PLEASANTVILLE--A minimal offensive attack by the Tri-Valley
Bears varsity baseball team Tuesday afternoon at Pace University's Peter X.
Finnerty Field proved to be most of the deciding factor in Haldane's dominating
7-0 victory in the Class C Regional semifinal.
Haldane broke open a tight 1-0 game with a six-run two out
fourth inning rally and cruised to victory which advanced them to Wednesday's
game against Section 4's Pierson/Bridgehampton at Manhattanville
College.
Haldane used small bat and patience at the plate to fuel
their big inning. They took advantage of six walks and three singles to plate
their six runs. The big hit in that inning came when Ryan Koval drove in a pair
of runs with a base hit to right center.
While Tri-Valley starting pitcher Joe Mickelson showed signs
of struggling throughout the innings he pitched Haldane's starting pitcher Dan
Kinnaird appeared very much in control from the outset as he scattered five hits
while striking out three.
Several outstanding defense plays by Haldane supported
Kinnaird as they turned three unconventional double plays. In the second inning
Haldane's Ryan Koval snared a liner to center and doubled up Tri-Valley's
George Baggata and Matt Forlow came up with an outstanding diving catch of a
liner that looked like it would drop in at center field. A quick throw to second
baseman Ken Doxey resulted in another double play.
In the sixth inning with Tri-Valley's Mike Foster on second
base a single up the middle looked like it would end Kinnaird's shutout bid but
Ryan Koval charged the ball and fired the ball to catcher Andrew Balducci which
gunned down Foster at the plate.
Tri-Valley did not advance a runner past second base until
the sixth inning. The Bears stranded five runners.
Haldane pitcher Kinnaird pitched six innings using only 66
pitches.
Tri-Valley's short stop Rodney Jester made several
outstanding stops and throws to first base for outs.
Bears third basemen George Baggata had two hits for
Tri-Valley which ended the season with an 18-5 record.
Kinnaird displayed a good fastball and curve with several
Tri-Valley players expressing that they felt there was a very small strike zone
being called throughout the game.
A large contingent of Tri-Valley fans packed the third-base
stands.
Haldane head coach Tom Virgadamo had high praise for his
pitcher and the team's defensive efforts.
Tri-Valley head coach John Rusin thanked Tri-Valley fans for
their great support throughout the entire season and said he was proud of what
the team did this year in winning the Section 9 Class C
championship.
Identification of photos, top to bottom
Tri-Valley third basemen George Baggata leads off second base
but was doubled up on a line drive caught by Haldane's Ryan Koval. -
With their team down by 7 runs in the seventh inning
Tri-Valley players lineup on their dugout railing hoping for a miraculous rally
that never materialized.
There was great fan support by Tri-Valley fans throughout the
season and especially at the Tuesday game at Pleasantville.
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