Softball: Minisink rallies late to knock off Roosevelt in Section 9 Class A semifinal
SLATE HILL – As milestone wins go, this one was pretty special for Minisink Valley softball coach Bruce Guyette.
Career win No. 600 nearly didn’t happen but for an amazing rally. Down two runs in the sixth inning to formidable Roosevelt, and with two outs, the Warriors relied on an old formula – hit ’em where they ain’t.
Jump-started by the bottom half of the lineup, Minisink put six consecutive runners on board, pushing across five runs for a 5-2 victory over the Presidents in the Section 9 Class A semifinals. The clutch base hits traveled to center field, past second base, over first, the left side of diamond, to right-center and left field.
“We were a little bit lucky,’’ admitted Guyette, “but this team has a lot of character. We've come from behind in situations like this three or four times this year.’’
Not to jinx the effort, three large 6-0-0 balloons remained uninflated in a car until the celebration could begin … and they were never quite put in proper order to mark the occasion. On the other hand, it would have been a long 11-month wait for the helium had Minisink not rallied.
Player of the game
Minisink’s Gianna Catletti has proved to be a capable pitching replacement for Hofstra-bound Emma Brennan, who has missed the last half of the season to injury. Catletti held Roosevelt to only five hits and struck out three. She had more success at the plate, going to center three times for singles; Catletti was left stranded the first two times but scored Minisink’s first run in the sixth.
Turning point
Roosevelt couldn't have been in a better position. The visiting Presidents led 2-0 in the sixth with the bottom half of the batting order coming up.
“We felt confident,’’ said No. 7 hitter Gabby Olivo, who curled a single over first base and inside the right-field line to plate Catletti with the first run. A wild pitch by FDR’s Kayla Baez brought in Hannah Moulton with the tying tally.
Ryin Perico, who was caught looking at a 3-2 changeup for a strikeout in the fifth, worked out a walk. Emily Ketcham beat out a grounder to the left side to score Olivo with the go-ahead run. Jazmin Mejia then rapped a two-RBI double to right-center for a 5-2 advantage.
By the numbers
Minisink Valley – Seven batters had a part in 11 hits. Mejia had two hits. … The Warriors ran themselves into three outs on the base paths. ... Guyette has been coaching the varsity team since 1986.
F.D. Roosevelt – Cali DeLawder curled an RBI single inside the left-field line in the third inning and hit a line drive home run in the sixth to stake Roosevelt to the 2-0 lead. .. Baez allowed five hits through five innings but gave up six in the fateful sixth.
Quotable
“We played a great game. I think they just got momentum and had some good hits.’’- Roosevelt’s Cali DeLawder
“I'm so glad he's still coaching because he's an amazing coach. I love him a lot and I wouldn't want any other coach.’’ – Gabby Olivo on coach Bruce Guyette
Up next
Minisink Valley – The Warriors will vie for their 14th sectional title under coach Guyette. Minisink faces Rondout Valley in the 12:30 p.m. game at Middletown High School (weather pending).
kmcmillan@th-record.com
Twitter: @KenMcMillanTHR
This article originally appeared on Times Herald-Record: Section 9 softball: Minisink Valley tops FDR, advances to title game
