Rockets split at series

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — The Rockets used up all their hits in the morning.
Portland split its two games in pool play at the National Amateur Baseball Federation World Series on Friday, winning the morning game 4-1 over Peppino’s Pizza from Sparta, Mich., before falling 8-1 in the evening to Chicago’s Beecher Muskies.
The offense was in sync in game one, with the Rockets putting together 14 hits in the win.
Dalton Tinsley went deep to open the game with a leadoff home run, and Jay County High School graduate Billy Wellman led the offensive charge with four hits. Zach Tanner and Justin Marrero each put together three hits.
South Adams High School grad Dan Bollenbacher went the distance on the mound for the win, surrendering six hits and striking out 10.
The Rockets didn’t fare nearly as well against the Muskies.
Starter Bill Geeslin was pulled after four innings when the Chicago squad jumped out to a 6-0 lead. Justin Miller and Ethan Daggett were able to hold the Muskies to two more runs the rest of the way, but the Rocket offense never clicked.
Portland had a mere four hits as good pitching confounded the Rockets once again after they mustered only four hits in their World Series opener Thursday.
Rockets manager Randy Miller said he believed Portland’s 1-2 record thus far in the World Series had already eliminated the team from playing in the championship tournament, which includes the top two teams from each five-team pool.
“We’re seeing some older players and some very, very impressive pitching,” Miller said of the NABF competition. “You see some guys going up the ladder and some guys coming down the ladder from the pros that are back in the amateur league.”
Despite the 1-2 record, Miller said the important thing was the pride and tradition that Portland is bringing to its first World Series appearance.
“We have 21 players and three coaches and 53 years of tradition,” Miller said. “We’re Portland proud. We’re proud to be representing Portland at the World Series.”
The Rockets will take on the Perdue Chick’s from Salisbury, Md., at 10 a.m. today, with Michael Caley on the mound for the start.


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