Smith scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to overcome a 4-1 deficit and beat Ilion 5-4 in the District V tournament. Smith advances to the best-of-three series final against New Hartford. Game one is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at DeLutis Field.
Ilion Post had Smith Post on the ropes, leading 4-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Just when it looked like Ilion would force a third and decisive game tomorrow, Smith cut the lead to 4-2 and then used a Nate Mallinder - get ready for this one - INSIDE THE PARK homerun to win it in walk-off fashion.
Kyle Richardson pitched seven innings for Smith tonight, a night after Smith ace Garrett Baker threw nine. Thus it would appear that No. 2 starter Joe Melioris will likely throw against New Hartford in the Friday's first game.
This sets up an interesting scenario as New Hartford still has its top two pitchers (possibly the third as well, but there are grumblings of a sore arm) rested and ready to go.
Obviously it's good for Smith that it has Melioris ready to go as he combined with Baker to hold New Hartford scoreless over 29 innings against its rival this season. But, it will be interesting to see what happens if Baker (and No. 3 starter Richardson) can't go in the finals. While I think both of would buck up and throw on short rest, I can’t help but think this puts New Hartford in the driver’s seat to make the trip to Newburgh.
What do you guys think? Is New Hartford now the team to beat? Is Smith still in control? How in the world did Smith pull off the comback? Were any of you there tonight? Let’s hear it…what do you guys think?
4 comments:
Noah D here just making some interjections based on what i have seen thus far in the district tournament.....
Baker wednesday threw 9 long innings against Illion post and was followed by Kyle Richardson thursday who threw 7 innings and gave up 4 runs...
Lets move to friday
The obvious starter in game one for smith is Joe "the giant man" Melioris. If joe should pitch, Smith post would have gone through their 1,2 and 3 pitchers which would leave games 2 and 3 wide open for a slug fest. However, if Richardson or Baker should pitch on short rest their success would be limited.......
Now the big question for New Hartford..... Do you throw your ace against Melioris? Or save him and possibly your #2 pitcher for games 2 & 3? With Smith having to go deep into their staff for the final two games and maybe even the first.... this would leave the door wide open for the NH post offense to make some noise against smith finally and for their 1 and 2 pitchers to close the door in games 2 and 3......
N.W.D. over and out.....
Baker should be good to go whenever smith needs them. He threw 9 innings the other day but only threw 120 pitches.
How can you say NH in drivers seat? haven't scored a run against Smith in 29 innings! Smith is destined to win this and go to Newburgh. More talent than New Hartford and just refuse to lose.
On stats alone, Smith deserves the trip to Newburgh. Yet, the tourament isn't over until it's over. Remember the New England Patriots and the Superbowl? Anything can happen. Who would have thought it would take Smith the bottom of the 9th to close against Ilion last night?
Lots of baseball to be played. Smith and New Hartford are class acts and either would represent the District well in Newburgh. All the Oneida County players and coachs deserve a thumbs up for a great season of legion ball.
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