East baseball works hard to defeat Princeton
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
WEST CHESTER TWP. — The Lakota East High School baseball team advanced to its first district final under the leadership of coach Ray Hamilton with an 8-4 victory over Princeton on Tuesday, May 20.
"I think it is a reward for how the kids prepared," Hamilton said. "They've worked hard and done all the little things right lately."
Extras
Tuesday's affair was a continuation from Monday's rain-delayed game, and it only took about 45 minutes to play the final three innings.
East (16-11) carried a 7-2 lead into Tuesday after David Giese drove in four runs before the game was delayed in the middle of the fourth.
"Yesterday was the difference," Princeton coach Rocky Hubbard said. "We came out and didn't play very good defense to start out the game."
East pitcher Jeff Nilsen picked up the win and finished what he started a day earlier.
"He had it going," Hamilton said. "The other time we played them, he threw the ball really well and gave us a chance. He gave us a chance again today."
Nilsen tossed six innings, allowed four runs on eight hits and struck out four.
He got some help from his defense, including two nice plays from second baseman Evin Dusold in the sixth inning.
Princeton's JD Quint hit a slow grounder that Dusold charged and made a laser-like throw to first to get the out by a half-step.
The next batter hit a hard grounder up the middle that Dusold speared behind the second-base bag and made a perfect toss to end the inning.
"He's been solid for us all year," Hamilton said. "When you don't think there is a play on a ball, he comes up and makes a play."
Princeton ended its season with a 16-12 record. Marcus Davis took the loss after allowing the seven runs Monday.
Brad Blyberg had an RBI single in the sixth inning for East's eighth run.
The Thunderhawks advance to play Centerville at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at the Midland Complex in Amelia.
