WYNDMOOR, PA- It was billed as a must-see, regular-season meeting between two of the Catholic League’s top baseball teams.
It will be remembered as a surprisingly dominant performance.
On a beautiful afternoon April 25, visiting Archbishop Wood stunned LaSalle, 9-2. The Vikings seized an early 2-0 lead in the first, scored twice more in the second, staved off a comeback attempt by holding the Explorers to two tallies in the third, and then broke the contest open with five unanswered runs.
Players inside the Vikings’ dugouts stood the entire time. No exaggeration – they did not sit. They hooted and hollered after every pitch. Rarely has a team exhibited more zeal without post-season implications.
“LaSalle is always a big game for us, and I think we took it upon ourselves as a team to be as loud as we could,” said Wood senior shortstop Matt Cummiskey. “It all starts with the bench because when we all have a high energy on the bench, it makes everyone play better and almost makes it seem like it is a playoff game for us.”
Though pleased with their effort, the Vikings elected not to gloat.
“We knew going into the game that LaSalle is a well-coached and undefeated team, so we knew we needed to come out aggressive and put pressure on them both offensively and defensively,” said senior catcher Sean Kelly. “I believe we did just that.”
Senior pitcher Ryan Logan lasted 5 2/3 innings. Although he surrendered only two runs, he walked nine batters and relied on his defense to salvage his uncharacteristic wildness.
A huge double play that included a marvelous play by first baseman Antonio Rossillo thwarted a bases-loaded opportunity for the Explorers
Wood executes a terrific doubleplay.
Wood's Matt Cummiskey snares a mile-high pop-up
“The defense was incredible,” said Logan. “Having guys behind me like (shortstop) Matt Cummiskey, (junior second baseman) Joey Lancelotti, and an absolute anchor in the outfield in (senior centerfielder) Bobby Heck really allows me to pitch with confidence knowing they will make the plays.
“I just pitched to contact and trusted my fielders to make the plays and they did. It was great. And the offense was ready to go from the start. Scoring right away in the first inning just put the momentum in our hands right from the start, and we did not let up. We played a complete game.”
Logan admitted that pitching against a perennial championship contender like the Explorers – especially on their home turf – required minor mental gymnastics.
“Being at their ballpark against such a quality team definitely changed my approach on the mound,” said Logan. “I knew I had to focus in and not look ahead, just take it one pitch at a time. Obviously I lost focus here and there, but facing a team like LaSalle definitely forces me to dig a little deeper.”
Wood's Joey Lancellotti lines an RBI single.
Nice grab by Wood's Dylan Slowinski.
Wood’s offense was keyed by Kelly, Cummiskey, and senior Corey Dower, all of whom contributed two runs batted in. A two-run single by Kelly in the second inning seemed to rattle the Explorers.
“My plate approach was pretty simple,” said Kelly. “I was looking for something in the zone early in the count that I could barrel up.”
Logan appreciated his battery mate’s performance.
“Overall huge game from Kelly,” said Logan. “Both behind the plate and at the plate, he was phenomenal.”
The victory forged a three-way, first-place tie among Wood, LaSalle, and Father Judge. Roman Catholic is one game behind; Cardinal O’Hara and Bonner-Prendergast are two out.
Archbishop Wood finding itself in the heart of a Catholic League race has become commonplace. The Vikings never consider it an “upset” when they’re atop the Catholic League standings in any sport.
“The pride, competition, and passion that every athlete from Wood plays with definitely plays a part in the school’s success,” said Corey Dowery. “Everyone in the school really competes with each other to be the best team in the school. I think this helps motivate everyone to be their best.”
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com.)