Yesterday in the City Tournament final against Franklin, East was aiming for its fourth consecutive title. But it was not to be as a stirring 7th inning comeback fell just short.
The Eagles trailed 9 – 2 entering the last inning. Taking advantage of the Franklin’s first reliever’s wildness, East had the trying run on 1st and the winning run on second with two out. But on a one and one count, the second Franklin reliever induced a ground ball to third. Franklin Coach Eddie Lee breathed a big sigh of relief; while East’s Coach Kyle Crandall offered congratulations.
After the game, I spoke with the Franklin starter Jonathon Dones who pitched 5 and 1/3 solid innings and hit a key double. Jonathon explained he had to leave the game with a calf injury. It hurt so bad he could barely walk. Jonathon said his anxiety and nervousness — as with all the Franklin fans watching the lead melt away — was through the roof. At the same time, Franklin Coach Lee was ribbing Jonathon. He jokingly chided Jonathon for taking himself out of the game, saying Jonathon could have avoided the messy ending. You suck it up in a city tournament final!
Nonetheless, East had an excellent regular season, finishing at 16 -3 with the sectionals upcoming. Like last year, I watched much of the action from the press box. East may have the only baseball press box in the county and the scoreboard is second to none.
This year East Social Studies teach Rob Snyder handled most of the press box duties. Rob also played baseball for East and is an assistant modified football coach. Rob is a busy guy. Right after some games, he heads over to the Warner School where he is taking Ed doctoral classes. When not talking baseball, Rob explained his research aims. A strong advocate of county wide schools, Rob plans to study how data contradicts perceptions that more integrated schools negatively affect student performance.
No longer undefeated, East bounces back nicely
Following a historic season, East baseball opens with back-to-back no hitters.
Mike Perkins also handled press box duties.
Excitement grows on Culver Road as East wins third straight. Bishop Kearney is next.
No longer undefeated, East bounces back nicelyEast senior Yonatan Montes also handled a game.
Joel Alicea throws second straight no-hitter; three generations celebrate at East
PREVIOUS 2017 GAMES
East beats Lyons to stay unbeaten; Crandall retrieves balls and sweeps home plate
Bundled up loyalists at Cobb’s Hill watch East stay undefeated.
Joel Alicea throws second straight no-hitter; three generations celebrate at East
Excitement grows on Culver Road as East wins third straight. Bishop Kearney is next.
Following a historic season, East baseball opens with back-to-back no hitters.