Robinson Loses by a Run to Stone Bridge

The Robinson Rams were riding high after their 18-3 thrashing of the National District Champion Hayfield Hawks, only to see their Cinderella run cut short by the Stone Bridge Bulldogs on Monday.

After falling in a 2-0 hole in the bottom of the first, the Rams battled back to a draw with a 2-run shot from Joe Priftis in the top of the 5^th.  However, a run from Stone Bridge later in the inning proved to be the winner, as the Bulldogs advanced to Wednesday’s semi finals.

A combination of good Bulldog hitting and a costly fielding error cost the Rams a pair of runs in the first inning. When Robinson pitcher Dennis Mikush got out of the inning and settled down, he responded pitching 3 consecutive scoreless innings, stranding 2 more runners in the 4^th.  Although the deficit was slim, hits off of Bulldog ace Tyler Mocabee were tough to come by.

The Rams were finally able to pull level in the fifth, thanks to a big play from Priftis.  Following a deep single from Connor Graber, the senior captain went even further, crushing a vital 2-run homer to tie the game. 

But then with all the momentum clearly shifted in the Rams favor, Mikush came up lame with an injury to his throwing shoulder.  The tough-minded senior stayed in the game at 3^rd base but teammate Dan Cochran was forced into the pitching against Stone Bridge star J.J. White with little notice and a man on.  White’s RBI double put the Bulldogs back on top.

Not to be discouraged, Cochran ended the inning with a great diving catch on a popped bunt attempt.  The Rams were able to get the tying run on base in the 7^th, but Mocabee was too good, getting the final three outs for Stone Bridge and closing the door on Robinson’s regional run.  

Only the Mount Vernon Majors at 7-14 had a worse record than the 10-14 Robinson Rams going into regional play, and head coaches Jeff Ferrell, Bill Evers, and their boys can all take pride in knowing they provided the biggest shock of the year with their huge win over Hayfield.