ROCKY RIVER, Ohio- You don’t always have to hit the ball the farthest to win baseball games. Today’s game between the Lutheran West Longhorns and Gilmour Academy Lancers proved that.
The Longhorns’ Starting Pitcher Alex Robinson had his way on the mound, delivering a complete-game shutout, striking out nine while only allowing five hits on the afternoon. Robinson wouldn’t have to worry about a lack of run support either, as his offense supported him with three runs in the ballgame.
The Lancers would send Owen Corcoran to the mound and he pitched well in the game, throwing six innings while only allowing three earned runs on seven hits.
Josh Cales would draw a leadoff walk and Rory Zakareckis would hit a two-out single into left field to reach base with two outs for Scottie Berghaus. Berghaus would ignite the team’s offense in the first inning, as he would bring home Cales from second when the ball was mishandled by center fielder Joe Hollis. Hollis mishandled the ball when attempting the quick throw back into the infield, allowing the easy score for Lutheran West to make it 1-0.
Alex Robinson helped his own cause in the third inning, ripping a double on a shot down the third base line. Robinson would steal third and eventually come home on a Rory Zakareckis RBI single up the middle of the infield, making it 2-0.
The Longhorns would load the bases in the fifth inning, as Cales, Owen Albers and Robinson all reached base. Zakareckis sent a fly ball into deep right field for the RBI sacrifice fly, pushing the score to 3-0. Zakareckis would finish two-for-three on the day with two RBI’s. When asked about his two-out hitting, Zakareckis said he was “feeling really relaxed” at the plate.
“I like being clutch and stepping up in big situations and it worked out today.”
The Lancers would get runners on second and third with one out in the top of the seventh inning, but Robinson mowed down the next two batters to end the game.
“I gotta give credit to all of my teammates.” Robinson said. “That’s just the huge thing of having three insurance runs, knowing that you can just go at kids. It gives you the confidence knowing that if you miss, it’s not the end of the world.”
Lutheran West’s Head Coach Trey Lamb was thrilled during postgame, speaking with a lot of confidence when talking about his team.
“From top to bottom, each player knows their role and exactly what they need to do. They are meshing as a team like none other, having fun and winning games.”
Gilmour Academy’s Head Coach Jay Fowler talked about his team’s season and where they go from here:
“We would have obviously liked to have gone further. As a team, we went in knowing a lot of uncertainties. Wasn’t sure where we were going to be. We had some really nice wins against some bigger schools this year. We’re really proud of the guys and how hard they fought all year. Now we get ready in the offseason and make sure we come back stronger next year.”
The Longhorns win their Sectional Final to move into a District Semifinal showdown against Elyria Catholic Tuesday, May 16 at Lakewood High School.
Watch video highights of the game, via OhioSportsNet.
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