Kittanning 11/12 All-Stars Defeat Shannock Valley

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By Jonathan Weaver

The Kittanning 11-12 All Stars are advancing to the next round of District 7 tournament play following a 14-2 win last night in six innings.

Playing at Ding Field in Rural Valley – home of Shannock Valley Little League -, Kittanning scored early and often against Shannock Valley to advance in the winner’s bracket.

All the runs Kittanning would need were scored in the top of the first inning with five runs due to three hits and two walks.

After a walk induced by Third Baseman Tyler Yaskula, Catcher Jon Hill hit an RBI single and advanced to second before Starting Pitcher Joe Hawk hit an RBI single and John Brody Kunst hit an RBI double. On a passed ball by the Shannock Valley catcher, Kunst advanced to third before another passed ball scored him and Center Fielder Billy Brink, who initially walked.

Hill, 12, said the goal was to try and hit singles or balls back up the middle to plate runs – which they did again in the third, fourth and sixth innings thanks to opening singles.

Hawk did allow two runs back in the bottom of the first - West Shamokin Catcher Jack McCullough walked and stole second, before Pitcher Nate Zik hit an RBI double and scored during a groundout – but that was the limit to the opposing scoring.

Manager Pete Gawlinski talked about the victory.

“I think the kids played hard – pitching was having a little rough at the beginning. Joe Hawk was having trouble finding the zone, but as he warmed up, he started hitting the zone and (Shannock Valley) was having trouble catching up,” Gawlinski said.

Hawk reached his maximum pitch count of 65 after 2 1/3 innings – giving up two runs on three hits with five strikeouts, including four consecutive strikeouts in the second and third innings – before Kunst pitched the rest of the game – and only allowed four hits.

“John Brody coming on in relief did an excellent job,” Gawlinski said.

Besides pitching effectively, Hawk and Kunst reached base seven of the eight times they came to bat and scored six times. Hawk went 3-for-3 and Kunst 4-for-4 with three singles and a double.

“Our big hitters did what they’re supposed to do – put the ball in play, get runners in – and we played some good defense,” Gawlinski said.

Shannock Valley was led in the game by Second Baseman Jacob Holes – who went 2-for-3 with a pair of singles.

Gawlinski – in his first year coaching 11/12 year olds with son – Leftfielder Lucas -, said it felt good to be moving on to the next round with a win

“Overall, I think we could’ve played better, but I’ll take a win and move on,” Gawlinski said. “We’ve battled all three games – I think we’re tested.”

Kunst – 12, started the game at first base, and also felt good about moving on to the next round. He credits advice given to him by his father and coaches for his useful approach at the plate and on the mound.

“You just gotta try to focus as much as you can and use the skills that you have,” Kunst said.

Hill – also 12, and in his last year at this age level – saw a lot of strikes and close calls by his pitchers, but hopes this year’s all-star team is different.

“Last year, we took second – this year, I’m hoping we take first,” Hill said.

Both pitchers are eligible to pitch in Friday night’s game against either Marion Center or Indiana.

The win is the third in a row for the boys after a six-inning nail-biter victory June 26 against Homer City.

Kittanning was able to maintain a 1-run lead in the 6th inning to collect their second win of the tournament with a 10-9 nail-biter.

With information collected by Gawlinski, In the first inning, Homer City retired the first two batters and then Hill drilled a two-out triple to left-center field. Hawk, who was the winning pitcher in the win June 24th over New Bethlehem, walked and Hill was then plated on an RBI-single to left by Kunst.

Kittanning starting pitcher, Zack Streightif, retired the first batter on a great glove-side stab of a sharply hit ground ball to 3rd baseman Lucas Gawlinski. The second batter reached on an infield single and shortstop Evanick then doubled to right-center. When the Homer City runner attempted to score, he was gunned down at home by 2nd baseman Aaron Robb on a perfect relay to catcher Hill. Streightiff finished the inning with a strikeout.

Yaskula drove in both runners with a 2-RBI double in the second inning and a 2-RBI single in the third before Hill plated three.

With the score 10-9, Kittanning went down 1-2-3 in the 6th and Homer City had the momentum in their favor. Kunst entered the game to shut the door, but he left it open a crack by issuing a free pass to Homer City’s leadoff batter. Robb then snagged a sinking liner at second base and Kunst slammed the door with two strikeouts to end the game.