Senior shortstop Nick Commisso quickly redeemed himself in East Syracuse Minoa’s matchup against Auburn on Thursday.
After a miscue in the top of the seventh inning, Commisso delivered the game-winning hit to lift the Spartans past the Maroons, 4-3.
“(Nick) could have easily been irritated and ended up battling in his at-bat,” ESM coach John Herrington said. “But he won it for us (in the bottom of the seventh).”
The win was sweeter since it was the Spartans’ first one of the season.
“It was nice to get this win in what was a great high school baseball game,” Herrington said.
ESM brought a 3-1 lead into the seventh inning. Auburn, however, erased it in the top half of the inning.
The Maroons laid down some bunts and took advantage of some mixes by the Spartans. Commisso was getting ready to throw to first base for a routine final out of the game, but an off-the-mark throw scored the tying run for the Maroons.
Herrington said his players were visibly upset in the dugout, but he told his players it was “gut-check time” in the bottom half.
“I told them we still have the (bottom of the seventh) to take care of business,” Herrington said.
The Spartans loaded the bases with the winning run on third base. Commisso settled into the batter’s box, took a couple of pitches then hit the ball over the center fielder’s head for the game-clinching hit.
“I was so proud of him,” Herrington said.
Luke Liedka got the win on the mound for the Spartans. He went 5 2/3 innings and gave up a run, three hits and four walks and fanned 12 batters.
“(Liedka) was solid. He was a bit off in the first inning, but he dialed in after that,” Herrington said. “He didn’t have any innings where he struggled. He was in control and his curveball was working. Luke really battled.”
Also for ESM, AJ Graham collected two singles, drove in a run, scored and stole two bases.
Michael Ambroggio and Jason Irwin both had a hit and scored a run for the Maroons. On the bump, Owen Birchard pitched four innings and allowed three runs (two earned) and two hits and struck out nine. Steven Ambroggio tossed two innings in relief and gave up an unearned run and five hits and struck out three.
ESM (1-2) and Auburn (0-5) will meet again at 6:30 pm Friday at Falcon Park.
“Hopefully we can keep the intensity going,” Herrington said.
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