Chatham Downed by Morris Hills, 10-0

ROCKAWAY — Chatham's defense, not its pitching, was to blame for its 10-0 loss to the Morris Hills Scarlet Knights on Tuesday at Morris Hills High School.

The game that was a lot closer than the score let on—both teams traded zeros through the first four innings. Chatham pitcher Brian Ballard kept the game scoreless in a duel with with Morris Hills' Nelson Jimenez. But the Scarlet Knights were able to capitalize on offense, scoring seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The team's final three runs of the game came in style in the form of a three-run home run from Mickie Weeks an inning later.

Chatham Head Coach Doug Chambers said that it was the team's defense, not its pitching, that cost it the game.

"The score went from 0-0 to 7-0 in the blink of an eye," he said. "We were not making plays behind [Ballard]."

Several balls appeared to take harsh bounces in the infield throughout the game. Chambers, however, refused to make excuses for his team's performance.

In spite of Morris Hills' victory winning Head Coach Bert Giovine's sentiments were not much different from those of his counterpart.

"We were fortunate that Chatham made some errors. Their pitcher threw very well; it was their fielding that hurt them," he said.

When asked if he was happy with the way his team played, Giovine answered, "not at all," referring to the number of errors his own club committed.

"We have to play better against Delbarton," he said of his team's next opponent.

The Cougars had opportunities on offense, particularly in the fourth inning when a fly ball, hit by outfielder Roger Wilson, fell into play between three Morris Hills infielders. Wilson took second base on a wild pitch from Jimenez but Chatham could not take advantage with him in scoring position.

Going into the bottom of that inning Giovine could be heard pleading with his team, asking someone to "take charge [and] be a leader." The request appeared to galvanize their offense as they jumped into the lead an inning later and continued on to the victory.

The Cougars will next face Dover at home on Friday at 4 p.m.