Howell score 10 in 7th to shock Eagles

The Howell Rebels came back from a 17-8 deficit with 10 runs in the bottom of the 7th to stun A-North rival Middletown South, 18-17.

The teams were tied at 3 after each team batted in the first inning, and the Eagles scored 2 in the second and one in the third to take a three run lead.

The Rebels put up a run in the third to cut the lead to 6-4. But then the Eagles put up a 5 spot in the top of the fourth to extend the lead 7.

Howell battled back again with four in the fourth, making the score 11-8. The Eagles extended the lead to three with a run in the fifth.

South jumped out with 5 runs in the top of the seventh inning to make the score 17-8. Senior starter Brian Dudzinski came back out in the seventh, but gave up four runs. Three of them came off the bat Joe Locascio on a three run shot over the left field fence.

Junior Tyler Black then came on in relief, surrendering two hits and hitting a batter to load the bases. Sophomore Mike Farrell then came in to pitch with no one out and the bases loaded.

A walk, a single, and a run scoring ground out made the score 17-15. Howell tied the score after an infield single and a double to right field. Senior Steve Burgher then came on with runners on second and third with one out. The Eagles immediately intentionally walked Locascio, who was 3-5 with two homeruns.

South played for the double play, and got it. But an error allowed Howell’s winning run to score to end the game.

Brian Dudzinski started for the Eagles and pitched 6 plus innings, giving up 12 runs, 7 earned, with seven strikeouts throwing over 125 pitches. Junior Jay Levy had his second good game in a row, going 4-5 with three runs batted in.

Howell’s record improves to 3-6 while South’s drops to 3-9.

JV
THe JV Eagles defeated Howell 9-5. Check back later for details.