Sat Jul 31 2010
by Michael Leonard
Sports Editor
Mother Nature has been dispensing rain like its going out of style this spring and she has played havoc with the Tallmadge baseball team's schedule.
This week, Tallmadge saw its home-and-home series with Suburban League rival Cloverleaf washed out. The Blue Devils rescheduled one game with the Colts for April 23 at home (results were not available at press time). No make-up date has been set for the other contest.
Tallmadge head coach Kenny Linn admits the constant rain-outs this spring have tested his team's poise.
"I think we find out soon how focused we are," Linn said. "Missing one day [due to rain] is common; losing two days happens sometimes; three days [off] can be a struggle. They're definitely excited to get back on the field."
Tallmadge probably is anxious to get back on the field because the team is on an eight-game tear.
The Blue Devils downed league foe Barberton 12-2 in six innings at home April 16, beat league rival Highland 7-0 at home April 17 and then swept a doubleheader at Brunswick April 18, winning 13-11 and 9-1.
As of press time, Tallmadge's record stood at 9-2 overall and 4-0 in the Suburban League. The Blue Devils also were ranked 12th in Division II in the latest Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association poll.
Linn said his team was much sharper April 16 than in his team's first win over Barberton.
"You respect everyone, but you know when a team is not at the same caliber as you," Linn said. "That's the approach we took."
Senior Matt Keen got the start for Tallmadge and pitched four strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits with six strikeouts. Dustin Burns pitched two scoreless innings in relief.
Tallmadge's offense banged out 18 hits in the win, led by a senior shortstop Paul Pakan who went 3-of-3 with three singles. Third baseman A.J. Williams had a big day, going 3-of-4 with two singles, a double and three runs batted in.
Senior Joe Cochran had a key three-run triple in the fourth inning and finished with five RBIs , while catcher Pat Kilway went 2-of-3 two RBIs.
In the win over Highland, Linn said his team took awhile to get going before blowing the game open in the late innings.
Fortunately, Cochran was on his game, as the Tallmadge starter improved to 2-0 on the season by allowing one run on six hits in six innings of work, while striking out six. Garrett Emling pitched a scoreless seventh inning to close the game.
Pat Kilway had another solid day at the plate, going 3-of-3 with three singles and an RBI. Pakan hit a two-run double in the fourth inning and finished with three RBIs.
Linn said he knew Brunswick would present a challenge.
"They've been a team to watch the last few years," Linn said. "We were able to get ahead of them early."
Tallmadge jumped out to a 5-0 lead after one inning and led by as much as 12-1 before Brunswick rallied. Brian Kilway got the win for the Blue Devils, despite not having his best stuff, according to Linn.
Burns went 2-of-2 with a three-run double in the first inning, before leaving the game with an injured back.
Keen had a huge game going 3-of-3 with two home runs, while Pat Kilway went 2-of-4 with a home run and four RBIs. Williams went 3-of-4 with two singles and a double.
After weathering the comeback in game one, Linn sent freshman Tucker Linder to the mound for game two and implored his young starter located his pitches better than he had in his first start.
Linder responded with an excellent outing, going six innings and allowing one run on four hits, while striking out six.
After spotting Brunswick the first run, Tallmadge's offense erupted.
Williams led the charge by smacking a pair of two-run homers. Linn noted Williams has been on a tear ever since he moved to third base.
Pat Kilway went 2-of-4 with a single, a double and two stolen bases.
Linn said two more members of the Blue Devils have committed to play college baseball. Pat Kilway has signed with Lake Erie College and Keen has committed to Case Western Reserve University.
Tallmadge was scheduled to play St. Henry (Ky.) at The Ballpark In Hudson April 24, followed by a doubleheader with Cincinnati LaSalle and Cincinnati Elder, but results of those games weren't available at press time. The games were played as part of the Cancer Awareness Showcase, hosted by Tallmadge and Hudson.
The Blue Devils are set to host league rival Wadsworth April 27 and then travel to Wadsworth April 28. Both games are scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3913
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