PM East edges Thorpe in Section 6 opener

TANNERSVILLE – Strong pitching can often be the difference in the postseason.

Pocono Mountain East and Jim Thorpe provided plenty in Friday’s Section 6 9-11-year-old Little League contest.

But it was PM East that prevailed in the pitchers’ duel, edging JT 1-0.

With two dominant pitchers on the mound, offense was sure to be at a premium.

Pocono Mountain East got on the board with a sacrifice fly in the second inning and it was just enough to get past Jim Thorpe, as both teams combined for nine hits in the contest.

“It was a very close game,” Pocono Mountain East head coach Bob Ehrmann said. “Hard fought and great pitching on both sides. Our starter Bobby Ehrmann threw lights out for four-and-a-third innings. Isaiah Rodriguez came in and closed it out. It was nickel-and-dime the entire time trying to grab bunts and steal a bag. Defensive plays on both sides, it was phenomenal.”

“I can’t even put it into words how proud I am of these boys.”

Michael Antignani started for Jim Thorpe and gave up the lone run of the game early on, but was lights out after in his outing. Antignani was also responsible for one of JT’s four hits on the night.

Jim Thorpe threatened in the sixth inning when Brody Schrantz singled to put the tying run on base, but PM East work out of trouble and close out the win.

“Playing another great team across the other dugout; they came out and played baseball,” Jim Thorpe head coach Eric Schrantz said. “Our kids, from the top of the first to the top of the sixth when it just ended, they played great baseball. We pitched well and hit the ball, and the other team made the plays. It was a great game all around.”

Jim Thorpe shook off a sluggish start with a late surge down the stretch.

“I’ve seen a lot of fire,” Schrantz added. “We got here early and had some warm-ups. They seemed down and didn’t warm up properly and they kind of flipped the switch. In the game, they played baseball and I’m very proud of them.”

Cole Lazorick singled for Jim Thorpe, while Lee Edwards also added a single in the game.

Pocono Mountain East will play the winner of the Newtown-Pennridge game, and Jim Thorpe will face the losing team of the matchup Saturday.

LEADING OFF… Pocono Mountain East had a leadoff double in the third, but wasn’t able to do anything with the only extra-base hit.

GETTING OUT OF JAMS… Both teams were successful at getting out of jams with runners in scoring position. Pocono Mountain East got out of a key jam with runners on first and second, as Jim Thorpe did the same with the leadoff double in the third.

Jim Thorpe 000 000 - 0 4 1

Pocono Mtn. East 010 000 - 1 5 0

Antignani, Kosciolek (5) and Schrantz; Ehrmann, Rodriguez (5) and Angst. W - Ehrmann, L - Antignani.