Sunday, April 30, 2017

RAILRIDERS WIN 7-6

Fowler Caps Cycle with Walk-off Home Run
Dustin Fowler Goes 5-for-6 and Belts Game-Winner


Moosic, Pa. – A career day for outfielder Dustin Fowler helped the SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) defeat the Indianapolis Indians 7-6 in 11 innings on Sunday afternoon at PNC Field. The RailRiders (12-10) captured the weekend series and finished 4-2 against the Indians (7-15). Fowler matched a franchise record with his first career five-hit game.

Playing in center field, Fowler started his day with a first inning triple to right-center and scored on a base hit by Ji-Man Choi. His second hit was a double to right field that scored Tyler Wade. Fowler lined a single to center in the seventh and doubled for his fourth hit in the ninth inning. With one away in the 11th, Fowler launched his fourth homer of the season out to right off Angel Sanchez (0-2) to send the crowd home elated.

The RailRiders’ bullpen of Tyler Webb, Chasen Shreve, Giovanny Gallegos, Ben Heller and Ernesto Frieri combined for 7.2 scoreless frames. Frieri (1-0) took home his first win with SWB after pitching 1.1 frames. The right-hander yielded one hit, struck out three and walked two.

Clint Frazier launched his third round-tripper of the year out to left in the third inning for a 4-3 lead.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders hit the road for a three-game series against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Tuesday, May 2. First pitch at Coca-Cola Park is set for 7:05 p.m. Right-hander Luis Cessa (1-2, 1.54) will oppose right-hander Mark Appel (1-2, 6.11). SWB returns home next Thursday, May 5, with a 6:35 p.m. first pitch for Glow in the Park Night and a Cinco de Mayo celebration. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.
Portland, Silver Lake Advance to L.L.Bean PBA League Semifinals
Sudden-death roll-offs continue as field is cut to four

PORTLAND, Maine  – Portland’s rabid bowling fans don’t need much to get them started, but they were at their loudest when the L.L.Bean Portland Lumberjacks, along with the two-time Elias Cup champion Live + Work in Maine Silver Lake Atom Splitters, advanced to L.L.Bean PBA League Elias Cup semifinals behind another set of sudden-death victories at Bayside Bowl.

The final two best-of-two-game quarterfinal round matches aired Sunday on ESPN.

The Atom Splitters, the only team to win two previous Elias Cups, got the quarterfinals off to another nerve-wracking start, closing game one of their best-of-two-game match against the MaineQuarterly.com Brooklyn Styles with six strikes for a 235-222 edge. But the Styles forced the roll-off with a 217-216 game two nail-biter. After Brooklyn’s Parker Bohn III finished his 10th frame with a strike/nine-spare, Silver Lake’s Jesper Svensson had a chance to clinch a two-game sweep with a strike in his 10th frame, but left a 7 pin on his first shot. He got the spare and with another chance to strike to tie the game, he left a 9 pin to send the contest in overtime where he struck for the win when Bohn left a 7 pin on his attempt.

“That was a little more exciting than I wanted it to be,” Atom Splitters’ manager Mark Baker said. “We went from having it won easily to, oh, my, we could lose this.”

After his two close chances to win, Baker wasn’t about to give up on his young Swedish two-handed player. “I asked him if he wanted to throw the shot. He said yes, and that’s all I wanted to hear,” Baker said of Svensson’s roll-off strike. “He threw it exactly the way we thought he would.”

“The first one I threw in the 10th I thought was quite good,” Svensson said. “When I made the spare I should have moved, but I didn’t. That got me a little frustrated but when Mark asked if I was ready to go again, I said yes. I moved and threw it really good, and it struck.

“It’s a great feeling to play in this  bowling center with this crowd,” the 22-year-old Swede said. “They really pump you up. I’m the guy who doesn’t show too many emotions when I bowl but around here it’s impossible not to. It’s really cool.”

The already enflamed capacity crowd kept it up as their hometown Lumberjacks rallied in the last three frames of game one to pull out a 227-206 victory over the Barbasol Motown Muscle in the final quarterfinal round match. After starting game two with five strikes, it looked like victory was readily in hand. But “Lumberjill” Liz Johnson failed to convert a 3-10 split, and Kyle Troup, Bryon Smith and anchor Wes Malott spared in three of the next four frames while the Muscle’s Dick Allen, EJ Tackett and anchor Anthony Simonsen put together a string of five strikes to win game two, 248-225.

In the roll-off, Malott struck for Portland and Simonsen left a solid 10 pin to send the Lumberjacks into the semifinal round against the Atom Splitters.

Malott noted the lane condition started to get away from the Lumberjacks after their five-strike start in game two, but when it came to the 10th frame and he knew his team was headed to a roll-off, Malott used that opportunity to get lined up for the roll-off.

“Hats off to Anthony; he made a great shot,” Malott said of Simonsen’s misfortune. “We were fortunate to come away with the win.”

“Anthony threw a great shot, but you could see every one of these roll-offs is coming down to a single pin,” Portland manager Tim Mack added. “Fortunately today we were on the right side of the break.”
Mack said the Lumberjacks were able to pull out the win by remaining under control throughout the match.

“I told our players, even though they’ve all been in position to make huge shots during their careers, to control their emotions and not get too high because we had the crowd behind us,” Mack said. “I told them to just make one good shot in the second half and we’d have a chance to win the game. And they all threw great shots down the stretch.
“In the roll-off, (Malott) had just come off the lane. Every one of our players could have thrown that shot, but (Wes) is bowling fifth in our lineup for a reason.”
Next Sunday’s 1 p.m. EDT semifinal round telecast will feature the Sysco Philadelphia Hitmen against the defending Elias Cup champion Shipyard Dallas Strikers followed by the Live + Work in Maine Silver Lake Atom Splitters vs the L.L.Bean Portland Lumberjacks in the second “best-of-two-game” Baker format match. The winners will meet in the Elias Cup championship telecast on Sunday, May 14, at 1 p.m. Eastern. The Elias Cup finals will include singles, doubles and trios matches worth one point each, and a five-player Baker format team finale worth three points. In case of a tie, the Elias Cup will be decided in a one-ball sudden-death roll-off.

The ESPN telecast will be simultaneously streamed on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.

L.L.BEAN PBA LEAGUE
Bayside Bowl, Portland, Maine (aired Sunday on ESPN) 

Quarterfinal Round Results (best-of-two-game Baker format)

Match Three: Live + Work in Maine Silver Lake Atom Splitters (Chris Barnes, Shawn Maldonado, DJ Archer, Tom Daugherty, Jesper Svensson) def. MaineQuarterly.com Brooklyn Styles (Walter Ray Williams Jr., Jason Sterner, Jon Van Hees, Sean Rash, Parker Bohn III), 235-222, 216-217, 10-9 in one-ball sudden-death roll-off.

Match Four: L.L.Bean Portland Lumberjacks (Liz Johnson, Kyle Troup, Bryon Smith, Ryan Ciminelli, Wes Malott) def. Barbasol Motown Muscle (Francois Lavoie, Josh Blanchard, Dick Allen, E.J. Tackett, Anthony Simonsen), 227-206, 225-248, 10-9 in one-ball sudden-death roll-off.

RUMBLE PONIES WIN 7-6

Rumble Ponies Walk-Off in 11, 7-6
BINGHAMTON, NY – Luis Guillorme’s 11th-inning single earned the Binghamton Rumble Ponies a 7-6 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Sunday afternoon at NYSEG Stadium. Binghamton overcame an early four-run deficit to win their first game of the season when not scoring first. Champ Stuart’s ninth-inning solo blast tied the game and forced extra innings.
David Thompson’s leadoff double set the table for Binghamton in the 11th inning. Patrick Biondi’s sacrifice bunt moved Thompson to third, after Fisher Cats pitcher Dusty Isaacs attempted to get the lead runner at third. Luis Rojas summoned Kevin Taylor off the bench to pinch-hit for Dale Burdick. Taylor was intentionally walked, loading the bases for Champ Stuart. After Stuart struck out, Guillorme delivered the game-winning hit into left-center field. The walk-off win is Binghamton’s first of the season.
The Rumble Ponies played come-from-behind all afternoon, after allowing five runs in the first two innings. Reese McGuire’s first-inning RBI single was followed by Anthony Alford’s RBI double. The Fisher Cats continued their early onslaught in the second inning on Ryan McBroom’s three-run blast, making it 5-1 New Hampshire after two innings.
Binghamton’s comeback began in the third inning, when they plated a pair. With two runners on and two outs, Matt Oberste delivered a two-run triple to slice the deficit to 5-3. It was Oberste’s first triple of the season, and second straight game in which Binghamton hit a two-run triple.
The Rumble Ponies made it a one-run game in the fourth inning when Patrick Biondi grounded into a fielder’s choice, scoring Cody Decker from third.
Although the Fisher Cats would collect another run in the sixth, giving them a 6-4 lead, it was their last run of the afternoon.
The Rumble Pony relievers combined to toss 7-2/3 innings of one-run baseball. The combination of Luis Mateo, Scarlyn Reyes, Kyle Regnault, Alberto Baldonado, and Tim Peterson gave up just four hits and struck out five.
Trailing by one in the ninth inning, Stuart tied the game on a solo shot to left field. Stuart’s home run was his second of the season, making him the second Rumble Pony with more than one home run in 2017.
P.J. Conlon lasted a season-low 3-1/3 innings, allowing a season-high five earned runs on nine hits.
Tim Peterson (1-0) stretches his scoreless streak to nine innings after tossing a perfect 11th inning.
The Rumble Ponies (11-9) begin a three-game series against the Akron RubberDucks on Monday night at 6:35 PM. RHP Donovan Hand takes the hill against RHP Michael Peoples. The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show can be heard starting a 6:20 PM on NewsRadio 1290 AM WNBF and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies channel on TuneIn.
POSTGAME NOTES: Binghamton won for the first time this season when trailing after eight innings…The Rumble Ponies launched a home run in four straight games…Binghamton is 3-1 in rubber games…Alberto Baldonado extended his scoreless streak to 11.2 innings…Champ Stuart has 10 hits in his last 22 at-bats.

RAILRIDERS FALL TO INDIANAPOLIS

RailRiders Fall to Indianapolis
Indians Even Weekend Series


Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) fell behind early and saw their rally come up short in an 8-5 loss to the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday afternoon at PNC Field. The Indians (7-14) evened the three-game set against the RailRiders (11-10).

Brady Lail (1-1) surrendered seven runs over seven innings in his fourth start with SWB. The right-hander allowed 12 hits and struck out one. Cody Dickson (2-2) took home the win after tossing 3.2 relief frames. He allowed two runs on four hits.

Trailing by as many as five, SWB closed the deficit to three runs in the fifth, seventh and ninth innings, but the Indians answered each time. The RailRiders brought the tying run to the plate in the final stanza. However, Dovydas Neverauskas struck out the final two for his second save.

Elias Diaz put the Tribe on top with a three-run homer to center in the first inning. Jason Rogers followed with a round-tripper to right for a 4-0 lead.

Eddy Rodriguez, Dustin Fowler and Mark Payton each finished with two hits apiece.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders conclude the three-game set with the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) inside PNC Field on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Left-hander Caleb Smith (0-0, 1.20) is scheduled to pitch against right-hander Drew Hutchison (0-1, 5.06). Every Sunday home game at PNC Field is Family FUNday, presented by NEPA Honda Dealers. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

RUMBLE PONIES WIN 7-3

Rumble Ponies Gallop Ahead Early, Win 7-3
BINGHAMTON, NY – Mickey Jannis took a no-hitter into the sixth inning, helping the Binghamton Rumble Ponies to a 7-3 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at NYSEG Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Jannis allowed just two hits through 6-1/3 innings, while the Binghamton bats garnered 12 hits in the victory. Five of the Rumble Ponies seven runs crossed in the first three innings.
Jannis retired the first 14 batters he faced and didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning. Tim Lopes broke up Jannis’ bid for a no-hitter with an infield single in the sixth. Jannis coaxed nine groundouts out of the Fisher Cats and struck out a season-best six before exiting with two runners aboard in the seventh.
Binghamton backed Jannis with early offense. For the 13th time in 2017, Binghamton cracked the scoreboard first. Matt Oberste supplied a sacrifice fly to right field to put Binghamton on the board. The fly ball scored Luis Guillorme after Tomas Nido launched the first of his three hits on Saturday.
Binghamton added another run in the second inning with some help from the Fisher Cats. With the bases loaded and two outs, Tim Lopes booted a Luis Guillorme groundball, allowing Patrick Biondi to score from third.
Three more Rumble Ponies runs scored in the third inning. Oberste began the frame with his first home run of the season, before Jio Mier’s double and Colton Plaia’s single gave Binghamton a 5-0 advantage after three innings.
In the seventh, Gunnar Heidt greeted Rumble Ponies reliever Corey Taylor with an RBI single up the middle. Lopez capped New Hampshire’s scoring with another RBI single.
The Rumble Ponies responded in the seventh inning when Nido tripled home a pair of runs for a 7-3 lead. The there-bagger was Nido’s first of the season, bringing his RBI total to seven.
New Hampshire tacked one final run off of Logan Taylor in the ninth inning, but Binghamton completed the wire-to-wire victory.
For the first time at Double-A, Jannis (3-0) earned his third straight victory. Sean Reid-Foley (1-2) allowed five runs over three innings in the loss.
The Rumble Ponies (10-9) wrap up their three-game series against the Fisher Cats on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 PM. LHP P.J. Conlon takes the hill against RHP Conner Greene. The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show can be heard starting a 12:50 PM on NewsRadio 1290 AM WNBF and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies channel on TuneIn.
POSTGAME NOTES: Binghamton is 10-3 when scoring first…the Rumble Ponies did not commit an error for the eighth time in the last ten games…Colton Plaia reached base in all four of his plate appearances

RUMBLE PONIES LOSE 7-5

Early Fisher Cat Runs Doom Rumble Ponies, 7-5
BINGHAMTON, NY – The New Hampshire Fisher used a four-run first inning to beat the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, 7-5, on Friday night at NYSEG Stadium. The Rumble Ponies racked up ten hits, including three from Champ Stuart, but finished the game 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position in the series-opening defeat.
New Hampshire wasted no time scoring, doing so with just the fourth batter of the game. After Richard Urena doubled and Anthony Alford walked, Ryan McBroom doubled to centerfield, scoring both Fisher Cats and earning New Hampshire a 2-0 lead. Two batters later, Emilio Guerrero tattooed his first home run of the season over the left field wall, giving New Hampshire a 4-0 first-inning lead.
Binghamton didn’t respond until the fourth inning when Tomas Nido brought in two with a two-out double to left-center, slicing the deficit in half.
The Fisher Cats plated another run in the fifth inning when Urena singled home Jonathan Davis from second. The New Hampshire advantage could have been larger if not for Urena being thrown out at home on Alford’s ensuing double. Kaczmarski corralled the ball in the right field corner, fired to Luis Guillorme, who tossed a strike to catcher Cody Decker for the inning’s third out.
Decker closed the gap to 5-3 in the sixth inning, on a towering home run over the left field fence. The long ball makes Decker the first Rumble Pony to two home runs this season.
New Hampshire found insurance in the seventh and ninth innings, plating one run in each frame to give them a 7-3 lead headed to the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Rumble Ponies did not go quietly as Stuart pummeled his first home run of the season over the wall in centerfield. The two-run shot cut the Fisher Cat lead to 7-5, but that was as close as Binghamton would get.
Casey Delgado (0-4) settled down after struggling through the first inning, eventually pitching into the seventh inning. Shane Dawson (1-2) earned his first win of the season, tossing six innings while allowing three runs.     
The Rumble Ponies (9-9) continue their three-game series against the Fisher Cats on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 PM. RHP Mickey Jannis takes the hill against RHP Sean Reid-Foley. The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show can be heard starting a 12:50 PM on NewsRadio 1290 AM WNBF and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies channel on TuneIn.
POSTGAME NOTES: Champ Stuart has five hits in his last eight at-bats; his 11 stolen bases leads the Eastern League…the Rumble Ponies hit two home runs in a game for the first time this season…Cody Decker caught for the first time since June 17, 2015

Friday, April 28, 2017

BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS COLUMN

Ball Reps Are Professional Consultants



  Professional bowlers have a great amount of respect for their "ball reps" who follow them from tour stop to tour stop offering highly technical advise on what ball or balls works best of the condition the PBA members are shooting on.

  Since we previously covered  a number of the PBA tour stops on the East Coast we became very familiar as to what these "ball reps" or tour consultants do and at a pro-tour stop in Cheektowaga we sat down with Chris Schlemer, at that time the pro-tour technical consultant for Storm and Roto-Grip who now serves the company as  their Roto Grip brand manager.

  When I used the term "ball rep" Chris's business card at that time clearly said he was a "Technical Consultant and Pro Tour Consultant."

  Schlemer, originally from Troy, Ill. near St. Louis came on board with Storm in the spring of 2001 and previously was a tour rep for Visionary on the former Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) tour.     While with the women's tour Chris drilled bowling balls and assisted giving the lady bowlers advise on the Visionary bowling products.

  Some  ago at about the age of 20 and 21 Chris was an active league bowler and became an accomplished bowler from both the right and left side. He kept a 230 average bowling right handed and a 200 average bowling left handed.

  His college education produced a degree in computers and graphics which has proved to be a great benefit in him becoming an accomplished Technical Pro Tour Consultant.

  Schlemer pointed out at that time that he had to know the Radium of Gyration (RG) of each of the Storm and Roto-Grip bowling balls and the differential of the bowling shot laid down. He  noted that the Professional Bowling Association (PBA) tweaks (changes) their shots so that they are new each bowling season.

  Bowling balls have a RD converted to a scale of 1-10. RG numbers range from 2.430 to 2.800, but some companies have converted them to a 1-10 scale to help give the consumer a better frame of reference. Mass distribution numbers describe the distribution  of mass in the bowling ball. High RG numbers indicate that the balls mass is distributed more towards the cover (cover heavy) which promotes length through the heads of the bowling lane. Low RG numbers indicate that the balls mass is distributed more towards the center (center heavy) which promotes an earlier roll through the front part of the lane.

  Chris pointed out that the difference between the maximum and minimum Radius of Gyration is that the RG-differential indicates the bowing ball's track flare potential and the higher the number the greater the track flare potential.

  In talking with Chris it became very clear that the technical consultant has to know his stuff which includes the knowledge of his company's bowling balls on all PBA shot conditions. He also has to know his bowlers well and that includes their timing, releases and their personalities (which he calls a key factor.) 

  These ball reps have to be very  professional and bowling knowledge is a key to them doing the job they perform.



  Bowling Tip

By Mike Luongo



    Bowlers: This week's tip applies mostly to those bowlers who are using modern bowling balls.

    You may not know that the modern bowling ball is porous with several different densities and has numerous chemicals in the cover stock.

   As these balls change temperature, the cover and core will expand and contract. Due to the different materials used for the core, inner core and cover, this fluctuation occurs at different rates.  Leaving the ball in a car when temperatures are severe, very hot or very cold, the expansion and contraction causes severe stress on the cover. This stress is even greater when a cold ball is used to bowl while it is still cold.

   This may cause your ball to crack. So this tip is not only educational but let it serve as a reminder to take care of your bowling ball investment--avoid the experience that some bowlers are going through--and if you carry your balls to and from the center, don't leave them in your car.

  Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator. Master Instructor, a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is also an Advisor and Special Events Assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by email at mikrl@stormbowling.com



Ed's Outlook


  Many local bowling leagues have completed the 2016-17 season. To the many league champions we offer our sincere congratulations. The long 32 week seasons that start in early September now give way to summer leagues which mostly run during the months of June-August.

  This will be our wrap-up  bowling column for this season, we thank the local bowling establishments and league secretaries for their cooperation in getting the league and honor scores to us.
  We will return with Bowling Highlights in September but now it is on to our Golfing Highlights starting next week.



PBA League

Competition



  The underdog Sysco Philadelphia Hitmen and the defending champion Shipyard Dallas Strikers got the fifth edition of the L.L. Beam PBA League Elias Cup Competion off to a roaring  start with sudden-death victories in front of a sold-out crowd last Sunday afternoon at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine and aired on ESPN.
  Tom Smallwood won the sudden-death (one ball playoff) for the Hitmen and crowd-favorite Norm Duke got the one-ball roll-off strike for the Strikers.

  The PBA league playoffs continues Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN.


Local Scores


Kiamesha Lanes


Monday Men's



  With some of the lowest scores recorded this season the limited highlights for this league found Jody Farquhar with the single high game of 235 and the high series of  617.  The only other 200 plus games saw Jon Wilhelm with a 223 and Kevin Stackhouse 216.



Tues. Mixed Firefighter


  Pedro Agapito III a 274, 697, Shane Cunningham 228, 248, 670, Trasey Barres 199, 512, Larry Whipple 225, 616, Stanley Gilmore 247, 617, Karen Martin 192, 500, Mike Scuderi 601, Tom Belgiovene 242, 628, Kyle Giordano 264, 637, Jon Wilhelm 651, Linda Schaefer 185, Joan Lake 202, 534, Keith Smith 236, Liz Stubits 192, 189, 190, 571, Dave Graham 600.



Thursday Ladies


  Lisa Cartwright 195, Trasey Barres 199, Connie McKenley 181, 505, Theresa Balzano 192, Kristy Lopez 192, 527, Liz Stubits 181, 189, Christie Graham 194, Mari Jane Conklin 186, Joan Lake 205, 181, 551, Tabatha Smith 198, 181, 545, Dottie Cox 180, Audrey Woolard 196.



  Ed Townsend is a Public Relations Consultant to the sport of bowling and brings over 60-years of sports journalism experience in writing and compiling the information for this column. If you have league or tournament information , bowl a 300 game or 800 series, let Ed know at 845-439-8177, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and Ed's photos at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

RAILRIDERS ROLL PAST INDIANAPOLIS

RailRiders Roll Past Indianapolis
Dan Camarena Whiffs a Triple-A Career Best Seven


Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) rallied from an early three-run deficit to knock off the Indianapolis Indians 6-3 on Friday night at PNC Field. The RailRiders (11-9) improved to 3-1 against the Indians (6-14) this season.

Daniel Camarena (2-0) allowed three runs on four hits in the first two innings, but settled in to fire six frames. He struck out a Triple-A career high seven and only walked one. He retired 11 of the final 12 batters he faced. Steven Brault (0-3) shouldered the defeat after surrendering four runs on seven hits in 4.2 stanzas. He walked four with only three strikeouts.

The Indians scored the game’s first three before Ruben Tejada quickly closed the gap with a two-run homer in the last of the second. The shot to right field was his second of the year. SWB tied the game on a two-out single by Ji-Man Choi in the third.

SWB took the lead for good in the fifth when Dustin Fowler tripled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Clint Frazier. Fowler finished the night 2-for-2 and reached four times with two walks.

Consecutive doubles by Billy Fleming and Eddy Rodriguez made it 5-3 in the sixth and a Fowler’s second knock scored Rodriguez for the final tally later in the frame. Fleming finished 1-for-4 in his Triple-A debut.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders continues their series with the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) at PNC Field on Saturday evening. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. Right-hander Brady Lail (1-0, 5.28) is scheduled to pitch against right-hander Josh Lindblom (0-2, 2.65). Kids Run the Bases follows every Saturday home game at PNC Field, weather permitting. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

PBA SPARE SHOTS

PBA Spare Shots

XTRA FRAME BEGINS EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE OF PWBA IN SONOMA COUNTY
Xtra Frame began its exclusive coverage of the 2017 PWBA Tour today with qualifying in the QubicaAMF Sonoma County Open from Double Decker Lanes in Rohnert Park, Calif. Xtra Frame will cover PWBA events through qualifying up to the stepladder finals, which will be recorded at a later date for broadcast on CBS Sports Network.

Following Rohnert Park will be the Storm Sacramento Open from Steve Cook's Fireside Lanes in Sacramento, Calif., May 4-6, and Fountain Valley Open from Fountain Bowl in Fountain Valley, Calif.,, May 11-13. PWBA’s first major of the season, the USBC Queens, is set for May 17-23 in Baton Rouge, La.

Xtra Frame’s coverage of the PBA50 Tour heads north next week when the 50-and-older players gather in Mooresville, N.C., at George Pappas Victory Lanes for the Race City Open presented by Columbia 300 Monday through Wednesday. The “senior” players then travel to Farmingdale Lanes in Farmingdale, N.Y., for the PBA50 Johnny Petraglia BVL Open presented by Brunswick before heading to Indianapolis for the 2017 season’s first major, the PBA50 Tour Players Championship at Woodland Bowl, May 13-16.

Xtra Frame subscription packages are available for three days, 30 days and a full year. To sign up, visit xtraframe.tv for details.

PBA XTRA FRAME BILLY HARDWICK MEMORIAL TO GO “OLD SCHOOL”
The upcoming PBA Xtra Frame Billy Hardwick Memorial, scheduled for June 23-25 at the Memphis, Tenn., bowling center formerly owned by the late PBA Hall of Famer, will honor Hardwick in more than name only. It will be contested using the kind of limited-technology bowling balls the 18-time PBA Tour champion used when he became the PBA’s first “triple crown” winner back in the late 1960s.

The Hardwick Memorial, which will be live-streamed exclusively on PBA’s Xtra Frame online bowling channel, will be open to a field of 80 bowlers. All players must use approved polyester bowling balls manufactured by a PBA Product Registered company. A list of approved bowling balls can be found on pba.com (https://www.pba.com/Tournaments/Details/2331) and includes the PBA Skill Ball 2.0 which is used in Teen Masters competition.

The tournament will offer a $10,000 first prize and a PBA Tour title, if the winner is a PBA member. The event will not be part of the PBA Xtra Frame Storm Cup series because of its equipment limitations. Competition will include eight qualifying games for all players on Saturday, June 24, with the top one-third advancing to a four-game cashers’ round on Sunday. After 12 games, the top 16 will enter into three-game single elimination match play leading up to one-game semifinal and championship matches.
ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR PBA XTRA FRAME TOUR EVENTS
Entries are now being accepted for upcoming PBA Xtra Frame Tour tournaments, beginning with the PBA XF Wilmington Open at Ten Pin Alley in Wilmington, N.C., May 26-29, followed by the PBA Xtra Frame Jonesboro Open at Jonesboro Bowling Center in Jonesboro, Ark., June 2-4; the PBA Xtra Frame Lubbock Sports Open presented by Ebonite at South Plains Lanes in Lubbock, Texas, June 9-11, and the PBA Xtra Frame Billy Hardwick Memorial at Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes in Memphis, Tenn., June 23-25.

The Wilmington, Jonesboro and Lubbock tournaments are Xtra Frame Storm Cup points events. The Memphis tournament, which will be a “throwback” tournament restricted to approved limited-technology bowling balls, is not part of the Storm Cup.

PBA members have preferred entry priority into all PBA Xtra Frame Tour events until 30 days prior to the start of the events when entries will be open to non-members. Entries for all Xtra Frame events must be submitted through the PBA Regional Manager who has responsibility for the area hosting the event.

PBA CHAMPIONS OZIO, SHADY ENTER USBC HALL OF FAME
David Ozio, an 11-time PBA Tour champion and member of the PBA Hall of Fame, and one-time PBA titlist Mike Shady were inducted into the USBC Hall of Fame Wednesday during the USBC Annual Meeting at The Orleans in Las Vegas.
 
Ozio, 63, resides in Beaumont, Texas. His resume includes 1991 PBA Player of the Year honors along with a PBA Tournament of Champions title. He was ranked 34th on the PBA’s list of the 50 greatest players in PBA history during the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2009.

"When you think back to the dedication and the things it took to get here, was it worth it?” Ozio asked during his induction speech. “By all means, I would've done it again 10 times over."

Shady, 51, is a former collegiate star at Nebraska and Wisconsin-LaCrosse who now lives in Girard, Pa. The 1992 Earl Anthony PBA Open winner also is a two-time USBC Open Championships title holder who currently leads the tournament’s lifetime average list with a 222.28 average for 21 years of participation.

THIS WEEK: “PICK THE RADICAL BALL” FOR PBA BOWLING CHALLENGE GAME
Concrete Software’s “pick the ball” survey for PBA Bowling Challenge mobile game continues this week with players invited to select a new Radical ball from among three options provided weekly for each PBA-participating brand.

Based on fan voting which begins Thursday (click here: http://bit.ly/Radical_17 to cast your vote), the “winning” Radical ball will be available for play on May 12.

A code to purchase the ball for 50% off (the code will be available on PBA’s and the specific companies’ social media pages) will be posted. Each company also will have a flashback weekend where all its previous balls will be available for that weekend only.

PBA REGIONAL UPDATE: WILLIAMS, DAUGHERTY WIN IN HAWAII
Stuart Williams of Phoenix, Ariz., defeated Tom Daugherty of Riverview, Fla., 199-191, to win the PBA Hawaii West/Northwest Open presented by Ebonite at Schofield Army Base Lanes Sunday, and on Wednesday, the top two swapped places in the Ft. Shafter Army Base event.

The Schofield and Ft. Shafter tournaments were the first two events in a traditional PBA West and Northwest Region Hawaii tripleheader series which concludes with the Hickam AFB West/Northwest Open presented by Ebonite Friday through Sunday.

Williams, who won his third PBA Regional title, received $2,000 for his win. He advanced to the title match by eliminating Troy Kendrick of Coto De Caza, Calif., 224-182, while Daugherty defeated Cameron Weier of Tacoma, Wash., 213-179, in the semifinal round.

On Wednesday, Daugherty posted an 8-2 match play record and an 18-game total of 4,215 pins to win his 13th PBA Regional title in the PBA Fort Shafter West/Northwest Hawaii Open presented by Ebonite, defeating Williams by 32 pins for the $2,000 top prize.

● Brandon Novak of Chillicothe, Ohio, defeated Larry Verble of Mason, Mich. by 165 pins Sunday to win the PBA Debbie & Leo Nunan Memorial Central Open presented by Track at AMF Stardust Lanes in Grove City, Ohio.

Novak finished with an 8-4 match play record and a total of 4,971 pins for 20 games, including match play bonus pins, for his first Central Region title of 2017 and his fourth overall title. He also earned $2,300.

● Mike Moore of Orlando, Fla., defeated Jason Sterner of Rockledge, Fla., 290-225, to take the first prize in the inaugural PBA Valdosta South Open at Jac’s Lanes in Valdosta, Ga., Sunday.

Moore qualified second for the stepladder finals with an 8-4 match play record and a 20-game total of 4,817 pins, including match play bonus pins, and earned $2,400. Sterner posted a 10-2 match play record and had 4,848 pins to qualify first, 31 pins ahead of Moore.

In the first stepladder match Jeff Piroozshad of Coral Springs, Fla. defeated Anthony DeStasio of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., 232-183. Moore then disposed of Piroozshad, 190-181, in the semifinal match.

● April’s PBA Regional competition concludes with the PBA50 Cherokee Lanes South Open presented by Roto Grip in Canton, Ga., April 27-29, and the Al Jones Memorial presented by Storm at Rockaway Lanes in Rockaway, N.J., April 28-30.

● For complete PBA Regional schedules, rules and entry information, visit pba.com, open the “schedules” tab and click on PBA Regional Tours to find the event(s) in your area.

QUICK NOTES:
Reminder: Applications for the 2017 PBA Billy Welu Scholarship, recognizing exemplary qualities in male or female college students who compete in bowling, are due by June 15. Candidates must be currently attending college and maintaining at least a 2.5/4.0 GPA or equivalent. The two-part application can be retrieved using this link: http://www.pba.com/Corporate/Scholarships.

RAILRIDERS WIN 8-1

Culver Bashes Two Homers as RailRiders Clobber Bats
Cito Culver Belts Three Extra-Base Hits, Drives in Four


Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) pounded the Louisville Bats 10-5 on Thursday night at PNC Field behind a monster night from Cito Culver. The RailRiders (10-9) take the three-game series and finish the regular season 4-2 against the Bats (8-12).

Joe Mantiply (1-1) earned the win in relief by firing 3.1 scoreless innings of two-hit ball. He struck out four. The loss went to Lisalverto Bonilla (2-1). The RailRiders pounded out nine runs on 10 hits, including three home runs, against the right-hander hander over 4.2 frames.

Culver started his night with a double to left in the second frame and continued making thunderous contact on a three-run homer out to left in the third. His first round-tripper of the season put the RailRiders up 6-0. Culver went deep again, leaving the stadium over left in the fifth for his third hit and fourth RBI of the night.

All nine hitters in the SWB lineup came away with at least one hit. Dustin Fowler launched his third long ball of the season out to left to give the RailRIders a 7-5 lead in the fourth. Mark Payton and Tyler Wade also came away with two hits apiece.

Starter Chad Green tossed 3.2 innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. He struck out four and walked two.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders begin a new set with the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh Pirates) at PNC Field on Friday night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Southpaw Dan Camarena (1-0, 0.00) is scheduled to pitch against left-hander Steven Brault (0-2, 3.00). Every Friday home game at PNC Field is “Glow in the Park Night” with the RailRiders donning special glow-in-the-dark uniforms. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

Thursday, April 27, 2017

SUNDAY BOWLING ON ESPN

Sunday on ESPN: Atom Splitters Begin Bid for Third Elias Cup as L.L.Bean PBA League Quarterfinal Matches Conclude at Bayside Bowl

PORTLAND, Maine – After a two-match dress rehearsal to get their vocal chords loosened up and their chants in order, the rambunctious fans at Bayside Bowl will be in peak form for the final two L.L.Bean PBA League quarterfinal round matches airing Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN.

Sunday’s coverage will begin with the Live + Work in Maine Silver Lake Atom Splitters, the only team to win the PBA League Elias Cup twice, facing off against the MaineQuarterly.com Brooklyn Styles. The second and final quarterfinal match will send the hometown-favorite L.L.Bean Portland Lumberjacks against the Barbasol Motown Muscle.

The Atom Splitters, managed by Mark Baker and featuring a lineup of Chris Barnes, Tom Daugherty, Jesper Svensson, Shawn Maldonado and DJ Archer, won back-to-back Elias Cups, defeating L.A. X in both 2014 and ’15. Standing in the way to a trip to the semifinal round will be the Brooklyn Styles, managed by PBA Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia and his all-star roster of Sean Rash, PBA Hall of Famers Parker Bohn III and Walter Ray Williams Jr., Jason Sterner and Jon Van Hees.

The quarterfinals will wrap up with the Portland Lumberjacks, managed by Tim Mack and featuring Wes Malott, Ryan Ciminelli, Kyle Troup, Bryon Smith and “Lumberjill” Liz Johnson taking on manager Del Ballard Jr.’s Barbasol Motown Muscle and its youthful lineup including reigning PBA Player of the Year EJ Tackett, Anthony Simonsen, 2016 Rookie of the Year Francois Lavoie, and PBA Tour veterans Josh Blanchard and Dick Allen. Neither team has ever won the Elias Cup.
In PBA League play, the best-of-two-game Baker matches are decided by a dramatic one-ball sudden-death roll-off if the teams split their two games.

The winning teams will advance to the semifinal round, where they will meet each other in an ESPN-televised match that will air on Sunday, May 7, at 1 p.m. EDT.

Already locked into the semifinal round are the Sysco Philadelphia Hitmen (manager Jason Couch, Dom Barrett, Tom Smallwood, Chris Loschetter, Ronnie Russell and Dave Wodka) and the defending Elias Cup champion Shipyard Dallas Strikers (player-manager Norm Duke, Tommy Jones, Bill O’Neill, Rhino Page and B.J. Moore), winners of quarterfinal round matches one and two.

The Elias Cup finals will air on Sunday, May 14, at 1 p.m. All ESPN telecasts also will be streamed simultaneously on ESPN3 and the WatchESPN app.

BOWLING LANE CERTIFICATION TO CHANGE

LANE CERTIFICATION STUDY PROMPTS NEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR 2019
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress will implement new requirements for lane inspections and will adjust specifications for new installations for the 2019-2020 season based on recent research conducted by the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team.
The research included analysis of the lane certification paperwork submitted by 323 centers, an examination of more than 1,000 lanes throughout the country, in which lanes were checked to determine compliance with current specifications, a study of the pin deck, and an examination of lane topography.
The studies were undertaken to determine the extent of lanes that were out of specification, which pin deck measurements have the most effect on scoring, how lane topography shifts over time, and how lane topography affects the ball path.
“The USBC team did a tremendous job in its research, looking at how lanes are inspected and how the lanes perform under current specifications,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “The results helped us to make decisions on ways to improve the lane certification process and how installations are done. The studies and subsequent changes are important to ensuring the lanes USBC members compete on in leagues and competitions meet required standards.”
The key changes to lane certification will be the specification change for new installations, including overlays on existing lanes, the number of measurements required for each lane, and how kickbacks, the side panels of each lane in the pit area, are measured.
For new installations, including overlays on existing lanes, the specification for crowns/depressions and crosswise tilts now will be plus/minus thirty-thousandths of an inch starting Aug. 1, 2019. USBC also will require an inspection within 14 days following the completion of a new installation.
The specification change only is at the time of installation, and will minimize maintenance costs. The specification returns to plus/minus forty-thousandths for the next annual inspection.
Lane topography, which looks at contours, crowns and depressions, showed lane surfaces can change throughout the year because of environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. If lanes start flatter, they will stay within the current specification of forty-thousandths of an inch for a longer time, prompting the specification change.
Starting with certifications for the 2018-2019 season, a new application for center certification will be available on BOWL.com that will address the number of measurements required for each lane and how kickbacks are measured.
Lane inspectors will be required to measure the lanes at five locations for crowns/depressions and crosswise title, instead of the current three locations. With many lanes using synthetic panels, and the fact it takes five synthetic panels to construct a lane, there is a need to have at least one measurement for each panel.
A pin deck area scoring study determined the most important measurement affecting percentage of strikes is the distance between the kickbacks at the back of the pin deck. Measurements now will be taken from kickback plate to kickback plate starting with the 2018-2019 season, as it simplifies the measuring process and is not a change in the specification.
Lane inspectors also will be required to submit inspection applications signed by the inspector, association manager, and center representative to USBC national headquarters.
To ensure the accuracy of the data, USBC will allow a one-year grace period for center certification. Simply having a proper inspection of the bowling center and supplying the data to USBC Headquarters will allow the center to be certified for the 2018-2019 season. The data collected during these inspections will be analyzed to determine if additional improvements to the process will be needed for the 2019-2020 season. Of course, proprietors always will be encouraged to make needed repairs to their lanes.
Go to BOWL.com/EquipAndSpecs and click on Lane-Center Certifications to view the complete Lane Certification Study.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women’s Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.

Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 2,500 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.

USBC HALL OF FAME

OZIO, SHADY INDUCTED INTO USBC HALL OF FAME
LAS VEGAS - The United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame welcomed two new members and celebrated their accomplishments Wednesday at The Orleans Hotel and Casino.

The 2017 USBC Hall of Fame Class includes David Ozio of Beaumont, Texas, in the Superior Performance category and Mike Shady of Girard, Pennsylvania, for Outstanding USBC Performance.
Ozio, 63, is an 11-time Professional Bowlers Association Tour titlist, including the 1991 PBA Tournament of Champions, part of a four-win year that ended with PBA Player of the Year honors.

He went on to find success on the PBA50 Tour, earning two victories, the first of which was the 2004 Senior U.S. Open on the way to being named PBA50 Rookie of the Year.

"The honor tonight is beyond measure," said Ozio, who was ranked 34th on the PBA's list of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History (2009). "When you think back to the dedication and the things it took to get here, was it worth it? By all means. I would've done it again 10 times over."
Shady, 51, has experienced an unprecedented run of success at the USBC Open Championships, which includes two wins on the championship lanes - Team All-Events (2005) and Regular Team (2011) - and 13 additional top-10 finishes.
He also is the tournament's lifetime average leader for competitors with a minimum of 20 years of participation, with a mark of 222.28 in 21 appearances (189 games). He has posted an all-events score of 1,900 or better in 20 of those years.
The right-hander's resume includes first-team All-America honors while competing for Nebraska during the 1986-1987 and 1987-1988 seasons and a win at the 1985 Intercollegiate Team Championships, while bowling for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Shady went on to claim one PBA Tour title at the 1992 Earl Anthony PBA Open in Dublin, California.
"Tonight, I am truly honored and humbled to be in the same category as everybody who walked through that door earlier," Shady said. "I'm filled with gratitude and just very humbled."

Through 2017, there are 419 members of the USBC Hall of Fame - 218 in Superior Performance, 117 in Meritorious Service, 50 in Veterans, 20 in Pioneers and 14 in Outstanding USBC Performance.
The USBC Hall of Fame was created in 2005 by merging the former American Bowling Congress and Women's International Bowling Congress Halls of Fame.

RUMBLE PONIES TAKE RUBBER GAME 4-1

Rumble Ponies Run Away with Rubber Game, 4-1
AKRON, OH – The Binghamton Rumble Ponies stole a season-high five bases, including three from Champ Stuart, and sped past the Akron RubberDucks, 4-1, on Wednesday night at Canal Park. Corey Oswalt struck out a season-best seven to guide the Rumble Ponies to their second straight series victory.
The Rumble Ponies ran wild on the bases to generate three runs against Akron starter Nick Pasquale. Stuart, Luis Guillorme and Patrick Biondi combined to swipe five bags in the first three innings. Stuart, hitting leadoff for the first time since April 8, opened the game with a bunt single, stole second and scored on a groundout. In the third, a double steal by Stuart and Guillorme set the table for a two-run inning.
David Thompson hammered a solo home run to center to start the fourth inning. Thompson’s line-drive blast off the batter’s eye, his first career Double-A home run, gave the Rumble Ponies a three-run advantage.
Oswalt made the lead stick over six strong innings despite a challenging start. Akron pushed a run across versus the righty in the first inning, but failed to get any offense rolling after their quick strike.
Oswalt (2-2) struck out six of the first ten batters he faced en route to his second straight win. The righty stranded runners at the corners twice and mowed down the final seven hitters before handing off to the bullpen.
Kyle Regnault tossed two scoreless innings to set up Tim Peterson in the ninth. Peterson stepped around a single to earn his first save of the season.
Pasquale (1-1) allowed four runs on four hits over six innings in his first loss.
The Rumble Ponies (9-8) open a three-game series at home against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Friday at 7:05 PM. RHP Casey Delgado takes the hill against LHP Shane Dawson. The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show can be heard starting a 6:50 PM on NewsRadio 1290 AM WNBF and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies channel on TuneIn.
POSTGAME NOTES: Binghamton’s five stolen bases were their highest total in a single game since they swiped the same number on May 18, 2013 against the Portland Sea Dogs…Champ Stuart’s three stolen bases matched a career high…Kevin Taylor went 0-for-4 and had his 11-game hitting streak snapped
Rumble Ponies fans can purchase tickets for any remaining home game at the NYSEG Stadium box office, online www.bingrp.com and over the phone at (607) 722-FUNN.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

RAILRIDERS RALLY

Luis Cessa Sparkles and RailRiders Rally Past Bats
Tyler Wade Singles Home Go-Ahead Run in Seventh


Moosic, Pa. – Right-hander Luis Cessa weaved together 6.2 innings of one-run baseball and the SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) rallied past the Louisville Bats 4-1 on Wednesday night at PNC Field. The win boosted the RailRiders to 9-9 on the year and a 3-2 season series edge against the Bats (8-11).

The Bats’ only run against Cessa came in the fifth on a run-producing triple by Juan Perez. The right-hander scattered nine hits over his outing and struck out one without allowing a walk. Tyler Webb (2-0) took home the win after retiring the only batter he faced. Ernesto Frieri fired a perfect ninth for his third save.

SWB took control against reliever Alejandro Chacin (0-2) in the seventh. Ruben Tejada blooped a single to right that scored Ji-Man Choi from third and Tyler Wade followed with what proved to be the game-winning hit. The shortstop lined a single to center that plated Mason Williams.

Williams would score a second time in the eighth, crossing with Rob Refsnyder on a double to left-center by Mark Payton that capped the scoring.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders conclude their series with the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds) at PNC Field on Thursday night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Right-hander Chad Green (2-0, 2.00) is scheduled to pitch against right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla (2-0, 5.56). Every Thursday home game at PNC Field is Thirsty Thursday with $1 Bud Lights and Pepsi products. Also, as part of “College Night,” tickets are just $5 with a valid college I.D. presented at the Box Office. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

BORESCH WINS SUN BOWL TITLE

Lennie Boresch Jr. Goes Wire-to-Wire to Win
                                  PBA50 UnitedHealthcare Sun Bowl In the Villages For Third Career Title
                                                            Boresch defeats Bob Learn Jr. 264-213 in title match

THE VILLAGES, Fla. – In a wire-to-wire victory, Lennie Boresch Jr. of Kenosha, Wis., won the PBA50 UnitedHealthcare Sun Bowl In The Villages presented by Radical Tuesday for his third career PBA50 Tour title.

Boresch, who led all four rounds in qualifying and match play to enter the stepladder finals as the top qualifier, defeated Bob Learn Jr. of Erie, Pa., 264-213, in the title match at Spanish Springs Lanes.

“It’s a relief because even though I’ve been bowling pretty well you really never know when the opportunity will come again,” said Boresch, who averaged 245 for the tournament. “I just focused and stayed with what got me here.”

Boresch, who won the 2012 Sun Bowl In the Villages in his PBA50 Tour debut, started with a strike and spare in the title match and then threw eight consecutive strikes to clinch the win. Learn, a three-time PBA50 Tour and five-time PBA Tour titlist, opened in the first frame and couldn’t keep pace with Boresch for the rest of the match.

Learn, who qualified fifth for the finals, dominated the first three stepladder matches winning the opening match by beating Darin Hays of Wesley Chapel, Fla., 199-173, before defeating Sam Maccarone of Blackwood, N.J., 278-185, and then PBA Hall of Famer Parker Bohn III of Jackson, N.J., 279-245, in the semi-final match.

“The way he (Learn) was bowling I thought I might be in trouble,” said Boresch, who compiled a 13-3 record in match play. “Ironically, I bowled my lowest games of the tournament on the championship pair.  All I knew was I was going to have to strike because he was lined up.”

Boresch’s last win came in the 2013 Miller High Life Classic. Since then, the USBC Hall of Famer has had four runner-up finishes including two in 2016.

The final day of competition of the Sun Bowl In The Villages will be available on PBA’s online bowling channel Xtra Frame beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m. ET.  Visit www.xtraframe.tv for schedule and subscription information.

The PBA50 Tour travels to George Pappas’ Victory Lanes in Mooresville, N.C., for the PBA50 Race City Open presented by Columbia 300 April 30-May 3.

PBA50 SUN BOWL IN THE VILLAGES PRESENTED BY RADICAL   
Spanish Springs Lanes, The Villages, Fla., Tuesday

Final Standings:
1,  Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis. $7,500.
2,  Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., $4,000.
3,  Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., $3,000.
4,  Sam Maccarone, Blackwood, N.J., $2,000.
5,  Darin Hays, Wesley Chapel, Fla., $1,750. 

Stepladder Results:
Match One – Learn def. Hays, 199-173.
Match Two – Learn def. Maccarone, 278-185.
Semifinal Match – Learn def. Bohn, 279-245.
Championship – Boresch def. Learn, 264-213.

FOURTH ROUND
(Top five advanced to stepladder finals. Includes match play record and 32-game pinfall total including bonus)

1, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 13-3, 8,222.
2, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 13-3, 8,087.
3, Sam Maccarone, Blackwood, N.J., 10-5-1, 7,815.
4, Darin Hays, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 9-7, 7,795.
5, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 8-7-1, 7,787.
6, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 9-6-1, 7,771, $1,700.
7, Hugh Miller, Mercer Island, Wash., 9-7, 7,768, $1,600.
8, Peter Knopp, Germany, 8-8, 7,707, $1,550.
9, Bo Goergen, Sanford, Mich., 10-6, 7,702, $1,500.
10, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 7-8-1, 7,692, $1,475.
11, Danny Clark, New Palestine, Ind., 9-6-1, 7,665, $1,450.
12, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 7-8-1, 7,658, $1,425.
13, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 8-8, 7,597, $1,400.
14, Jerry Brunette Jr., Rochester, N.Y., 10-6, 7,576, $1,380.
15, Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 9-6-1, 7,557, $1,360.
16, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 7-9, 7,392, $1,350.

THIRD ROUND
(Top 16 advanced to fourth round. Includes match play record and 24-game total pinfall including bonus)

1, Lennie Boresch Jr., Kenosha, Wis., 6-2, 6,017.
2, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 7-1, 5,951.
3, Darin Hays, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 5-3, 5,880.
4, Hugh Miller, Mercer Island, Wash., 6-2, 5,866.
5, Bob Learn Jr., Erie, Pa., 4-4, 5,815.
6, Mike Dias, Lafayette, Colo., 7-1, 5,812.
7, Peter Knopp, Germany, 5-3, 5,794.
8, Sam Maccarone, Blackwood, N.J., 5-3, 5,791.
9, Ron Mohr, Las Vegas, 7-1, 5,771.
10, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 4-4, 5,762.
11, Jerry Brunette Jr., Rochester, N.Y., 6-2, 5,709.
12, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 4-4, 5,685.
13, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 5-3, 5,681.
14, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 4-4, 5,661.
15, Bo Goergen, Sanford, Mich., 5-3, 5,649.
16, Danny Clark, New Palestine, Ind., 5-2-1, 5,618.

Did not advance:
17, David Williams Jr., Omaha, Neb., 2-6, 5,613, $1,200.
18, Sammy Ventura, Syracuse, N.Y., 4-4, 5,601, $1,190.
19, Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 4-4, 5,600, $1,180.
20, Wayne Bolin, Lumberton, N.C., 3-5, 5,596, $1,170.
21, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 4-4, 5,539, $1,160.
22, Tony Adkins, Port Orange, Fla., 5-3, 5,537, $1,150.
23, James Hansen, Anchorage, Alaska, 4-4, 5,528, $1,145.
24, Mark Sullivan, Indianapolis, 2-6, 5,511, $1,140.
25, Paul McCordic, Sugar Land, Texas, 2-6, 5,461, $1,135.
26, n-John Hough, Naples, Fla., 4-4, 5,455, $1,130.
27, Eddie Graham, Centerville, Ohio, 3-5, 5,359, $1,125.
28, Ralph Brunt Jr., Jensen Beach, Fla., 1-6-1, 5,321, $1,120.
29, Scott Greiner, Platte City, Mo., 2-6, 5,304, $1,115.
30, Darryl Dempsey, Pinellas Park, Fla., 1-7, 5,281, $1,110.
31, Joe Fulner III, Belleview, Fla., 0-8, 5,220, $1,105.
32, Pete Thomas, Oklahoma City, Okla., 1-7-0, 5,137, $1,100.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

RAILRIDERS LOSE 6-2 TO LOUISVILLE

Caleb Smith Shines in RailRiders Loss
Southpaw Weaves 5.2 Scoreless Innings


Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) received a great start from left-hander Caleb Smith, but ultimately fell to the Louisville Bats 6-2 on Tuesday night at PNC Field. The Bats (8-10) evened the season set with the RailRiders (8-9) at 2-2.

Smith fired 5.2 innings of one-hit baseball. He struck out one and retired 15 consecutive hitters at one point. The RailRiders grabbed the first lead of the game in the sixth inning on a two-out single by Donovan Solano.

Louisville used three hits and a pair of walks to rally for five runs in the seventh against reliever Ben Heller (0-3). Bats starter Jackson Stephens (2-1) took the win after holding SWB to a one run despite seven hits over six innings. Kevin Shackelford recorded the final four outs for his second save.

Ji-Man Choi crushed his first homer as a RailRider out to left-center in the eighth for the team’s second tally.

The 2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders continue their series with the Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds) at PNC Field on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Right-hander Luis Cessa (1-2, 1.62) is scheduled to pitch against right-hander Sal Romano (0-0, 1.59). It’s Wine and Dine Wednesday at PNC Field with a one-hour, pre-game wine tasting and win specials throughout the night for those 21 years and older! For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.