Cougars throttle Leopards

April 10, 2010|By BRETT NIEVES/Staff Correspondent

SMITHSBURG -- Catoctin got the lion's share in its MVAL Antietam matchup with Smithsburg on Friday.

The Cougars used a seven-run first inning and built from there to knock off the Leopards in a 14-4 decision shortened to six innings by the 10-run rule.

Catoctin (5-4) got started quickly with the help of a Smithsburg error that plated the first two runs in the first. It led to Tanner Ausherman's three-run homer before Aaron Schroyer walked five straight batters to add the final two runs.

It led to a quick end for Schroyer, who was lifted by coach Trey Cobb for Marco Cardone while trailing 7-0 with one out in the first.

The Leopards (4-2) countered with a two-run single by Dylan Ianaro in the first and another run in the second to trim the deficit to 7-3.

The teams traded runs in the third. The Cougars re-established a five-run lead when Zack Krietz reached base and stole three bases, including home. The Leopards countered with an RBI single by Jack Schwartz.

From there, Catoctin pitcher R.J. Smith took control, striking out the side in the fifth.

"It's hard to come back after a first inning like we had," said Cobb. "We were competitive after the first and I commend my players for battling back."

Catoctin 14, Smithsburg 4
Smithsburg 211 000 -- 4 5 2
Catoctin 701 123 -- 14 12 0
Schroyer, Cardone (1), Akers (6) and Gouff. Smith, Gautney (6) and Krstanovic. WP -- Smith. LP -- Schroyer. HR -- C: T. Ausherman (1st, two on), R. Smith (6th, one on).

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