Lansford eliminated by Jim Thorpe

The score says it all.

Jim Thorpe eliminated Lansford last night, 20-1, in the District 18 11-12 Little League tournament.

The Olympians had everything go their way: pitching, hitting, and fielding. On the other side, nothing seemed to go right.

All but one player on Jim Thorpe's entire roster contributed at least one hit. Kenny Pugh did especially well, going three-for-three including a second inning grand slam. He also had two doubles, a sacrifice fly, and six RBI.

On the mound, starter Nick Porembo hurled two innings for the winning team. He didn't allow any hits and gave up one unearned run.

His reliever, Derek Joyce, also pitched two innings and also proved superb, getting four of his six outs with strikes.

Lansford Coach Tim Goida said JT played an excellent game, but obviously lack of depth played a role in his team's defeat. The host Lansford squad has a total of nine players on its roster, meaning there was no bench.

Pat Joyce, coach of Jim Thorpe, was understandably proud of his players. "Nick (Porembo) started us off with two strong innings on the mound. The whole team hit top to bottom."

He said he doesn't like singling any specific player, but agreed that Pugh "was the big hitter. The grand slam really put us out in front."

Pugh, who is entering seventh grade this year, said he anxious to play on the Jim Thorpe High School baseball team. The 12-year-old youngster said this was his third grand slam since playing baseball, and the second this year.

Lansford's only run came in the top of the first inning. Jim Doerr got a pass to first base, then made it to second on an error. Brandon Mertz tapped the ball to first base and although Mertz was tagged out in the baseline, Doerr was able to score.

In the bottom of the first, Jim Thorpe's first three batters scored. Brandon Carroll got a lead-off walk, Derek Joyce hit a second that sent Carroll to third, Aaron Joyce got to second on a wild pitch which let Carroll score, back-to-back sacrifice flies occurred, one which let Joyce come home and the other that allowed Aaron Joyce to score.

Mantz started for Lansford and was replaced in the top of the second. The three runs he gave up gave him the loss.

Jim Thorpe batted around in the bottom of the second, scoring six runs.

In the third, Jim Thorpe had 17 batters step into the batter's box. They got 11 runs in the inning and left the bases loaded.

Also having a good night with the bats for Thorpe was Carroll who went two for two including a single and triple, walked twice, scored all four times he was at the plate, and had an RBI.

Joyce went three for four, all three hits being doubles.

The next game for Jim Thorpe will be Wednesday when it hosts Weatherly in another loser's bracket contest.

Lansford 100 0 - 1 3 5

Jim Thorpe 36(11) x - 20 18 1

Mantz, Corde (2), Hafer (3) and Jungbaer; Porembo, D. Joyce (3) and Carroll. W - Porembo. L - Mantz.