Delayed decision
JACKSON TWP — The Seneca Valley baseball team looked to be on its way to a third straight section victory.
But Shaler's late-inning rally — and Mother Nature — have put the potential win on hold.
Trailing 2-0 in the top of the sixth inning, Shaler managed an RBI groundout from Josh Logan and a run-scoring double from Troy Handza.
Much of the game was played in a light rain, but after heavier showers and a lightning strike, the game was suspended with the Titans batting in the top of the seventh inning with a runner on first and one out.
The game will be continued at 2 p.m. Saturday at Raider Field.
Shaler's runs came off of SV starter Kyle Helisek, who had given up only two hits in the first five innings. The left-hander struck out five and walked two.
"Kyle made a couple of mistakes today and he wasn't as sharp as usual," said SV coach Eric Semega. "But, overall, I thought he pitched well."
Shaler starter John Kobler, also a left-hander, also pitched well, striking out four and walking two.
After giving up a two-run single to the Raiders' Tyler Bream that plated Mike Eonta and Shaine Patsilevas in the bottom of the third, Kobler surrendered just two hits over the next three innings.
The Raiders (5-1, 2-1) threatened in their half of the fifth with runners on first and third with one out, but Kobler got SV designated hitter Andrew Fornadel to bounce into a 1-6-3 double play.
In the bottom of the sixth, with the rain picking up, SV had runners on first and second with two outs, but Eonta's fly ball was caught by Handza in right field to end the inning.
With one out in the top of the seventh, Shaler's Taylor Juran singled before the game was suspended.
Shaler 000 002 x—2 5 3Seneca Valley 002 000 x—2 6 0Shaler: John Kobler (4 K, 2 BB).
Seneca Valley: Kyle Helisek (5 K, 2 BB).
Shaler (4-4, 3-1): Josh Logan 2B R RBI, Troy Handza 2B RBI, John Kobler 1B, Ryan Fazio 1B, Taylor Juran 1B, Tom Lutz R
Seneca Valley (5-1, 2-1): Ken Walrond 2-1B SB, Shaine Patsilevas 1B R, Cory Mazzoni 1B, Tyler Bream 1B 2 RBI, Mike Eonta 1B R
Today: Shaler at Seneca Valley, 2 p.m., conclusion of Friday's game
