United solves Yorty, goes to 17-2

Travis Boyle was the winning pitcher and also hit a three-run homer.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- The United High baseball team erupted for nine runs in three innings Thursday, defeating Lisbon 9-5 in a matchup of Tri-County League leaders.
"This was a really big game," said United coach Rick Mulinix, "that we've been waiting a long time to play."
United solved Lisbon's Jay Yorty, who suffered his first loss after seven straight wins.
"We didn't play well in the field," said Yorty, "and I didn't pitch well. So, I have only myself to blame."
Yorty started strong, striking out four over the first two innings. Lisbon grabbed an 1-0 lead as Trevor McMillan crushed Travis Boyle's fastball over the right-center field fence.
Boyle (5-0), who went the distance, helped his own cause with a three-run homer in the third as United pulled ahead 3-1.
"I was surprised that he hit that," said Yorty. "Especially to the opposite field. But then again, I don't pitch that well against lefties."
Boyle seemed equally surprised.
"When I first hit it, it didn't sound too good," Boyle said. "I was surprised it went over the fence."
On-base ordeal
One of the United runners who scored on the home run was Tyler Boyle, whose interesting day at the plate included four runs scored without the benefit of a base hit. Boyle reached twice on walks while twice being hit by pitches. He also stole two bases.
United added a pair of runs in the fourth, thanks in part to two costly Blue Devil errors. Rob Muhlman's RBI single capped the rally.
Muhlman again came up big in the fifth as he singled, this time scoring two runs, as the Eagles took a 9-2 lead. Muhlman also scored twice.
"We were able to get the lead today and Yorty doesn't get behind too often," Mulinix said. "We wanted to see what he could do when the pressure was on. They'll be back, though. But if we show up to play we can play with anybody."
Boyle, who scattered five hits for United (17-2, 10-0 TCL), added, "This will give us confidence. That's for sure."
The teams will meet again next Friday to complete a game that was suspended with United leading 2-0 in the third inning.
Lisbon is 13-4 overall and 9-1 in the TCL.
"We had our chances, even when we got down 3-1," Yorty said of Thursday's game. "But they kept scoring and that's to their credit."