Clarion Downs Berlin Brothersvalley 4-3, Advances To PIAA Quarterfinals (06/07/2017)

(By Kenn Staub)

The Clarion Bobcats opened the PIAA playoffs on Monday with a come from behind victory over the Berlin Brothersvalley Mountaineers at Showers Field in DuBois.  Clarion’s only runs came in a fifth inning outburst and proved to be just enough to secure a 4-3 win, allowing them to advance into the state quarterfinal round of play.

(Photos by Christie Datko)
Cam Craig has a great day at the plate going 2-for-3!

Berlin Brothersvalley’s lead-off hitter opened the game by doubling down the third base line and then scoring from third on an infield sacrifice, staking the Mountaineers to a 1-0 advantage.  After a scoreless second inning, the Mountaineers parlayed four singles in the top of the third into a 3-0 lead.  Neither team could plate a run, in the fourth and Berlin Brothersvalley held onto their three run lead going into the bottom of the fifth.

Senior Dominic Fleming started the Bobcats’ fifth inning rally with a one out single up the middle to center field, advancing to second on an infield single by Junior Spencer Miller.  Fleming and Miller each moved up a base on a passed ball and were standing on third and second respectively when senior Ryan Anthony stroked another single, scoring them both to cut the Mountaineer’s lead to 3-2.

Sterling Conner stealing third after smacking a double to center!

Ryan Anthony was perched atop second as the result throwing error on the previous play and scored to tie the game at 3-3 when his brother, senior Reed Anthony, reached base on an error.  Reed Anthony proceeded to score from first on junior Sterling Conner’s double to the right-center field gap, giving the Bobcats’ a 4-3 by inning’s end.

After a relatively quiet sixth inning, Clarion put the game away when pitcher Reed Anthony stymied the Berlin Brothersvalley side in the top of the seventh.

The double by Conner (1-3) was Clarion’s only extra base rap of the game.  Junior Cam Craig (2-3) and freshman Nate Datko (2-3) each hit two singles, with Reed Anthony (1-3), Ryan Anthony (1-3), Fleming, and Miller connecting for 1 apiece.  Ryan Anthony had 2 RBI.  Reed Anthony and Conner each were credited with plating a run.

Reed Anthony and Dominic Flemming celebrating after a tough game. Flemming started a hitting rally and eventually was the first runner to score for the Bobcats. Anthony pitched the Bobcats to a win!

Conner started the game on the mound for Clarion, throwing 1 2/3 innings and striking out 1.  He was relieved by Ryan Anthony who pitched an inning-and-a-third and struck out one.  Reed Anthony pitched the final four innings of the game, striking out 4 on his way to earning the win.

The Clarion Bobcats (19-3) will next play the Elk County Catholic Crusaders (19-5), who earned a quarterfinal berth with a 7-4 victory over the WPIAL champion Jeanette Jayhawks on Tuesday.  This District 9 match-up is scheduled for Thursday, June 8th, at Showers Field in DuBois.

(Thanks to Kenn Staub for this article and to Christie Datko for the photos. KEEP IT GOING, CATS!!!!)

Ryan Anthony heads to third. Anthony hit a single in the fifth inning to score two runs and bring Clarion within one of the Mountaineers.