Tigers Fall in Extra Innings Against Haverford

HAVERFORD–As Cat Stevens once sang, and Sheryl Crow later mangled, the first cut is the deepest. It's a sentiment no one in the Marple Newtown dugout would argue with April 18.

In a back and forth contest Monday afternoon at Memorial Field that entered extra innings, Nick Craig scored on a throwing error in the bottom of the eighth inning to give Haverford School a 7-6 win over the visiting Tigers and deal them their first loss of the young season.

Craig, who led off the inning with a double after going hitless in his first three at bats, advanced to third base on a shallow fly-out by Vince Rondolone, then raced home when the subsequent throw squirted by the Tiger third basemen.

"It was a great feeling to score that run," said Craig after the game. "It was a big win over a very good team."

Haverford moved to 12-2 on the season, while the Tigers dropped to 6-1.

Marple Newtown took a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the seventh inning after getting a two-run RBI single from Scott Todd, but junior Gus Costallo answered back for the Fords with a two-run pinch-hit home run in the bottom half of the inning to tie the score at six and force extra innings. It was the Ford's third home run of the afternoon.

"I took the first pitch, but then I got a fastball and put a big swing on it," explained the junior, who added that it was the biggest hit of his career.

Haverford manager Bob Castell said he was impressed with the aplomb his team showed. He said his team made a similar late rally in Friday's game against Avon Grove, and the momentum apparently carried over.

"We did a really nice job not panicking in this one. They had a great rally, and we could have folded, but we hung in," said Castell.

Marple Newtown's rookie manager Steve Smith said he was disappointed with his team's effort and focus. He's worried that a certain arrogance has taken root in his talented club.

"These guys just didn't show up ready to play today. We seem to think we're just going to show up everyday and be able to out hit and out pitch whoever we're playing. We've got to go back to the basics," said Smith.

The Tigers got a very good outing from starting pitcher Rob Gore, albeit one who's effectiveness doesn't quite translate to the box score. Gore retired 12 of the first 14 Fords he faced on Monday, but the two he allowed on base didn't stay there for long: Scott Safford and Vince Rondolone each hit home runs.

"I'm kind of frustrated," said Gore, who allowed four runs in five innings despite striking out six and allowing only five base runners.

Gore said he pitched well on the afternoon, but admitted that on both of the home runs he missed his mark.

"I made bad pitches on each of them, and they hit them," he shrugged.

Smith said the Tiger defense didn't do enough to help Gore or either of the two hurlers who came on in relief.

"The kids that pitched all did a nice job for us, but we have to do a better job for them in the field," said Smith.

The Ford's starting pitcher, Matt Broomall, had similar results as Gore, but took a very different route. Broomall struggled with his location all afternoon, walking six and hitting a batter in four innings of work, but managed to keep the game within striking distance for his offense.

"I've been off for a while and couldn't really find my spots," said Broomall, "but I was getting outs. My stuff was moving a lot."

Despite his control issues, Broomall allowed the potent Tigers offense only three hits and struck out four.

The Tigers' manager admitted that while Monday's performance was a disappointing one for the defending Central League champs, it was something of an aberration.

"We have a lot to improve on, but I've been happy with what we've been doing this season," said Smith.

When asked if he was confident his team would bounce back from their initial loss, the skipper was unambiguous.

"Oh yeah," said Smith.