JACKSON TWP — Sometimes it's not that you get a hit, it's when you get it.

Such was the case in Seneca Valley's home game against Pine-Richland Friday.

The Raiders outhit the Rams, but a third-inning grand slam from P-R's T.J. Kuban sparked his team's 10-2 Section 1-AAAA victory.

"I thought we hit the ball well today," said SV coach Eric Semega. "But we got our hits with the bases empty. Sometimes that happens."

The Raiders took a 1-0 lead into the third inning following Jay Condit's first-inning double that scored courtesy runner Dave Coradi.

But after two perfect innings, SV starter Nick Kendrick encountered immediate trouble in the top of the third.

Consecutive walks to John Benton and Russell Clark were followed by a sacrifice bunt attempt by Justin Williams, but the Raiders were unable to record an out and the bases were loaded.

Zach Laneve's single scored two runs and another defensive breakdown allowed Mitch Elliot to reach base after putting down what was supposed to be another sacrifice bunt.

With the bases loaded, Kuban stepped to the plate and lofted a high fly ball over the left-field fence.

"A few walks, not being able to field bunts and the merry-go-round has begun," said Semega. "But you can't blame (Kendrick). We wouldn't be (in the playoff hunt) if it weren't for him. And that home run, that's a pop up in any other park."

"We knew we had to get to (Kendrick)," said Rams coach Kurt Wolfe. "When you let him get comfortable, he dictates the game."

Kendrick pitched 5Z\c innings, walking seven and striking out three in the loss.

The Raiders (8-5, 5-5) fought back with one run in the fourth inning when Condit doubled for the second time and scored on Blake Henderson's single off of P-R starter Mike Benton.

But it was in the fifth inning that the Raiders missed their best chance to put heat on the Rams.

Trailing 6-2, Vinny Rice's one-out single was followed by Matt Kloos' base hit.

After a fielder's choice left runners at first and second with two outs, Condit walked to load the bases.

Wolfe sent pitching coach Jeff Hack to speak with Mike Benton.

"We talked all game about throwing strikes," said Wolfe. "If they beat us with a hit, so be it. But you have to throw strikes."

Benton got the message and got Jake Double to fly out to right to end the inning.

Benton pitched the first six innings and was pulled after walking Rice to start the seventh frame.

Brad Lalli got the final three outs for the Rams (16-1, 9-1).

Kuban added a two-run single in the sixth inning and finished the game with six RBI.

Pine-Richland 006 003 1 — 10 8 0Seneca Valley 100 100 0 — 2 9 0W: Mike Benton (6+ IP) 2 K, 3 BB.

L: Nick Kendrick (5Z\c IP) 3 K, 7 BB.

Pine-Richland (16-1, 9-1): Zach Laneve 1B 2R 2 RBI, Mitch Elliot 1B R, T.J. Kuban 1B GSHR 6 RBI, Ryan Nussbaum 1B, Matt Yoklic R, John Benton 2R, Russell Clark 1B RBI, Justin Williams 2-1B 2R, Ronny Peirish R

Seneca Valley (8-5, 5-5): Vinny Rice 2-1B, Matt Kloos 2-1B, Jay Condit 2-2B R RBI, Blake Henderson 1B RBI, Nick Kendrick 1B, Matt Plautz 2B, Dave Coradi R

Monday: Seneca Valley at North Allegheny