Varsity Baseball
Mustangs Hold Off Clarke County, 3-2
Team Keeps Undefeated Streak Alive in
District Play
By Jared Allan
and Paul Mene (April 27, 2006)
John
Schwengel’s stellar pitching performance defeated
district rival Clarke County 3-2
Tuesday evening at home. Schwengel
pitched six and two-thirds innings and allowed only five hits and two runs.
With the win, the Mustangs improved their overall record to 8-2, 3-0 in
the district.
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Notable offensive performances
were turned in by Jimmy Piscopo who went 2-3 at the plate, as
well as Alex Prewitt who also went 2-3. In the field the Mustangs
performed well, with deft performances turned in by first baseman
Derek Blodgett, right fielder Brandon Ting and shortstop Jimmy “the
high flyer” Piscopo. Backing up Schwengel, the Mason defense
allowed only six Eagles’ batters to get on base.
In the fifth inning Matt
Foley hit an off-the-fence double to get into scoring position.
After Follin was substituted to pinch run for Foley, he advanced
to third base. Senior Paul Mene then hit a grounder which allowed
Follin to score. After Schwengel virtually shutting down the
Eagles offense until the seventh inning, Byron Mendenhall came
in as relief pitcher for the Mustangs. With the bases loaded
the Mustangs faced defeat, but the defense stood up to the challenge. |
| Third
baseman John Root inches up to get into position as pitcher
John Schwengel lets loose with one of his fastballs. Schwengel
allowed only five hits and two runs in six and two-thirds innings in the
3-2 win over rival Clarke County.
(Photo by Jared Allan) |
The
fifth inning produced a play that both players and fans are already talking
about. Leaving from second base, Piscopo was
signaled home by third base coach Adam Amerine. Unfortunately, the throw
home was in time, yet Piscopo leaped over the catcher to avoid the tag
and planted his hands on home plate. The umpire called Piscopo out due
to the “no hurdling” rule. Nevertheless, fans are already referring to
this playas “the acrobatic flip.”
The team will face off against Brentsville
today, as well as Manassas Park Friday
and Potomac High
School Saturday. With the heavy schedule ahead
the players know they need to stay fit, both physically and mentally. “We
need to keep practicing, especially on our hitting and base-running. Most
of all, we need to stay focused for the rest of the season.” said junior
Joe Muskett.
