After an "Irish Uprising" on Sunday at the Cove to Clover Race, Highline mounted a "Pirate Uprising" of their own on Monday which resulted in a 12-9 victory over Liberty in the 2012 season opener. The weather was basically "crappy" but our preseason practice weather was pretty much the same and this years edition of Highline Hardball slogged through the inclement weather for the rain shortened victory.
The Patriots jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first and extended it to 3-0 after 2 innings. Highline scored a pair of runs in the third thanks to three walks and an infield error. Senior, Johnny Rhodes held Liberty in check in the bottom of the third and the Pirate bats came to life in the top of the fourth. Thirteen men came to the plate that inning producing 7 base knocks and ten runs. Rhodes smashed a "Grand Salami" for the final four runs and then it was "hold on" time for Highline.
Liberty responded with a six run, bottom of the fourth as rain caused havoc with Highline's pitchers control. Three Pirate hurlers were called to duty. Jacob Wydick finally put the inning to bed with a full count, two out strikeout.
Highline failed to score in the top of the fifth leaving the bases loaded. Liberty did the same in the bottom half and a deep fly ball to left field ended the game sending the somewhat soggy, Pirate faithful home with the victory.
Highline was led offensively by the Rhodes Salami and Cole Porter's 2-for-3 day at the plate. Jonny Locher smashed a 2 RBI triple and Mitchell McCartney hit a 2 RBI single and also scored two runs. Rhodes got the "W" on the hill and Wydick got credit for the Save. Highline has a day to thaw out tomorrow before traveling to White River on Wednesday for another non-league game at 4:00 PM. |