Multi-talented Abbott helps lead Maplewood past New London, 11-2

The Rockets will make their third straight trip to the regional final today.
By KURT SNYDER
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
ELYRIA -- Junior Jake Abbott leads the Maplewood baseball team in more ways than one.
Abbott is the Rockets' top pitcher, but he is also the Rockets' top hitter.
Friday was no different as Abbott led the Rockets to an 11-2 win over New London in the Division IV regional semifinal at George Day Field. The Rockets, making their third straight trip to the regional finals will play Ashland Mapleton at 1 p.m. today.
Abbott pitched a complete-game two hitter and had two hits out of the leadoff spot to lead a 12-hit attack.
Maplewood coach Mark Trevelline said Abbott has been the Rockets' catalyst all year.
"He was our pitcher of the year, and he's our batting champion of the year too," Trevelline said.
The Rockets used an error and three walks by New London starter Corey Chaffins to take a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. But the Wildcats tried to answer in the bottom of the inning as Abbott's fielding error put two on with nobody out. But Abbott struck out the next hitter and then started a 1-5-3 double play to kill the threat.
Abbott helped his cause further in the top of the second with an RBI double down the left-field line. Matt Chronister's line single to right two batters later gave the Rockets a 3-0 lead. The senior will be on the mound for the Rockets Saturday.
Abbott, who has played on varsity since his freshman season, said past tournament experience prepared him for his start.
"I just try to concentrate more," Abbott said. "Right before the game, I really warm up good, and I got a good night's sleep yesterday."
The Rockets continued to score in the third as junior centerfielder Danny Morrison drove in two runs with single up the middle.
New London did its only damage to Abbott in the fourth when sophomore Justin Lukes hit a two-run home run to right. But the Rockets immediately responded with five runs in the fifth inning to put the game away. The Rockets had six hits in the inning, and five players each drove in a run.
Abbott said the offense benefited from a lot of batting practice during an eight-day layoff between games.
"We did a lot of hitting -- probably at a two-hour practice, an hour and 15 minutes was hitting," he said.
The Rockets will try to exercise some demons Saturday when they face Ashland Mapleton. The Rockets have lost in the regional final the past two years. But Trevelline is not changing any routines. He does not appear worried about superstition.
"We basically did the same thing," Trevelline said. "If you don't field the ball, hit the ball, it don't matter what time you leave. You just have to play."
ksnyder@vindy.com