Defense sets tone for Seminole in win

A spectacular play early between Seminole and Northeast at a packed Brinker Field Stadium dictated the rest of the game.

By CHRIS GIRANDOLA
Published April 28, 2007

SEMINOLE - A spectacular play early between Seminole and Northeast at a packed Brinker Field Stadium dictated the rest of the game.

With two outs and runners on first and second, Seminole starter Patrick Eckelbarger looked on the verge of getting into deeper trouble when Nick Gaines roped a line-drive single to right.

Austin Yee rounded third and appeared to be on a safe route to home, but the throw by rightfielder Joe Lamoreux was a perfect strike.

"I saw it coming and knew we had him tagged, " said Eckelbarger (6-0).

"After that, it allowed me to settle in and pitch with confidence."

With Eckelbarger pitching a complete-game shutout, the Warhawks captured their first district title in three years.

The offense provided all the runs Eckelbarger needed in the first when Billy Falasco singled home Dan Catalano.

The Warhawks added another in the third before exploding for five in the fourth to chase Northeast starter Austin Gaines.

During that inning, Falasco had his second triple in as many days to drive in two more runs. The senior captain finished 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

[Last modified April 28, 2007, 00:18:30]