SMI Wins Final Regular Season Game (06/19/15)

(By Eric Simko, SMI Manager)

In the final regular season game on Wednesday, June 10th, for SMI, the message was simply, “go out and have fun”. Hayden Callen led off for SMI and started the fun with a home run. Christian Simko then singled and Connor Kromer reached on an error. Simko and Kromer scored on stolen bases before the next 3 SMI batters struck out.

In the bottom of the 1st Hayden Callen struck out the first four batters, one reached first base on a dropped 3rd strike and was kept from scoring. 3-0 SMI

SMI went down quietly in the second inning with some momentary fireworks created by a wonderful warning track catch made by Lions Right Fielder Brady Quinn off of Hayden Callen’s bat. In the bottom of the 2nd, Hayden Callen faced 5 batters walking 2 and striking out 3. 3-0 SMI

In the 3rd, Christian Simko led off with a single and scored on stolen bases. For the Lions; Cole Slaugenhoup lead off with a double, Hayden Callen struck out the next 3 Lions. 4-0 SMI

In the 4th, SMI went down 1, 2, and 3. The Lions followed suit with Hayden Callen recording 3 strike outs. 4-0 SMI

In the 5th, C. Kromer led off with a single, the next 3 SMI batters struck out. Again, the Lions followed suit with Aiden Quinn hitting a single and three Lions striking out. 4-0 SMI

In the top of the 6th, with 1 out Owen Kriebel was HBP, with 2 outs, Hayden Callen homered to score himself and Kriebel. Christian Simko singled and Conner Kromer walked, each would score prior to the 3rd out.

Noah DiTullio singled to start the bottom of the 6th; Hayden Callen struck out the next two Lions. Hayden Callen reached his pitch limit. Jack Callen, 9 yr old younger brother of Hayden was called on to finish the game. He did just that, after inducing a ground ball put out when he threw out the batter/runner at first base. 8-0 SMI

17 of 18 defensive outs for SMI were recorded as strikeouts on the part of Hayden Callen, who gave up 2 hits and 2 walks over 5 2/3’s innings (he also homered twice). Connor Kromer is to be credited for catching the SMI ace, Kromer was solid for SMI. SMI finished their regular season with a 9-7 record.
Thanks to the parents, coaches, scorebook keepers, and players for a great season…..