SLIPPERY ROCK - Grove City baseball coach Pat Forese knew his team would have to play a great game if it were to knock off undefeated Hickory.

As it turned out, it was the Hornets who turned in an nearly perfect performance.

Hickory scored four second-inning runs in support of starting pitcher Dustin Kulka, who proceeded to surrender just one hit in an 8-0 blanking of the Eagles Thursday night in a District 9-10 Class AA semifinal at Slippery Rock University's Critchfield Park.

"I believe this to be the most complete game our team has put together all season long," said Hornets coach Gary Hinkson. "Dustin was great on the mound, our defense was flawless and we got timely hitting."

Kulka struck out eight and walked just two. He didn't allow a base runner until Jesse Alfreno singled to left in the bottom of the fourth inning. It would be Grove City's only base hit of the night.

"We had a (radar) gun on him and his fastball got as high as 89," Forese said. "And he had a decent curveball. For high school hitters, that can be tough to pick up."

Alfreno started on the mound for the Eagles. He pitched 4

innings, striking out five and walking two in the loss.

The Hornets collected three straight hits to begin the second inning. It appeared as though Alfreno might get out of the jam with just two runs against him, but Anthony DeGerolamo smacked a two-out, two-run double to center that made it 4-0.

"Jesse made some very good pitches," said Forese. "And they were lacing them. That's what happens when you go up against a very good-hitting team."

The Eagles' best chance to get back in the game came in the fourth with Hickory up 6-0.

After Alfreno's two-out single, the sophomore stole second and third in front of Dustin Caylor's walk.

But Joe Ennis grounded into a fielder's choice to end the threat.

Hickory added two more runs in the fifth inning, with Grove City's Jim Jaskowak relieving Alfreno by the end of the frame.

For the Eagles (18-4), it was their third loss to Hickory in three games this season. They lost two regular season games to the Hornets by scores of 7-2 and 10-5.

"We knew we'd have to play a great game," said Forese. "They're a very solid team."

Hickory (21-0) lost to Ellwood City in the PIAA quarterfinals last season.

"We won't be forgetting that one any time soon," said Hinkson. "This team has been on a mission since then."

With the victory, the Hornets have earned a PIAA playoff berth. They can head to the state tournament with the District 9-10 title Monday by beating Franklin, who dropped Karns City in the other semifinal contest.

Hickory 040 220 0 - 8 11 0

Grove City 000 000 0 - 0 1 0

WP:

Dustin Kulka (7 IP) 7 strikeouts, 2 walks.

LP:

Jesse Alfreno (4

IP) 5 strikeouts, 2 walks

Grove City (18-4):

Jesse Alfreno 1B 2SB

Hickory (21-0):

Steve Lumpp 2-1B 3B 2R, Craig Osborne 1B 3B RBI R, Eric Kozma 1B 2B RBI 2R, Anthony DeGerolamo 1B 2B 3RBI