Sean Rash defeated Parker Bohn, III 279-225 to win the PBA Tour stop in Baltimore.

The win was the second of Rash's pro bowling career. His other win came last season as a nonexempt player in West Virginia.

Bohn defeated Chris Loschetter 222-206 in the second semifinal, while Rash knocked off hometown favorite Danny Wiseman 256-236 in the first semifinal.

Rash earned $25,000 and a one-year exemption. Bohn made $13,000, Loschetter picked up $6,500, and Wiseman took home $5,500.

The PBA heads to Long Island this week. ESPN will televise the finals at 1 p.m. Sunday.

For the ideal strike from the right side, the ball needs to hit what four pins and let the pins take over from there? Answer at the end of the column.

Are you thinking about buying a ball for the bowler in your family this Christmas? Here is some information that should help you.Bowling balls are made of four different materials today. The plastic ball is the most controllable, but it usually has the least strike power. Many high-average bowlers use a plastic ball for their spare conversions.The urethane ball provides more friction to the lane, thus allowing for more hook. This is a good step up for the beginner who has been rolling a plastic ball.The reactive resin ball is still the most versatile ball on the market. The reactive cover can be made shiny for less friction on the lane, or you can make it dull through sanding, allowing for more friction. This is a good type of cover stock for bowlers in the 160- to 180- average range.A particle ball will hook the most, making it perfect for bowlers who throw the ball with a lot of speed or for use on very oily lane conditions. The particle ball is best suited for the higher average bowlers.

• Wayne Blank rolled the high game of 288 recently in the Buckhorn League, but John Costa led all bowlers with a 258 game and a 719 series. Jeff Suchonic added a 279 game and a 685 series• Matt Pawlowicz topped all bowlers in the Automotive League with a 256 game and a 690 series. Pete Saul, 255-689, and Dean McIndoe, 257-668 also bowled well.

The "perfect" strike from the right side should be the result when the bowling ball hits the 1-3-5-9 pins. The deflection of these pins should knock over the rest of the rack.For lefties, the ideal strike begins when the ball hits the 1-2-5-8. Of course, angle, ball speed and proper spotting of the pins play a factor, but in general, this rule applies to most "ideal" strikes.

If you have something that you would like to contribute to this column, e-mail me at wiseguyrondo@zoominternet.net or send it to 119 East Patterson Ave., Butler, Pa., 16001.