Missed Opportunities Haunt Rams in Title Game

STATE COLLEGE - In a epic battle between clearly the best two squads in the state, a three-run 10th inning led Conestoga to a 6-3 win over Spring-Ford on Friday night. They claim their first state baseball championship in school history, relegating the Rams to a runner-up finish for the second time in four years.

Following a sensational season in which the Rams finished 25-5, Friday night’s loss to Conestoga in the PIAA class AAAA final will probably best be remembered as a game of missed opportunities.

The Rams had blazed their way to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, capitalizing on their scoring chances, getting hits in key situations, playing great defense and outstanding pitching. Excelling in three out of four categories was clearly not enough to withstand a 16-hit barrage launched by Conestoga.

After the Pioneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead, the Rams manufactured a scoring chance of their own, as James Hoff led off with a single. Then, Connor Simmons, who was inserted as a courtesy runner, advanced to third following a sac bunt by Mike Ozcypok and a wild pitch. Cody Clarke lofted a fly to right, scoring Simmons to cut the lead to 2-1.

After starter Oczypok retired the Pioneers in order in the third, the Spring-Ford bats went to work again as Sean Larkin singled to lead off the inning and Josh Cratsenberg was hit by a pitch.

Pat Medley then went down a called third strike in a situation where the Rams usually would get the bunt down. A sign of the frustration that was to come reared its ugly head as Tom Grablewski drilled a ball right into the glove of shortstop Ryan Richter. Richter then doubled off Larkin at second to end the Rams threat with no damage on the scoreboard.

“We have gotten hits in those situations all year,” said head coach Bruce Brobst. “Give them credit, they played a very good defensive game. We hit some balls hard tonight but it seemed to be right at them in key situations. That’s baseball.”

Oczypok (14-0) worked his way through the Conestoga line up allowing just one earned run in the fourth inning as Richter tripled to left-center on a 1-1 count with one out and scored as designated hitter Jake Carr singled down the line.

In the fifth, the Rams had two runners in scoring position with one down.

Medley then crushed a ball down the line, which was snared by third baseman Shea Rosadino. Rosadino then throw home in time to get the out at the plate. After another fly out, another chance to tie or take the lead had gone by the way side.

“It’s hard right now,” said Ricky Gorrell. “We just didn’t get that big hit when we needed it tonight. We had guys step it up again tonight, Connor [Simmons] did what he has all year. He was great running tonight and has done what ever he can to help the team. He is an real asset to have.”

Simmons scored the Rams' second run in the sixth, setting the stage for the late dramatics that the Spring-Ford has made their trademark over the past two seasons.

Oczypok (7 IP, 3R, 2ER, 6K, 2 BB, 10H) put the Rams in position to make history as he retired the Pioneers in order in the top of the seventh.

Medley (2-for-6, run scored) did his job as lead off man, smacking a single back through the middle, before being advanced to second on a perfectly executed sac bunt by Grablewski putting Medley in scoring position with one down.

As if it was scripted, Kutztown-bound Gorrell, the emotional and vocal leader of the Rams, stepped into the box.

Gorrell (2-for-6, RBI) after getting behind in the count 1-2, fouled off two before smoking a ball into the gap in left field, scoring Medley to knot the game at three.

Gorrell, who had advanced to second on the throw home, then moved up to third on a ground out by Hoff (3-for-5), representing the winning run at third.

Conestoga manager John Vogan opted to walk Oczypok and Clarke to set up a force at any base. Designated hitter Conway was then brought to the plate. He had five home runs and 15 RBI in his last three games.

Conway swung at the first pitch and flied out to right fielder Luke Mogle sending the game into extra frames.

Spring-Ford threatened again in the bottom of the ninth. A strikeout to Conway ended the inning, however. The Rams had stranded a total of 13 on base at that point, seven in scoring position and three at third base.

Conestoga posted three runs in the top of the 10th and even though the Rams got two men on, they were unable to extend the game. Their season and dream of the first state title in school history ended as Gorrell’s drive to deep center field was corralled by Alan Grodecki.

“I will never forget this season,’ said Gorrell. “This is the best team I have ever played on and we have all been together since we were in little league. I love everybody on this team and they are like my brothers and always will be forever.”  

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