Brocke, Reitzel, Anchor Spartan's Championship
Photo by: Jan Johnson - Action Photos Unlimited
SOUTH RIDING, VA - The rubber match between the Potomac Falls Panthers and the Broad Run Spartans (both teams split 1 regular season 1 run games, during the regular season) was setup quite differently than their earlier matches. Both teams had little riding on the game as both were already guaranteed births in the Region II tournament, so this game was about pride and momentum going into next week's games.
The Panthers and Spartans had both used their primary starters to reach the championship game...the Panthers throwing Jake Kline in their win against Park View, and the Spartans using Cole Shain in their win over Dominion. This rematch would be a test of each team's depth on the mound. The Panthers sent Michael Detaranto to match up against the Spartan's Trey Brocke. In the end, Brocke outmatched his counterpart, and pitched a gem, in leading the Broad Run to an 8-2 victory over the Panthers, and a season sweep of Dulles District titles.
The Spartans started the scoring off in the bottom half of the first when Andrew Mann beat out an infield hit. Mann then promptly stole 2nd base and scored on an RBI single from Ryan Diviney. The Panthers tied the game in the top of the 2nd inning when catcher Michael Spring scored on an RBI single by Chris Pelto.
The Spartans jumped on top for good in the bottom of the second as Kurt Reitzel would double to lead off the inning and then score on a two strike triple to the 370 foot fence scoring Reitzel. The Spartans added another run in the 3rd inning when SS Chris Jessop scored on a hit from Diviney, upping their lead to 3-1.
In the 4th the Spartans opened up the offensive flood gates, tagging Detaranto for 4 more runs. Reitzel again led off the inning with a single and then scored on consecutive base hits from sophomore 2nd baseman Shane Vlassic, and outfielder Patrick Murphy. Mann later scored on a Detaranto wild pitch. Jessop then singled, and stole second base, and scored on a single from catcher Tommy Meier. At the end of 4, the Spartans were on top 7-1.
In the top of the 5th, the Panthers began to rally as they were able to load the bases but only notched a single score, when Greg Woodlief scored from 3rd on a fielder's choice from Pat Nightingale putting the score at 7-2.
The Spartans added a run of their own in the bottom of the 6th setting the final margin at 8-2.
Trey Brocke earned the win, notching his 7th of the season. In the tournament, the Spartans showed their bullpen depth as they threw 5 pitchers in their three tournament victories. On the night, Brocke would allow only 2 runs while scattering 6 hits, on 2 walks, while striking out 2. Detaranto took the loss for the Panthers going the distance letting up 8 runs (7 earned), on 11 hits, while walking 4 and striking out 3 Spartans.
The night was a vindication for Broad Run, defensively, as the team struggled in game two against Dominion, in the rain as they committed 6 errors. The defense was anchored by 3rd baseman Kurt Reitzel, who made several outstanding plays in the field.
At the plate the Spartans were led by Reitzel (2-2), Murphy (2-3), Vlassic (2-3), and Jessop (2-4).
The Panthers next host Fluvanna on Monday in Sterling while the Spartans will ride a Round 1 bye, and play the winner of the James Woods / Louisa game on Wednesday, May 28th at Broad Run.
