On the second pitch of Wednesday's game against Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford left fielder Pat Medley accomplished what the Rams' entire lineup managed against Phoenixville on Monday: he got a base hit.
It was the start of an offensive barrage for Spring-Ford, which banged out 10 hits, scoring early and often en route to a 11-1 drubbing of Pottsgrove that was shortened by the mercy rule.
On the mound, the Rams' Mike Oczypok surrendered one earned run while walking two and striking out seven on his way to a complete game victory.
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The Rams remained without the catching services of Ursinus-bound catcher James Hoff, who is nursing an injured right shoulder. Hoff served as designated hitter.
“Mike did a great job today,” said Rams manager Bruce Brobst. “It is so important that we have kids like Ryan Conway, who can step in for someone like Hoff. James was All-League, All-Everything last season and Ryan jumped in there and gave us a great game behind the plate.”
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At the plate, Oczypok went 2-for-2 with a walk and two runs scored, getting the Rams (1-1) on the board in the second inning by slapping a single, stealing a base and advancing on a balk before being driven in on a sacrifice fly by Conway.
“It was big for us to come out and swing the bats today,” said second baseman Tom Grablewski. “We don’t take losing [to Phoenixville on Monday] very well. We were out here hitting yesterday and today. I think today we were more patient, swinging at good pitches and hitting the ball hard.”
Later in the second, Josh Cratzenberger drove in the eventual game winner by crushing a double down the line to score Cody Clarke, who had drawn one of the seven walks issued by Pottsgrove pitchers.
Oczypok allowed only three hits, and only one after the second inning. He threw 107 pitches, 68 for strikes.
“We needed to hit the ball,” said Clarke. “When it comes down to the PAC-10, every game is important. It was good to get it going early. We have to stomp on teams that we should and make sure we are ready for the teams that always present us with a challenge.”
The biggest blow for the Rams came in the fourth inning off the bat of Sean Larkin, who smoked a 2-1 Mike Czekaj fastball over the left center wall for a two-run home run. Ryan Conway (2-for-3, 2 RBI), who had poked a single to lead off the inning, scored ahead of him.
“We played a more complete game today," said Brobst. “We were much more aggressive at the plate and played well defensively. I think we avoided any errors today. That is the key for any team. We have to take it one game at a time, but I feel much better today.”
Pinch hitter Connor Simmons ended the game by belting a bases-clearing double in the bottom of the sixth, driving in three runs to give Spring-Ford a ten run lead.
Spring Ford will travel to Pottstown on Friday before returning home to take on cross-town rival Perkiomen Valley (1-1) on Monday. Hoff, who was 1-for-2 with a run scored and a double in the DH role on Wednesday, is expected to be back behind the plate by Monday.
Pottsgrove 010 000 – 1 3 2
Spring-Ford 021 314 – 11 10 0
WP: Mike Oczypok.
LP: Mike Czekaj.
2B: Ryan McMenamen (PX) James Hoff (SF), Josh Cratsenberg (SF); 3B Connor Simmons (SF) HR: Sean Larkin (1st) (SF)
Time of game 2:04 .
