BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- In a battle of religious schools, Rome Catholic's prayers for a state Class D championship went unanswered on Saturday at Binghamton University, as the Redwings lost to 2007 runner-up Chapel Field from Section IX 2-0.
Under the threat of rain, the game was a fast pitchers' duel between 6-foot-10 RCH righthander Joe Melioris and 6-foot-7 Chapel Field lefthander Travis Renwick. Melioris struck out 10, walked none and allowed only two hits--one of which was an infield single, while Renwick struck out eight, also walked none, and allowed only three hits--one of which was a bunt single.
The difference came in the bottom of the 4th inning. With one out, Melioris struck out Mike Wilson, but a passed ball allowed him to reach first. After another strikeout, Matt Pooley hit a swinging bunt down the third base line for an infield single, on which Wilson went to third. While those were cheapies, the next hit was not, as Joey Schlegel smacked a double to the wall in right field, scoring both runners. Those were the only runs and hits Melioris allowed, but Renwick made sure they were enough.
Rome Catholic's only baserunner after falling behind came on a one-out single in the 7th inning, but a foulout and a comebacker to Renwick quickly ended the game.
This was RCH's third trip to the championship game in four final four appearances (the highlight script is incorrect), but the Redwings have yet to win a title. They lost in the semifinals in 1999 and lost in the final 1983 and 1992.
Despite the end result, the day was still something of a success for the Redwings, as they got to the championship by knocking off top-ranked and previously-undefeated Crown Point from Section VII in the semifinals 13-4.
Tied 2-2 after three innings, lighting and rain delayed the game for an hour in the top of the 4th. When played resumed, Rome Catholic took off, sending 13 batters to the plate in a nine-run outburst. Crown Point helped with two errors in the inning and made five overall. Jake Ross got the win with a complete game effort, allowing four runs (all earned) on nine hits and six walks with seven strikeouts.
With the win and the loss, Rome Catholic, ranked No. 2 in the state coming into the weekend, finishes the season 21-5. The Redwings will have a lot of work to do to repeat their success next season, as their entire lineup is graduating this year.
Meanwhile in the state Class C final four at Conlon Field, defending champion Fort Plain from Section II could not get a repeat, falling to Section IV's Thomas Edison in the semifinals 4-1.
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