Preston Panthers split double-header

Preston Panthers split double-header

An umpire error may have cost Preston High School its’ first regular season game this year, as the Panthers split a double header with Our Lady of Victory on Saturday, April 26, at Veterans Bicentennial Memorial Park. 

Preston went into the second game of the day, looking for a difficult sweep, having dominated in game one, 10-5, picking up 12 hits off Our Lady of Victory starter Samantha Sherding.

It seemed Preston was in good position to sweep with ace Devyn Abbate taking the mound, but two questionable calls in the final inning of action took the game out of their hands, resulting in a 2-1 loss for the Panthers. 

With OLV up 2-1, going into the bottom of the 7th inning, Preston had one last chance to put some runs on the board. 

The first batter, Sarah Cavigliano was ultimately called out on strikes, on what appeared to have been ball four. The next batter, Danielle Sedia, grounded to 3rd base, and appeared to have beaten the throw to 1st base. Still, Sedia was called out.

The two critical outs were followed up by a single from Nicole Cavigliano that could have scored the game-tying run.  Instead, Laura Montalto struck out on the following play.  OLV walked away with a controversial win.

“It was ridiculous,” said Preston head coach Rachel Mazza about the calls of the 7th inning, “[The umpire] was fine until the last inning when there were blatantly bad calls made.”

Up until that point, the game was a pitcher’s duel, scoreless until the third inning when Laura Brezovsky led off for OLV with a sharp single. Stephanie Compana followed it up with another single to the same centerfield location. Both runners would steal 2nd and 3rd base, respectively, as Victoria Baldini struck out.

Dominique Antonucci would also strike out and it appeared Abbate would get out of the jam.  But with runners in scoring position, Marni O’Shea drilled a single into left field that would score Brezovsky. Compana attempted to score as well on the play but was tagged out at home in an amazing play at the plate.

Preston would answer right back.  With two outs and runners on the corners, OLV starter Nicolette Martin threw a wild pitch that enabled Cavigliano to score and tie the game.

It would remain deadlocked until the 6th inning when OLV’s O’Shea singled into centerfield. Kristy Roberts would then drill a single to the fence in left field, enabling O’Shea to score. This was all OLV would need for the win. 

Despite the frustration Mazza was very proud of the girls, who have made a major turnaround since losing in the finals of its own Easter tournament last month.

“We had our ace on the mound and we were strong,” she said, “but it’s always hard to win two.” 

Preston will try to increase their 9-1 record as they head to Aquinas this week.