Good news from Saturday

I think we all can agree that the Mid-Penn Capital Division one-game playoff between Trinity and West Perry had many negatives.

The weather was ugly and as the game stretched over the three-hour mark, errors began to mount. Plus, it was apparent before the game even started that neither Trinity boss Al Hobby or West Perry coach Jeff Sanno were willing to stretch any of their pitchers too far.

Those factors produced a crazy 16-15 game that lasted three hours and 31 minutes.

Trinity was the loser, but Hobby exited soggy and foggy Perry County with at least one positive: the veteran skipper found a reliable relief pitcher, which is important considering Colin King and Dan Resavy have carried most of the load for Trinity this spring.

After this first two pitchers failed to retired West Perry in the first inning Saturday, Hobby brought in Dan Scarpelli, his starting shortstop who pitched a total of 12 1/3 innings prior to Saturday.

Scarpelli lasted 4 1/3 against the powerful Mustangs and finished with a line of five runs (two earned) on five hits with three strikeouts and four walks.

It wasn't an outstanding outing, but it was enough to keep Trinity in the game. And, if Hobby needs a pitcher in the upcoming District 3 Class AAA playoffs, he now knows he can depend on Scarpelli.

"Look at Scarpelli," Hobby said. "He's our starting shortstop and he comes out here and throws (90 pitches) and basically keeps us in the game."

Sure, Trinity wanted to win, but even in defeat, there was a positive for the Shamrocks on Saturday.