Warhawks ride 18-run innning

Seminole does its damage early, beating Dixie Hollins 21-0 to reach the title game.

By DOUG KATES
Published March 31, 2006

SEMINOLE - Last week Dixie Hollins edged Seminole 3-2. The teams met again Thursday night , this time in the semifinal round of the 19th annual Steve Georgiadis Holiday Tournament.

The rematch proved to be a little different. The Warhawks successfully avenged the earlier loss and made an offensive statement with a 21-0 triumph in five innings.

"That (loss) was in the back of everyone's mind," Seminole coach Greg Olsen said. "We had to come out here and play an outstanding game to beat them. It was one of our best offensive nights of the year."

Leading 2-0 after the first inning, Seminole sent 21 batters to the plate in the second. The Warhawks collected 11 hits and erupted for 18 runs to lead 20-0.

Andrew Blazuk went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run and a single - all in the second inning. Billy Falasco went 2-for-2 with a grand slam and a single in the inning.

Kyle Brunette, who batted ninth in the lineup, had to wait for a pitching change to make his first appearance in the inning and when he came around to bat a second time in the inning he had to wait for another pitching change. He went 1-for-3 with a double and chased two pitchers in the second inning alone.

Overall, 12 Seminole batters had at least one hit. Out of the starting nine, everyone had at least one hit. Chris Calhoon, Anthony Marra, Blazuk and Anderson all had two hits for the starters, and J.T. Turner went 2-for-2 as a sub off the bench.

The Warhawks used four pitchers. Starter Patrick Eckelbarger got the win despite only two innings of work.

Dan Yoakem had a triple for Dixie Hollins.

Seminole improved to 13-6 and will try to claim its second straight Georgiadis tournament title on Saturday.

"We're looking forward to the challenge," Olsen said. "(Pendleton is) a really great team and they beat a really great East Lake team (to reach the finals). It will take a close to perfect game to win."

[Last modified March 31, 2006, 01:09:18]