Foran finishes 25-2, but after 19 wins in a row, that second loss comes in the last game of the year. Tough way to go.
Rockville waited, then hit. Rams coach Frank Levick said he found video of Foran sophomore pitcher Jess Harkness that convinced him they needed to be patient early. Harkness walked two batters on four pitches in the first inning, walked four in all in the first two innings. When she found the strike zone, Rockville put balls in play.
Three errors, two runs: I thought back to the SCC semifinals during tonight’s game, when Jeff Bevino said his team hadn’t had a chance to show how good it was defensively, with Harkness pitching so dominantly. The Lions made some good plays here in the state final, but they were also hit with three errors, two of which produced an unearned run.
Got to work for it: All three times I saw Foran, Bevino talked about being aggressive. They tried something tonight and didn’t get it: Tie game, bottom four, Fallon Bevino on second, one out. Grounder to third, and Bevino takes off on the throw. Out at first; out at third (with I think the shortstop covering, though don’t hold me to it). Got the impression Jeff Bevino wasn’t sold on that call at third, but it happens. This sure seemed like a team that looked to make things happen (like the Dani Kemp delayed steal that turned into the SCC-winning run). There’s always a risk involved there. Again, it happens. If you’ve seen the Lions before, you (and by you I mean “I”) probably nod and say “trying something.” If you haven’t, you’re probably asking what the heck that was… especially when Chrissy Pettengill hits one over the left-field fence a blink later.
Always good to be in the DeLuca Field press box, where I’ve spent a lot of fun nights over the years. Learned there that Pettengill hit a DeLuca home run before a Brakette did (five home games to date).
Act like you’ve been there…: Maybe easier for the Lions, who were champions last year, but Rockville played a poised game for a team that had never been to a final. No errors. Few if any mistakes, period.
…because maybe you’ll be back: Foran had two seniors in the lineup; Rockville had one. Shall we try this again in 52 weeks?
