Red Sox Win a Pair, Face Bulldogs on Sunday

The Scoop

It took a while for the Red Sox bats to get going, but as Connor Simmons got things started with a single to start the eighth inning, Spring City pounced. They scored six runs, giving right-hander Sean Larkin all of the run support he needed in a 6-2 win over the Kennett Colts in the opening round of the Chester County League American Legion playoffs.

The big blow came when Kenny Pierson drilled a triple in the gap with the bases loaded. James Hoff was hit by a pitch and Ricky Gorrell drew a walk. Following Simmons’ base hit, Pierson scored all three and raced home as the relay throw got away, posting the Red Sox to a 4-0 lead.

Player of the game

Sean Larkin has taken the mound and dominated the opposition in his share of big games for the Red Sox and Spring-Ford Rams over the past four years. However, Larkin saved one of the best games of his stellar career for when it counted most. The Spring-Ford grad fanned 14 Colts batters and allowed just two walks as he set down Kennett in order in five of the nine innings in which he worked. As he scattered four hits, Larkin allowed just one earned run and worked his way out of a runner at the corners with no out jam by striking out the side.

Box Score

  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Kennett 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 4 Spring City 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 X 6 6 3

Other Key Performers

Cody Clarke, whose error set up a scoring situation in the Kennett seventh inning, redeemed himself by following Ken Pierson's bases clearing triple with a solo home run. It was the first Red Sox home run of the post season. Ricky Gorrell and Tom Grablewski also contributed when they turned a double play and the duo recorded eight assists in the tilt.

Inside the Lines

"Sean [Larkin] is a special pitcher and kid for that matter," said Red Sox pitching coach Mike Walton. "I wanted him to be able to finish that game and get it done. He deserved it. It was probably the best game he has pitched all year. He just never lets game situations get to him and pressure never bothers him."

Say What?

"I have felt really good in my last four starts or so," said Larkin. "My arm has felt exceptionally good lately. Once the adrenaline settles a little, I have been able to hit my spots. To get six runs like that was great but I kind of relaxed a little after that. It was big to get back in focus and bear down and end the game."

Next on the Schedule

In the second game of the day, left hander Josh Mellon pitched Spring City to an 11-6 win over the four seed Caln, sending the Seabees into a loser bracket match up with the two seed Exton.

With the victory, the Red Sox advanced to the winner’s bracket final against North Division nemesis and biggest league rival Norchester, who defeated Phoenixville Saturday afternoon, 4-2.

Saturday, 7/9, Round 1

(8) Kennett 2 @ SC 6 (1)
(7) Phoenixville 3 @ Exton 1(2)
(6) Avon Grove 1 @ Norchester 13 (3)
(5) Lionville 6 @ Caln 7(4)

Saturday, 7/9, Round 2

Exton 11 Avon Grove 9
Kennett 20 Lionville 7
Spring City 11 Caln 6
Phoenixville 2 Norchester 4

Sunday, 7/10, Round 3 (All Games at 11 a.m.)
Caln @ Exton
Kennett @ Phoenixville
Norchester @ Spring City