by Kent, OH – Freshman pitcher Ty Young threw a complete game Tuesday afternoon to propel the Alliance Aviators to victory, 7-1, over the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders.
Alliance jumped on top with two runs in the first inning off senior pitcher Zane Cramer, who came on in relief for Bob Haney, who left the game mid-batter due to an injury.
Roosevelt responded in the bottom of the second with an RBI groundout from Gavriloff to cut their deficit in half.
In the fourth, Alliance put two runners on, and loaded the bases with two out, but Cramer got out of the inning unscathed.
In the top of the fifth, the Aviators once again got two runners on. This time, they would capitalize, with a single to left field by Nathan Heather to increase the lead to 3-1.
After a sac bunt and a fly out, junior outfielder Reggie Wooten stepped up to the plate and delivered a clutch two-out double to left field, plating two runs and increasing the lead to 5-1.
Seals added an RBI double of his own to increase the lead to 6-1, but had to leave the game shortly after due to a hamstring injury.
Datz added an RBI double to left-center field in the top of the 7th for the final margin.
Junior Nathan Heater went 3-4 on the day with three singles and two runs batted in, and junior outfielder Reggie Wooten delivered a pinch-hit two-run double in the fifth inning to break the game open.
Ty Young threw a complete game, giving up only one run on two hits, walking four batters, and striking out four.
“To bounce back the way we did after yesterday’s disappointing loss is awesome. They weren’t affected at all. They came out swinging the bats really well. We also got contributions from our two seniors.
They each got a hit and got to play, and we got the victory. What more could you ask for? I’m proud of these guys.” said Alliance head coach Jeff Graffice.
“The game is a byproduct of a program. This is our senior night so we played eight guys that have done a lot for this program. As far as the outcome of today’s game is concerned, I could care less. From a season standpoint, this was a championship season for us. We walked out with the pitcher of the year and the player of the year (in the Suburban League) and eight other all-league guys. For me, this is one of the best groups in school history. I couldn’t be more proud of them. I’m gonna miss these guys.” said Kent Roosevelt head coach Michael Haney.
Alliance wraps up their season at 17-10. Kent Roosevelt wraps up their season at 18-9.
