Lodi takes ‘W’ over Lincoln
Chad Plath was looking to go the distance on the mound for his Lodi High baseball teammates.
But finishing most of Tuesday’s Tri-City Athletic League meeting against Lincoln was just as good. Along with contributions from the Flames’ offense and defense, it all added up to Lodi posting a 3-1 win at Zupo Field. This game, which was Plath’s firstever win on the hill, was the first of their three meetings this week.
In five innings of work, Plath, a senior, gave up only three hits, but two in the top of the fifth. He struck out two and walked three Lincoln (3-1 in the TCAL, 9-6) batters.
“Let me tell you, It’s been a dream of mine to come into baseball and get my first league win in my career at Lodi High,” said Plath, a senior who is going to Greenville University in Greenville, Ill to play college baseball next school year. “I’ve been on the backburner the last two years. Being the No. 2 man, it’s just a joy to be out here. I’m very glad, I’m very humbled.”
After Plath faced the first batter in the top of the sixth inning, Lodi coach Hobie Schultz summoned Jonathan Charboneau from left field to pitch the rest of the game. Charboneau allowed no hits, struck out one and walked one.
“I thought he did outstanding,” said Schultz of Plath. “He’s getting better each time he steps out there. He’s going out there with more confidence, and that’s good. Chad deserved to win.”
The Flames’ defense recorded 16 outs. Two of those came from Lodi catcher Bobby Yabumoto, who threw out two Lincoln runners at first base in a pick-off and the other on trying to steal second base.
“I’m glad the boys were behind me, put up a great defense today,” said Plath of the Flames’ defense.
The Trojans went three and out in the top of the first inning, Lodi leadoff hitter Logan Morita started the Flames’ offensive outburst in the bottom of the inning with a single to left field. After Colton Smithhardt walked, Angelo Zazzarino bunted down the third base line that moved Morita and Smithhardt to third and second bases respectively, and loaded the bases.
Then Lodi first baseman Evan Webb drove home Morita and Smithhardt home on a single into left field. Designated hitter Hayden Lewis sent Zazzarino home on a single up the middle for the Flames’ final run and a 3-0 lead.
Lincoln scored its only run in the top of the fifth inning. Michael Wanklin reached first base on a fielder’s choice. After moving to second and third bases on passed balls, Wanklin went home after Alexander Low beat out an infield single.
“I think we still need to be more consistent with our defense,” Schultz said. “We looked good at times. We played well enough to win the game.”
After scoring its lone run, Lincoln loaded the bases with two outs. But the Flames got out of the jam on Lincoln’s Kevin Gomez grounded to Stout, the Flames’ shortstop, who threw the ball to Webb to register the final out of the inning.
“Hats off to them,” said Plath of the Trojans’ battle in that inning. “They were hitting the ball. I wanted ground balls. I knew our guys could make the plays. As long as I’m getting outs, I’m happy.”
Earlier in the game, Lodi 8-7, 2-2 in the TCAL) had its opportunities to add more to its runs. In the bottom of the second inning with two outs, Smithhardt, only a freshman, tripled deep to the right-center field fence. But a strike out ended the Flames’ chance.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lewis had his second hit of the game, another single, then an infield hit by Stout gave Lodi another chance to score. But Lincoln ended the threat thanks to a fielder’s choice and another strikeout.
Lewis was the only Flame who had more than one hit, going 2-for-3, both singles. The remaining five hits were spread among Morita, Smithhardt, Evan Webb, Logan Stout and Angelo Zazzarino.
Lodi and Lincoln meet again on the Trojans’ diamond on Thursday. Then they meet for the final game at Zupo Field on Friday.
Contact reporter Mike Bush at mikeb@lodinews.com. Follow on Twitter: @MBushLodiSports.