel (45, Waymart) tried to do his hometown team dirty by adding an RBI sacrifice fly in the inning.

Recap: Pitching Dominates On Opening Day; Prompton’s Milligan Leads Way With Three-Hit Shutout

October 17, 2014 rshemanski Recap Artie Lutz, Bethany Blues, Chris Buck, Christian Milligan, Cole Lunday, Damascus Grays, Daniel Hartman, Denny Cole, Ed Jones, Garry Pierce, Geoffrey Wallace, Glen Sherman, Hawley Eagles, Honesdale All-Stars, Javier Colon, John Akers, Lake Ariel Angels, Mike Hoffman, Millard Reynolds, Norm Lewis, Paul McDaniel, Prompton Anglers, Ray Sykes, Ricky McMahon, Ronald Wilson, Ryan Thompson, Starrucca Hawks, Waymart Generals

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Opening day in the Wayne County Baseball League featured four low-scoring games dominated by strong pitching performances. Prompton left-hander Christian “Crazy” Milligan was the best of the bunch, twirling a three-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory over Lake Ariel at The Prompton Palace.

The 24-year-old Milligan allowed just three singles and a walk while striking out 11. He allowed a walk and a single with one out in the first, but escaped the jam by coaxing a ground ball double play from Lake Ariel cleanup hitter Mike Hoffman.

“I had the good (stuff) working today,” said Milligan, who threw 102 pitches, 71 for strikes. “I had everybody on edge there in the first, but I took care of things. These guys will learn to trust me once they realize this is the type of dominance they can expect from me.”

The Anglers scored the only run they would need in the second when first baseman Ronald Wilson, who had two hits on the day, singled home right fielder Geoffrey Wallace, who led off the inning with a double.

Angels righty Ricky McMahon was the hard-luck loser, allowing just the one run on four hits while striking out eight over eight innings for the complete game.

In other league action …

Starrucca 2, Waymart 1

Starrucca lefty Cole Lunday struck out 12 while going the distance with a four-hitter. Hawks center fielder Millard Reynolds doubled twice and scored a run, and shortstop Ryan Thompson and right fielder Glen Sherman had RBI singles in the victory.

Waymart righty Ed Jones took the loss despite going the distance, striking out nine. Third baseman Ray Sykes had an RBI single for the Generals’ only run.

Bethany 4, Damascus 1

The Blues scored three times in the top of the ninth to break a 1-1 tie in the only game that wasn’t decided by a single run. Damascus loaded the bases with one out in the decisive inning and pinch hitter Garry Pierce delivered a two-run single to put them ahead. Shortstop Javier Colon followed with an RBI sac fly.

Righty Daniel Hartman went all nine for Damascus, allowing a run on seven hits and two walks while fanning five.

Second baseman Norm Lewis had two hits, including an RBI double, for Damascus.

Honesdale 2, Hawley 1

Third baseman Paul McDaniel broke a 1-1 tie with a two-out RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to lift Honesdale past Hawley. Second baseman Denny Cole singled, doubled and scored both runs for the All-Stars, and righty Chris Buck came out of the pen to work 1.1 perfect innings for the victory in relief of righty Artie Lutz, who gave up a run on six hits and a walk while fanning five in 7.2 innings.

Righty John “Biff” Akers took a no-decision for Hawley, allowing a run on three hits and two walks while fanning 10. He also singled, doubled and scored a run.