McDonald rallies for ITCL title

By Jim Flick

The Blue Devils scored four runs in the sixth inning to defeat Lowellville, 7-6.

McDONALD — A determined McDonald High baseball squad twice stormed back from three-run deficits to defeat Lowellville, 7-6, Tuesday, clinching the Inter Tri-County League Tier Two championship.

The Blue Devils (15-4, 12-2) were led by Mike Gatta, who smacked a two-run homer, drove in three runs and took the mound in the sixth inning to earn the victory.

“Our kids always persevere,” said McDonald coach Dan Williams. “They haven’t quit this year. Once, they came back from nine runs down. Our kids just seem to find a way to win.”

Likewise, Lowellville (14-5, 11-3) was also led by a pitcher who smacked a home run and knocked in three runs.

Drew Skelley started the game for the Rockets and pitched five strong innings.

Skelley knocked in the game’s first run with a second-inning home run and added a third RBI in the third inning.

Thanks to Skelley’s bat, Lowellville led 3-0 until the bottom of the fourth, when McDonald second baseman Bill Rees led off with a double.

Rees advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a balk.

The Blue Devils scored two more runs in the inning to tie the score at 3-3.

After a quiet fifth inning for both teams, Lowellville scored three more runs in a rally that included singles by shortstop Anthony Alfano and right fielder Louie Lebron, and a double by center fielder Vince Travaline.

But Lowellville’s lead didn’t last long.

After Anthony Fosseca led off the bottom the sixth for McDonald with a single, Mike Gatta blasted a two-run homer to right.

Third baseman Anthony Raschilla followed with a single, and center fielder Mike Thomas reached base on an infield grounder.

The Blue Devils then took advantage of Lowellville misplays to score two more runs, taking a 7-6 lead.

Lowellville went quietly in the top of the seventh, as Gatta retired the Rockets in order to seal the victory.

Mike Gatta was the third pitcher of the game for the Blue Devils. Nick Gatta started the game on the mound for McDonald, and Alex Baker took over in the third inning.

For Lowellville, Skelley pitched the first five innings before Donte Abbas took over in the sixth inning and finished the game.

“The best two teams in the league battled it out until the last out,” said Lowellville coach Sam Pitzulo.

The Rockets “had a terrific year,” added Lowellville assistant coach Chuck Cormell.

“Anytime you play ‘til the last out, in a championship game, you’ve had a good season.”

“Sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t,” Cormell added.