10-11 All-Stars Becoming Comeback Kids

Over the past two weeks, the West Deptford Major Division All-Stars have caused quite a stir in the local baseball community. Already into sectionals, the Majors now have a reputation of a team that can hit with anybody.

Now, one age level below that team is another squad that is quickly building a reputation–this one as the comeback kids.

The West Deptford 10-11 All-Star team shook off a rough top of the sixth to score three runs in the bottom of the frame in a 7-6 victory over Swedesboro-Woolwich Monday night at Jep Penny Field.

It was the second comeback win in three games for West Deptford, which beat Deptford in extra innings on Staurday and won its pool with a 3-0 record.

“The bottom line with these guys is they don’t quit,” said West Deptford manager Gus Knestaut.

West Deptford led 4-0 entering the top of the sixth, but surrendered six runs on three hits, four walks and an error. Rather than hang their heads, the local all-stars shrugged it right off.

Adrian Mason got the West Deptford rally started with a leadoff triple and came around to score on a throwing error. Matt Knestaut then doubled and Cole Malsbury singled to put the winning run on base. After Jake Keuler walked to load the bases, Gabe Crowley hit a grounder to third that was misplayed, allowing Knestaut to score the tying run.

With the bases still loaded, Kyle Magee earned a walk on five pitches to cap the dramatic comeback.

“We did the same thing Saturday against Deptford and won 7-6 in eight innings, so this is nothing new to us now,” Knestaut said. “I give these kids all the credit in the world, they didn’t hang their heads when they came in after the (top of the) sixth inning.”

Lost in the late inning action was the great previous five innings thrown by Matt Knestaut. He allowed just three hits while striking out five before tiring in the sixth.

“(Matt) had the game of his life going into that last inning and then he couldn’t find the strike zone, said Gus Knestaut.

Keuler entered in relief with the bases loaded and no outs, with West Deptford leading 4-1, and struggled at first as Swedesboro got three hits and a walk off him. But he settled in, and by night’s end, earned the win.

West Deptford has plenty of time to enjoy the win, since the team will not be in action until Friday. When the youngsters do get back on the diamond, Knestaut is confident that his group can continue to thrive.

With two comebacks in three days it’s hard to argue.

“We battled back twice, the kids are playing well and we will have all our pitchers available except my son,” Knestaut said.