Rebels use error, sac fly to win pitchers duel
Posted June 13, 2012
Ryley Rebel pitcher Craig Koughan and Armena Royal Joel Boettger went toe-to-toe in a pitchers duel on a muggy night in Armena, but it was Koughan who prevailed with a big 1-0 win over the Royals Tuesday night.
Both teams had runners on base, but the defence was stellar and the pitching immaculate. The only blemish on the night being a ground ball to third basemen Landon Miller – a potential double play ball – thrown into right field with one out. The runner moved to third, then scored on a sac fly for the only run of the ball game.
The Royals had runners in scoring position in four of the innings, including the bottom of the seventh after a single by Jason Buzzell. Only Buzzell, Adam Johnson and Kyle Ellis notched hits on the night for Armena. Both teams only mustered three hits.
Boettger tried to aid his cause with two walks, but was left in scoring position twice.
A large Armena lineup meant lots of changes midway through the game, but the offense couldn’t spark. Defensively, Brendan Kudrowich and Kyle Ellis made brilliant plays in the outfield early on to give the Royals a boost. Adam Johnson made two clutch plays at shortstop to end innings late in the ball game.
But it was Koughan who earned the victory in a game that took less than 90 minutes to complete.
“That’s a tough way to lose,” said teammate Ian Sherbaniuk of Boettger’s loss. “No earned runs, three hits and you lose 1-0?”
Ryley now heads for a first place showdown with Leduc. Armena now has a pivotal home-and-home with the Camrose Roadrunners Thursday and Tuesday.
Posted on June 13, 2012 by Jason Buzzell
