By: Kyle Moylan
Hightstown Post 148 has already clinched a spot in the American Legion playoffs. Coming into this week, however, it was still undecided as to which one.
The top two teams in Mercer earn byes into the state playoffs. The next three teams fight it out for another state berth. Hamilton Post 31 has already clinched the top spot, but coming into action this week, Hightstown only needed to win two of three games to clinch that important second spot.
"We want to win out this week and earn the respect that we deserve," Hightstown manager Bob Huzzy noted.
Hightstown was scheduled to face North Trenton Tuesday and West Windsor last night. It will host Bordentown tonight.
Hightstown put itself in position to clinch second place by winning both of its games this week.
Hightstown defeated Broad Street Park, 7-2, on July 5. Hightstown also recorded a 12-2 win over Hopewell this past Friday.
The win over Broad Street Park offered Hightstown another chance to avenge last season’s devastating playoff loss. Hightstown led Broad Street Park 10-0 at one point before losing the game on a two-out homer in the ninth.
Bret Rodgers, who allowed that homer in relief, wanted the start against Broad Street Park. He responded by tossing a complete-game win. Rodgers allowed seven hits and three walks in his seven innings of work. He struck out three batters.
Hightstown gave Rodgers a 4-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Stone reached on an error, Hom walked and Brian Heyesey got aboard on a fielder’s choice, loading the bases with no outs. Paul Canciello followed with a two-run single. When the ball was misplayed, Heyesey also scored. Canciello would later score on a hit by Tom Hopkins.
Hopkins would later knock in a run in the fifth and two more in the seventh. Scherholz and Stone finished the game with two hits.
Against Hopewell, Don Provost allowed one run in five innings of work. Rob Kostic came on to throw a scoreless bottom of the sixth.
Hightstown had a lot of offense, headed by Mike Pramberger, who had a single, homer, stolen base, two runs scored and two RBI. Sean Stone had two hits, a run scored and three RBI. Dale Scherholz had two hits, three runs scored, a RBI and stolen base. Heyesey had two hits, a run scored, two RBI and a stolen base. Dave Griffith hit a two-run homer. Evan Hom and Canciello each had a run, hit and RBI.
Mercer was defeated in the All-Star Game with Bucks this past Sunday, but Pramberger delivered a two-run single.
