St. Patrick's baseball outlasts PW in league championship
A massive crowd of around 600 people descended on Portland for the game between the Shamrocks and Pirates on Friday, May 24th. The game lived up to expectation, and the Portland St. Patrick's Shamrocks continued their reign of terror, outlasting the #1 ranked PW Pirates and winning by a score of 5-4.
In the first game, rain and threatening thunderstorms caused a late start, with the game starting around 4:45. The PW Pirates jumped out to a quick lead, opening up with a 3-1 lead in the first inning, and extending their lead to 4-1 in the third inning with Shamrock ace Nathan Lehnert having some difficulties with accuracy for the first time this season. Ryan Lay came in the 4th inning, and gave the Pirates trouble, holding them without a hit for the next 4 innings. Going into the bottom of the 7th inning, the Pirates were leading the Shamrocks 4-1, Devin Fedewa led off hitting a hard line drive to right field for a single. The PW pitcher struggled a bit, and hit two Shamrock batters which eventually loaded up the bases for Chase Fitzsimmons. Chase did what big catchers do best, which was smash one to right center field for a 2 RBI single to tie it up at 4-4.
In extra innings, Brandon Scheurer took the mound and quickly got his three outs, giving the Shamrocks the opportunity to put the Pirates away. Brandon Scheurer lead off in extra innings with a bomb double to Left Center field. Devin Fedewa followed up with a fantastic bunt to advance him to third base, setting the table for "Mr. Clutch" Evan Schrauben. Staring destiny in the face, Evan hit a high bouncing single over the 3rd basemans head and sending Brandon across homeplate for the win and a guaranteed share of the league title.
The second game began with only about 30 minutes until dark, and was doomed to incompletion from the start. When the game was called due to inadequate lighting, the Pirates were leading 2-1 after 3 innings. In order for a game to count, 5 innings must be completed so that led both coaches to a conference at home plate to discuss make up dates. Portland St. Patrick's wanted to finish the game on Saturday, May 25th, but the Pewamo-Westphalia coaching staff declined. It is unknown when the game will be made up at this point, due to the upcoming MHSAA State playoffs.
Brandon Scheurer got the win on the mound, but Ryan Lay was the unanimous MVP for the game, pitching 4 innings without giving up a hit, and only walking one batter. Brandon Scheurer, Devin Fedewa, Evan Schrauben, and Ryan Lay all went 2 for 4 for the game, and Chase Fitzsimmons went 1 for 3 with 2 RBI's.
2019 CMAC Champion Coach Bryan Scheurer had a silly grin on his face for the whole night following the game. "I couldn't be happier for our kids and community. What a phenomenal setting and atmosphere. Matching up two #1 teams, coupled with being neighboring communities and for a league title was really a special event. We had the table set with multiple runners on base seemingly the whole game, but couldn't seem to get them to cross the plate. Then we have a huge 2 out hit by Chase Fitzsimmons in the 7th. I just want to make sure that Ryan Lay gets his due, he went out there for 4 innings and just kept putting up zero's. He gave us a chance and kept us in the game. Our team showed incredible mental toughness by grinding out at bats to complete the comeback. This game should give us some extreme confidence going forward into the playoffs."
The Shamrocks travel to Carson City on Tuesday for a Pre-district game with Saranac at 5 pm.
Photo courtesy of Lindsey Bos.
