Sports
Dundalk Falls to Lansdowne in 2A Baseball Playoff
Despite the season-ending loss, there were several strong individual performances by Dundalk hitters. In the girls 2A North region softball playoffs, Dundalk fell to Eastern Tech, 10-0.
The Dundalk baseball team has been eliminated from the 2A state playoffs after suffering an 11-5 defeat against Lansdowne. The loss marks the end of state title hopes for the team.
“We played well, but give Lansdowne all the credit they deserve,” said head coach Brian Powell. “We played well all year.”
Dundalk pitcher Sean Bialaszek took on the starting job to open up the game. The Owls fell behind 1-0 in the top of the first inning, but responded in the bottom of the second.
Designated hitter Vinny Livingston opened the bottom of the second inning with a single, which was followed by another single from junior third baseman Jasper Smith. Zyle Babcock opened up the scoring with a RBI and single of his own. Smith was able to rush the home plate and score after a Lansdowne error. The second inning ended with Dundalk up 2-1.
Lansdowne responded quickly in the third inning to take the lead 3-2 before breaking open offensively in the fourth inning. Lansdowne went on a tear and rattled off five runs, including a home run, to take the lead, 8-2.
Dundalk fought back with an RBI from senior catcher Nick Stritch in the bottom of the fourth, but the team was unable to climb out of the hole. In the fifth inning, Babcock relieved Bialaszek, but the change was not enough to make a difference in the end.
Dundalk was hurt by defensive errors coming at crucial moments in the game, with Lansdowne taking advantage and scoring in bunches. On defense, Lansdowne fought off threats and ended the inning three times when Dundalk had bases loaded.
Despite the season-ending loss, there were several strong individual performances. Stritch pulled in two RBIs. Babcock, Livingston, Delfaco and Smith each added two singles. Senior leader Jose Welsh got on base with two walks and a single.
“We played very well all year and went 12-5, but our goal is to win championships and we fell short,” said Welsh.
Lansdowne will move on to the 2A North Regional Championship against Digital Harbor.
In the 2A North region softball semifinals, Dundalk lost to Eastern Tech, 10-0. The Owls beat Edmondson/Westside in quarterfinals, 16-6.
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- by Josh Fitch
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