(CHAMBERSBURG, Pa.) – The highly anticipated series between Wilson and Keystone, the top two teams in the CSAC, started on Friday afternoon and didn't disappoint. The rematch of last year's tournament finalists featured back-and-forth action with plenty of offense as they combined for 28 runs, the highest scoring game in the short five-year rivalry.
Thankfully for the Phoenix, they were able to pull ahead in the sixth and held off a late rally by the Giants to take the win. As a result, both teams are now tied at the top of the CSAC standings going into tomorrow's doubleheader against each other.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 17, Keystone 10
Venue: Henninger Field
Records: Wilson 24-5, 9-1 CSAC; Keystone 17-11, 9-1 CSAC
How It Happened
- It didn't take long for the Phoenix to light up the score board as Michael Marrale (5th, Sykesville, Md. / Old Dominion) hit his seventh home run of the season on a shot to left field. The Blue and White extended their lead as Garret Griebel (Fy., Kent Island, Md. / Kent Island) hit in Doc Daniels (So., Deal Island, Md. / Crisfield) with a base hit in the second inning.
- The score remained stagnant until the fifth inning when both teams started to score in bunches. Keystone eventually got on the board with three runs on three hits and a walk to take the lead. Wilson was quick to answer and regained the lead. Alex Seidleck (So., Crownsville, Md. / Indian Creek) knocked in a pair on a single through the left side to score Dean Mercer (Sr., Dunedin, Fla. / Clearwater Central Catholic) and Marrale for a 5-3 advantage.
- The Giants led off the sixth with consecutive base hits to get back within one. Four batters later the visitors tied it on a sac fly and took the lead shortly afterward thanks to an infield error.
- Extra base hits in the bottom of the sixth helped Wilson regain the lead once again. Gerald Buchanan (Gr., Olney, Md. / Montgomery, Md. / ) provided the first with his second triple of the season to circle around Jordan McKenzie (Jr., White Plains, Md. / Southern Maryland) and Mercer. Seidleck was up next and made the score 9-6 with his first home run of the season after launching a pitch to left field.
- The Phoenix were able to quiet the Giants' bats for a little bit with a scoreless seventh, but Wilson's bats remained hot. With two outs, Griebel and McKenzie both reached on base hits before Mercer lifted off to left field for his second home run of the season and a 12-6 lead.
- After the Giants scored on a solo home run in the eighth, Wilson made sure no more momentum was built and put up a five spot in the bottom of the frame. After Buchanan and Seidleck led off with consecutive doubles, Daniels hit them both in on a a single up the middle. Daniels eventually scored on a base hit by Griebel, and Mercer closed the Phoenix's scoring with a base hit down the left field line to bring in Jordan Daphney (So., Countryside, Fla. / Brunswick) and Griebel. Keystone added three in the ninth to set up the final score.
Inside The Numbers
- Mercer had quite the day on the production line as he hit in five RBI and scored thrice, both season highs, after going 2-for-4 from the plate with a walk.
- Seidleck extended his hit streak to 13 games and went 4-for-5 with four RBI and two runs scored.
- Buchanan, Griebel and Daniels all had multiple hit and multiple RBI games. Buchanan finished 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored, Griebel was 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, and Daniels finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and two runs.
- Jack Pachella (Fy., Radnor) picked up the win in relief. He entered the game in the sixth and allowed two hits and a walk to improve to 2-0.
- Chris Baumann (So., Snow Hill, Md. / Snow Hill) started the game and struck out three in 4.2 innings of work. It was his 11th start of the season and Wilson is unbeaten thus far when he appears in a game.
- This is the 17th time this season the Phoenix have scored at least 10 runs in a game. They entered the game second in the nation in scoring with 11.4 runs per game.
- In handing the Giants their first CSAC loss of the season, the Phoenix snapped Keystone's seven game win streak while increasing their own to 13 games.
Up Next
The Phoenix and Giants will continue to battle it out for the top of the CSAC standings in a twin bill at La Plume tomorrow. First pitch is set for 12 p.m.
