Jun 29, 2008

Experienced hurler helps Hillsborough in 10-run rout

Lynch uses low strike zone to his advantage in first round

By Vytas Mazeika / Daily News Staff Writer

Experience matters at all levels, including the Little League District 52 9-and-10-year-old All-Stars Tournament.

Hillsborough had Timmy Lynch, an intimidating presence on the mound who turned 11 in May and is in his second go-around as an All-Star. His opponent, Palo Alto American, had nine out of 10 players debuting as All-Stars.

The result was a 10-0 mercy-rule win for Hillsborough that lasted less than four innings Saturday afternoon at the Belmont Sports Complex.

"I just kind of go out on the mound, get my three outs and go back in," said Lynch, who struck out seven, walked none and scattered four hits - one each inning.

"I think they played with some heart and got some good hits," Palo Alto American coach Russ Sampson said of his squad. "A few hits, anyway. But not enough to sustain a rally."

Hillsborough used a five-run rally with no outs in the bottom of the fourth to win in the walk-off variety thanks to a George Delegans RBI single. Delegans' biggest contribution, though, came on defense.

"He's a good shortstop," Lynch said. "He has an arm."

After striking out the side in the top of the second, Lynch's pitch count was quickly on the rise. Then a one-out single from Palo Alto American's Davis Rich in the top of the third set up the improbable, as Lynch fielded a comebacker and threw the ball to Delegans at second for the force out. Delegans then showed off his cannon of an arm, firing to first baseman Alex Waldsmith.

"When I fielded the ball I was just thinking one out at second base, and then our infield came through and turned the double play," Lynch said. "That's two quick outs in one play."

Run support for Hillsborough started with a double steal in the bottom of the first, as pinch-runner Matt Savage stole home for a 1-0 lead. Three more runs crossed home plate in the bottom of the second, as third baseman Spencer Sinclair drove in a pair with a single and scored on a Miles Todzo single.

The loudest hit came courtesy of Blake Marcus, who gave Hillsborough a 5-0 in the bottom of the third with a solo home run to straight center.

"I thought it was going to bounce right in front of the fence," Marcus said. "I started to run to first and then I saw it go over the fence. And then I was happy because it was my first home run."

All the while, Lynch was cruising as he took advantage of a low strike zone that inexperienced Palo Alto American never quite figured out.

"The strike zone was a little lower than they were used to, and emotionally they started to come unraveled," Sampson said. "I think that hurt us more than the good pitching. Hopefully, it's a good lesson."

The decisive bottom of the fourth started with a leadoff double from Nick Pratt, who later scored on an error. With the bases loaded, Lynch helped his own cause by hitting a two-run single, with a third run scoring on another error.

The scoreboard read 9-0, and two batters later Delegans drove Lynch home to send Hillsborough through into the winner's bracket.

Palo Alto American, which did get a double from catcher Sean Weller, will have to rely on all six of its pitchers to get through the bottom half of the bracket.

"Whether we can make it all the way through is going to be a really tough thing," Sampson said. "But we can certainly go a long way in this tournament."

At least next time out, Palo Alto American will have more experience.



E-mail Vytas Mazeika at vmazeika@dailynewsgroup.com.