Parkland High School Baseball

EJ Brandt stepped to the plate as Matt Mellinger stood poised at second base representing the winning run in the bottom of the 8^th inning against Pleasant Valley.  On the second pitch he lined a single to centerfield scoring Mellinger and sending the Trojans on to the next round of the District Playoffs.  After EJ was given a hero’s shower, reflection of the final two innings displayed just how big the heart the Trojans had on this afternoon.

Pleasant Valley came to play on this weather challenged day at Parkland High School’s Stadium.  Going into the bottom of the 7^th inning they held a 5-2 lead on sound, aggressive play.  The Trojans did scratch out two runs as Tyler Bruno (1-4, R), Kyle Friebolin (2-3, BB, RBI), and Austin Mueller (1-4, R, 2 SB) efforts helped keep Parkland in the game.  It was after an out was recorded to start the 7^th that the Trojans offense really came alive. 

Needing three runs Isaac Neal (0-2, BB, R) showed patience and started the rally with walk.  Brandt came to the plate and worked a walk as well.  Christian Burgos (1-1) came off the bench and smoked a pinch hit single to center to load the bases.  A wild pitch scored Neal and John Amato (0-0, R) who was inserted as a pinch runner for Burgos advanced to second as Brandt took third.  Up came the top of the order with Andrew Roth (1-4, RBI, SB) and the Trojans trailing 5-3.  Roth drove a pitch the opposite way into left field driving in Brandt and pushing Amato to third.  Cullan Wadsworth (2-4, RBI) followed with a single of his own to plate Amato and tie the game at five.  Pleasant Valley was able to stop the bleeding and send the game into extra innings. 

Adam Smith (1 inn, 2K, 0 ER) strode to the mound after the strong efforts by both Ryan Giovenco (5 inn, 5K, 4 ER) and Braeden Duff (2 inn, 3K, 0 ER).  Pleasant Valley was overpowered by Smith as he struck out the first two batters and then induced a weak fly ball to centerfield for the third out.

The bottom of the 8^th started with a walk to Mellinger.  Neal placed a perfect bunt to advance Mellinger to second.  At that point Brandt (1-1, BB, RBI, R)  looked for his pitch and drove a single to centerfield scoring Mellinger (1-2, 2BB, R, SB) easily.  As Brandt was mobbed by his teammates, the Trojans' faithful cheered the heroics of both Brandt and the team's effort that brought about this afternoon’s victory.