Published: May 15, 2008 11:48 pm            

HS BASEBALL: Raiders take it on the chin

BARKER — Clinching at least a tie for the 2008 Niagara-Orleans League title on Thursday, Albion trimmed Barker 3-2 Thursday to stay perfect at 11-0 in the league.

Dan Monacelli went the distance on the mound for Albion in a pitchers’ duel, allowing just three hits with nine strikeouts.

“Danny threw a great game, and we needed it,” said Albion coach Gary Mannella

“His performance gave us a chance to win.”

Andrew Carmer likewise pitched the entire game for Barker, giving up only four hits with two strikeouts.

“Give Barker credit, because their kid pitched a very good game, as well,” Mannella said.

Albion scored what proved to be the game winner in the sixth inning on an RBI double by Brad Rush to take a 3-1 lead.

Earlier, the Purple Eagles scored once in the first, on a single by Mark Armstrong, and once in the second, on a double by Jon Forder.

Barker scored once in the bottom of the seventh on an RBI single by Steve Rowland, but left the potential tying runner stranded on base as Monacelli got a strikeout and a groundout to end the game.

“It was a good ball game on both sides of the field,” Mannella said.

The loss drops Barker to 5-6.

Albion next hosts Newfane, and Barker entertains Akron at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Biano sparks Lions past Ken West, 13-6

BUFFALO — Adam Biano was 4-for-5 at the plate Thursday, leading the Lockport baseball Lions to a 13-6 victory over the Kenmore West Blue Devils, topping Niagara Frontier League action.

Coming off of back-to-back solid starts on the mound, Biano turned to his bat against the Blue Devils, smacking a triple and two doubles for visiting Lockport. The Lions senior drove in two runs on the day and scored twice for head coach Steve Styrzo’s hard luck team (5-12 overall, 3-9 NFL), which finally caught some breaks and backed their starting pitcher with some runs

LHS junior infielder Colton Fago also had a hot bat, going 3-for-4 with a pair of two-baggers, good for three RBIs. Fleet-footed Beau Payne ripped a pair of hits, scored twice and drove in a run, while junior catcher Kyle Fernandez added two base hits, plus a sacrifice fly.

Defensively, the Lions were led by shortstop Dan Greco and second baseman Jake Chenez, who turned a sweet 4-6-3 double play. Making the catch at first was Tyler Gately of the Lions.

The Blue Devils dropped to 2-9 in the league.

        

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