August 4th by Luca Messina
HONOLULU, Hawaii- Rightfielder Daniel Rockett (University of
Texas at Antonio) powered the Surfers (23-16) by the Menehunes (17-22),
handing the latter their first postseason lose and setting up a
winner-takes-all affair for the HCBL championship.
After centerfielder Ben McQuown (Lower Columbia) put the Surfers ahead with an RBI single in the bottom of the second, Rockett launched a deep fly well over the elevated fence in leftfield for a 4-1 lead.
“Nothing can describe that guy [Rockett]. He’s playing unbelievable right now,” said Surfers’ Head Coach Steve Hernandez.
Menehunes’ second basemen Cullen Hendrickson (Seattle) narrowed the deficit with a two-run single in the top of the sixth before shortstop Steven Moon (UC Santa Barbara) added insurance with an RBI single in the bottom of the seventh.
“We’re here to play two, if we’re going to be here we might as well be here for both of them,” Hernandez joked.
Surfers’ starter Tyler Hardin (Central Arkansas, 2-4) went five innings allowing three runs, one of which was earned, on seven hits with two strikeouts.
“He competed,” Hernandez said. “That’s one of the best traits you could ask for in a pitcher.”
Menehunes’ starter Cole McCune (Cal-State Dominguez Hills) lasted only an inning and two thirds allowing two runs, one of which was earned, on four hits before being lifted for Evan Freeman (Fort Hays State).
“Ineffective,” said Menehunes’ Head Coach Steve Gewecke of McCune’s abridged outing. “We made the leash short because he was missing the same spot pitch after pitcher after pitch and he couldn’t find that second pitch.”
With an already limited number of pitching options, Gewecke plans to uncover every rock for next contest that determines the champion.
“I’m emptying everyone out and anyone that is effective, stays in there,” Gewecke said.
Reliever Mike Dillon (Ohio) pitched two scoreless innings allowing just a hit for his second save.