Yarmouth ousts Leavitt in Class B preliminary round contest

Yarmouth’s James Wooler dives back to first base as Leavitt’s Ian Godfrey attempts to tag him out during Tuesday night’s baseball game at Leavitt.

TURNER — Gibson Harnett gave up just two hits while fanning nine Hornets as No. 9 Yarmouth defeated No. 8 Leavitt, 8-1, in a Class B preliminary baseball matchup Tuesday afternoon.

Harnett got stronger as they game progressed, allowing just an unearned run in the first while surrendering a pair of Lucas Perry singles before retiring 19 of the last 20 batters he faced to earn the victory.

“He was the aggressor today, attacking their hitters throwing a lot of first ball strikes,” Yarmouth coach Marc Halsted said. “He and the catcher worked well together today, I think I may have only called five pitches all game.”

The senior needed just 89 pitches, having only one three-ball count the entire game.

“When getting first-pitch strikes, it’s real helpful. I was able to keep my pitch count down. Not having any walks takes the pressure off our guys and they’re able to make the plays behind me,” Harnett said.

“Gibson pitched great today. A ton of first-pitch strikes, putting pressure on their hitters,” Clippers catcher James Waaler said.

Leavitt starter Brian Hewitt came out of the gates efficiently, as well, needing just seven pitches in the top half of the first inning to set down Yarmouth in order. The Hornets scored first when Ian Godfrey reached on a throwing error, made it to third on a wild pitch and scored on a Tim Albert ground out. Perry ripped his first single up the middle, but was forced out at second on a fielders choice to end the frame.

Hewitt pitched out of jams created by a single and an error in each of the second and third innings, stranding runners at second and third while inducing groundball outs. The Yarmouth hitters began catching up to the hurler in the fourth. After a leadoff single by Waaler and a fly out, they strung together five straight base hits, highlighted by a two run single by Nate Dealaman. A walk and a costly Leavitt throwing error would plate two more runs before the inning ended, with Yarmouth leading 4-1.

“He pitched well for us today, unfortunately we didn’t make a couple of plays early on and they made us pay for it,” Hornets coach Larry Angello said. “Once runners got on, he started to leave the ball up and they hit him. They’ve got some real good hitters on that team.”

Staked to a three run lead, Harnett allowed Perry’s second hit of the game with one out in the fourth. He was the last Leavitt runner to reach base.

“He was throwing strikes today. He was the best pitcher we’ve faced this year,” Perry said.

Hewitt reached the sixth inning, coming out after getting the first two batters, finishing with 94 pitches. He gave up eight hits, striking out five while walking none. David Herman came into the game and recorded the final out in the sixth.

“We’ve got all of our starting pitchers coming back next year. Even though we’re losing some quality seniors, we have some good young players coming up from our junior varsity program, we will compete again next year,” Angello said.

Harnett led off the seventh inning with a double. He reached third on a Jack Romano single and came in to score on a passed ball. Waaler got his fourth hit of the game and stole second, forcing an intentional pass to load the bases. Designated hitter Dom Morrill promptly ripped a single into left center scoring both Romano and Waaler. Another pair of unearned runs gave the Clippers (12-5) an 8-1 lead.

“Waaler has good speed for a catcher. He got on base to lead off an inning a couple of times for us, helps put pressure on the defense,” Halsted said.

Harnett finished off the Hornets in the seventh with three strikeouts, despite a nine pitch at bat from Perry. Leavitt finishes it season at 10-7. Yarmouth will travel to play number one seed Bridgeway on Thursday.