Sat Jul 31 2010
by Michael Leonard
Sports Editor
As season openers go, they don't come much better than the one Tallmadge baseball had.
Tallmadge's offense exploded for an 18-2 win in six innings over Archbishop Hoban March 31 in Akron.
The game was makeshift early season contest, according to Tallmadge head coach Kenny Linn.
"We just kind of took advantage of the weather," Linn said. "If we catch any rain on the weekends, we're going to lose some games that week we won't be able to make up."
Hoban was probably wishing for rain by the end of this game as the Blue Devils scored seven runs in both the fourth and sixth innings to invoke the mercy rule. The Blue Devils banged out 14 hits in the win.
Left fielder Jake Patrick got the barrage started for Tallmadge in the top of the seventh inning when he smacked a grand slam.
"J.P. took the first pitch he saw over the left-field fence," Linn said. "It's a kind of a short porch, but he cleared it by a bunch."
Tallmadge blew the game open in the top of the fourth as senior Joe Cochran led the inning off with solo home run to center field.
Tallmadge was just getting warmed up. Second baseman Matt Keen doubled, followed by a run-scoring single from senior Andrew Powelson.
After a double play, right fielder Dustin Burns doubled, followed by a run-scoring single from Garrett Emling.
Two walks and a hit batsman later, Cochran completed the inning with a three-run double to clear the bases.
Down 11-0, Hoban scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth to prolong the game.
However, Tallmadge erupted for another seven runs in the top of the sixth, thanks largely to its bench players.
Sophomore Alex Licitre and Tommy Linder each got their first varsity hits, followed by a two-run single from junior Phil Emling.
Freshman Tucker Linder got a run-scoring double for his first varsity hit, while sophomore Andrew Bonnette also got his first varsity hit with a run-scoring single.
"The bench came in and did a really nice job for us," Linn said.
Overshadowed by the offense, junior pitcher Brian Kilway looked solid in his first start, giving up no runs in four innings of work. Kilway struck out six Knights while allowing only three hits.
Cochran pitched the final two innings for Tallmadge.
Tallmadge is scheduled to open Suburban League play this week, as it is set to host Highland April 6 before heading to Medina to play Highland April 7. Game time both days is at 4:30 p.m.
The Blue Devils are set to remain on the road with games against Lakewood St. Edward and Strongsville April 11. First pitch is slated for 11 a.m.
E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3913
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