DIVISION III BASEBALL TOURNAMENT Springfield romps in sectional game

The Tigers cruised to a 13-3 win over United to advance against Campbell.
By BOB ROTH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- The overcast sky cast a shadow on United High Monday, as the Eagles lost to Springfield 13-3 in a Division III sectional baseball tournament game.
Springfield took a 2-0 lead in the first inning and never trailed, advancing to play Campbell Memorial next Monday at Cene Park.
Jon Vivo reached on an error and Dan Schuler hit the first of two doubles to spark the Tigers (3-13).
"This is a whole new season and a fresh start for us." said Schuler. "We had good batting practice [Sunday]."
Springfield leading 3-0, batted around in the fourth inning, scoring five runs on two hits. United committed three errors, threw two wild pitches and a had passed ball. Chase Dobson hit a triple that rattled around in the right-field corner, scoring two runs.
"They booted the ball around, but we were aggressive at the plate and put the ball in play," Springfield coach Cory Gregorino said. "That is good news for us at this time of the season."
Springfield scored two runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth.
No-hit bid stopped
Springfield pitcher Paul Savaet (1-4) had a no-hitter through four innings, but Cory Manfull smacked a shot off the shortstop's glove that landed in left field. One out later, Alex Koch lined a single to center and Travis Boyle followed with a single to right-center.
Koch and Boyle each went 2-for-3 and Greg Casto's RBI double scored two runs in the sixth inning.
"It was a big game for us and all I wanted to think about was winning, so I just wanted to throw strikes," said Savaet, a junior.
Tigers' designated hitter Aaron Wood scored two runs and added two RBIs.
Dobson had a triple and a single, scoring two runs and adding two RBIs.
"There wasn't much doubt about Springfield being the best team today," said United (8-13) coach Rick Mulinix.
"By far, this was the worst game we played this season and it surely wasn't the best time for it to happen."