Skip to main content

BASEBALL: Five errors in one inning cost Chambersburg in tournament championship game


NEW OXFORD >> Although Chambersburg made a big comeback, a bunch of errors early in the game proved to be too much to overcome.

As a result, the Trojans were defeated 6-5 by Kutztown in the championship game of the New Oxford baseball tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Chambersburg (3-3) came within one run of tying the game after being down 5-0 after two innings.

"We just didn't get it done," Chambersburg coach Bob Thomas said. "We had 15 assists with no errors in the first game, but we just made way too many errors in the second game."

But in the end, six errors – including five in the second inning alone – opened the way for five unearned runs in that crucial inning. All five runs came with two outs.. Kutztown led off the inning with a single, but the Trojans turned a double play to empty the bases. The next batter reached on an error, then a walk and another error loaded the bases before a wild pitch brought two runners home. Kutztown later drew a bases-loaded walk, and a two-run single capped off the inning to put the Trojans in a deep hole.

Austin Wilson started the game for the Trojans, but was relieved by Cameron Flinn to start the third. Flinn allowed one run in the third, then held the Cougars (2-2) scoreless for the final three innings while striking out seven.

"Cameron pitched really well in relief. He was impressive," Thomas said.

Carlin Christian cracked a two-run homer, his first of the season, in the top of the third inning as Chambersburg scored three runs to get within two. The Trojans scored two more in the sixth to make it 6-5, but couldn't produce the tying run.

Drew Betz cracked a pair of doubles and Manning Brookens and Matt Stonesifer also had doubles.

"You can't win a game when you make that many errors," Thomas said. "We just didn't get it done."

Kutztown (2-2) gained its first two wins of the season, as well as a tournament championship – the Cougars beat host team New Oxford in the opener.

Justin Shurr put up three hits in four at-bats and produced two RBIs. Pitcher Matthew Angstadt pitched the entire game and earned the win, but got defensive help from his outfielders. He survived his team making five errors.

Earlier in the day, Chambersburg downed Big Spring 4-1 to advance to the final. Betz and Trenton Ebersole both acquired two hits each. Jake Plank started and earned the win, allowing three hits in four innings. Betz gave up four hits, but did not allow the Bulldogs any runs.

Kutztown 6, Chambersburg 5

Chambersburg0030020—576Kutztown051000x—675

W — Matthew Angstadt; L — Austin Wilson (0-1).

2B — (C) Drew Betz 2, Manning Brookens, Matt Stonesifer; HR — (C) Carlin Christian; SB — (K) Angstadt.