Retif Walks On Ponstein’s, 3-2
Before the start of their game Friday (June 21) against Ponstein’s Grocery (Holy Cross), Blue Jays who played on Retif Oil’s 2012 American Legion World Series Championship team were honored with the American flag that flew over the stadium in Shelby, NC, site of the Legion’s World Series. The flag was graciously donated by Mr. James Willis, a citizen of Shelby who won it in a raffle while attending last summer’s big event. Also, Jonathan Lee ’11 was awarded the A.J. Dusty Rhodes Award for sportsmanship during the 2012 Legion season.
After the pre-game ceremonies, Ponstein’s jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first, but it did not last long. Retif swiftly answered in the bottom of the first, thanks to Dylan Weston’s ’13 sacrifice fly that scored Blake Baker ’14. The 1-1 stalemate lasted until the bottom of the sixth when Baker singled and stole second. Then Weston stepped up to the plate and crushed the pitch to deep right-center for an RBI triple to give Retif a 2-1 lead.
The game was not over just yet. Ponstein’s answered with a run in the top of the seventh to make it a 2-2 game. Retif had one last chance at the plate. In the bottom of the seventh, not a single Retif player hit the ball. Instead, Retif capitalized on four straight walks by Ponstein’s pitcher to secure a 3-2 district victory.
The following day, Saturday, June 22, Retif traveled to Ponchatoula to play ball, returning with a 9-1 win.
Galleries
American Legion, Retif Oil vs. Ponstein's Grocery, June 21, 2013
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Brandon Sequeira ’14 throws to first to complete the double play.
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Blake Baker ’14 recieves a throw for the out at second base.
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Brett Leonhand ’13 throws to an awaiting Ponstein’s batter. Leonhand recorded the win in relief to improve to 3-2 in the season.
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Dylan Weston ’13 slides safely into second after smacking a triple into center field.
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Before the game, coach Joey Latino was presented with the American flag that flew over the ALWS in Shebly, NC.
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Retif Oil stands at attension for the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Cody Migliore ’13 (left), Dr. Joe Licciardi ’53 (middle), and Jonathan Lee ’11 display their bats that were awarded to them before the game.
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Glenn Hyer ’14 (1-0) pitches to a Ponstein’s batter. Hyer struck out five batters during his 5 2/3 innings at work on the mound.
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Spencer Miller ’14 tags a Ponstein’s runner out at third.
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Blake Baker ’14 slides safetly into home to give Retif the 2-1 lead.
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Trent Forshag ’14 hammers a double on the pitch.
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Trent Forshag ’14 throws to first for an out.
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Mitch Alexander ’13 dives for a fly ball in center.