Martin - 8, Summit 4

Game Summary

Martin starting pitcher, Junior Josh Marshall, finally got some run support – but in a rather unconventional way.  In a night that featured sky-high pops that fell untouched, errant throws that bounced off of runners helmets, and even a base-runner hit by his own batted ball, it could be said the game was won “ugly” – but won it was, and by the good guys!  Starting Jaguars pitcher Alex Behmanesh seemed to cruise through the first 5 innings, striking out 10 Warrior hitters, surrendering only 2 hits and 1 run in the process.  However, both hits went for extra bases as Brett Kazmierski tripled in the 4^th and Shaun Garcia doubled in the 5^th.  Behmanesh was inexplicably replaced to start the 6^th inning by Roberto Martinez, and left the game with a 3-1 lead – and the strange stuff began!  Roberto struck out the first batter he faced, then Martin Catcher Richard Pumphrey beat out an infield single and was replaced on the base paths by courtesy runner Brian Fite – who promptly stole second.  Brett Kazmierski worked a walk, and both runners advanced on a wild pitch during the next at bat which struck out yet another Martin hitter.  Nathan Karns grabbed a bat to pinch hit, but never got to the batters box, as with first base now open, he was intentionally walked without a pitch!  So, now with the bases loaded, two out and the Warriors down by 2 runs, Pitcher Josh Marshall stepped to the plate.  He dribbled the second pitch he saw slowly back toward the pitcher, who fielded the ball cleanly, looked at getting the runner at home, but with his team-mates yelling “One, one” he turned awkwardly and threw to first, and the ball hit Josh in the back of his helmet, allowing 2 runners to score.  This seemed to shake up the Jaguars hurler, who while walking the next 2 batters, threw several wild pitches and allowed 3 more Martin base-runners to cross the plate!!!  He finally got out of the inning with yet another ground ball back to himself.  But the damage was done – the Warriors now had a 3 run lead.  Josh Marshall quickly disposed of the Summit batters in the home half of the 6^th, but the strange happenings were far from over.  After the first 2 Martin batters went down quickly in the top half of the 7^th, Brett Kazmierski stepped back in and hit the ball hard to the Jaguars third baseman, who couldn’t make the play.  Martin Right Fielder Eric Hanlon then stepped up and hit a towering fly ball behind the Jaguars short stop that no one was able to get to, and with Brett scoring in the process, Eric ended up standing on second with a double.  Warriors short stop Trent Blanchard singled to score Eric, and the good guys now had an 8-3 lead, and that’s how the top half of the inning ended.  However, this strange night was still not over.  Tiring Martin pitcher Josh Marshall went back out to take the hill in the bottom of the 7^th, but a single by Summit second baseman Mike Crumbaker ended his bid for a 4^th complete game in 4 appearances.  He gave way to Justin Bridges, who allowed only the inherited runner to score, getting the final three outs to preserve a Martin victory.  But it wasn’t easy – the game ended with the bases loaded, on a line shot at Warrior second baseman Logan Batlle, who snagged it much to the relief of the Martin contingent in the stands – which included MANY players and parents from the Warrior Freshmen and JV teams.  Thanks to all those who came out to support the Varsity team – as it definitely seem to make a difference.

Box Score