Portsmouth stuns SEO champs, 4-3

[jottings]

Last place Portsmouth stunned the 2012 Southeastern Ohio Athletic League champion Gallipolis Blue Devils 4-3 in a shocker Wednesday evening in the Robert H. (Bob) Eastman Ballpfield at Centenary.

The Trojans prevented GAHS from an unblemished season record in SEOAL play with the victory. The Trojans improved their season record to 5-13 and finished league play with their second straight win, winding up last in this year’s race with a 2-8 mark.

GAHS dropped to 17-6 overall and 9-1 in league action. The loss also prevented the Blue Devils from winning their 18th game of the season, which would have been a school record for a number of wins in one season

Portsmouth took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a pair of GAHS errors, a run-scoring single to left by shortstop Brandon Wedebrook, an RBI sacrifice fly by Alex Grashel off starting Blue Devil hurler John Faro.

The visitors made it 4-0 in their half of the second. Third baseman Michael Sturgill opened with a walk. First baseman Hunter Gibson followed with a single to left. Centerfielder Jacob Albreecht sacrificed both runners followed by a two base hit to left by second baseman Len Collins to give PHS a 4-0 advantage. After Collins safety, Bobby Dunlap replaced Faro and retired the side.

Gallipolis got one run back in its half of the second. Faro walked, Justin Bailey fanned. Faro stole second and scored on Kyle Saunders sharp single to left.

Gallipolis plated another run in its half of the fourth. With one out, Bailey singled to left, stole second and scored on Saunders second hit to left to make it 4-2.

In the fifth, the Blue Devils scored again on Ty Warnimont’s single to left. Warnimont stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball. Bobby Dunlap hit a sacrifice fly to center, scoring Warnimont to make it 4-3.

In the Blue Devils 6th, Drew Young led off with a triple to center but PHS hurler Levi Porter recorded three straight outs to end that threat.

Portsmouth loaded the sacks in its half of the seventh with one out, but Dunlap retired two batters in a row to end that threat.

GAHS made it interesting in its half of the seventh.Porter hit Zack Thomas to start it off. However, Thomas was thrown out at second by catcher Tanner Poage on a steal attempt. Warnimont tripled with one out. Dunlap was then injured by a foul ball and had to leave the game. Bryant Bokovitz finished Dunlaps turn at the plate by striking out. Faro popped out to second to end the game.

Warnimont and Saunders led GAHS at the plate with two hits apiece. Faro was charged with the loss. Gallipolis had three runs on six hits and made two errors. The two GAHS pitchers fanned eight batters and walked six.

Wedebrook led Portsmouth with two safeties. Levi Porter was credited with the win. In going the distance, Porter gave up three runs on six hits he fanned five and walked two and hit one batter.

Gallipolis will be idle until Saturday when the Blue Devils take on Symmes Valley at 9:30 a.m. at Eastman’s Ballpark in Centenary in the first game of the Wooden Bat Tournament. Ironton battles Piketon in the 12 noon game with the winners and losers playing at 2:30 and 5 p.m

Linescore:
Portsmouth………..220 000 0 – 4-5-1
Gallipolis………….010 110 0 – 3-6-2
Batteries—PHS: Porter (W) & Poage. GAHS—Faro, Dunlap (2nd) & Warnimont.

[biggdowgg]

unless I am missing a player that was moved up from the J V team the Picther from Portsmouth was Levi Porter .

sounded like a great game

[jottings]

Your probably right. The roster Portmouth coach gave me was Levi Porter (No. 13) but the official GAHS box score had it Martin. I'll change it to Porter. He did a good job against GAHS and the Trojans made some good defensive plays against GAHS.

[SEOfaithful]

Great win for Portsmouth, but I wouldn't call Gallipolis the Champs of South Eastern Ohio. For them to beat the SEO champs they would have had to beat wheelersburg and I'm pretty sure the burg no-hit Portsmouth. But regardless congrats to Portsmouth on the win.

[Trojanfan14]

I think he was talking about SEOAL champs.

[jottings]

SEO...I was talking about the SEOAL. I'd like to see the 'Burg play all of the SEOAL teams and some of their non-league teams. Not sure they would be 18-2 at this point, but you never know until you play 'em.

[LetsGoPSU]

Bet ya Burg could play with any of the SEOAL schools, and believe me Ive never been a big Wheelersburg fan, but thier baseball program is outstanding

[nice guy]

in baseball, anything can happen.

[d-5]

Bet ya Burg could play with any of the SEOAL schools, and believe me Ive never been a big Wheelersburg fan, but thier baseball program is outstanding

Over the last few years Wheelersburg would compete with any team from the SEOAL in any sport, boys and girls

[jottings]

Gallia would like to play the Pirates in football, but for some reason, WHS won't play 'em. They do play in basketball with the exception of a couple years ago when the Pirates coach didn't want to play Jim Osborne's last team. No reason was ever given.

[baseball4]

Did Porter throw that well? Is he that good

[Trojanfan14]

Did Porter throw that well? Is he that good

Levi had thrown a gem in just about every game he's pitched. He just doesn't get run support. It's been a rough year for him. He's thrown great all year and just doesn't get the wins be deserves. It was good to see him finally get a big one.