Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 8, 2011
SEFFNER — With the tying run at second base in the top of the seventh inning of a 1-0 game Friday, Durant's John Coglianese singled to rightfield and Armwood's Paul John Roundtree came up throwing as Jacob Burgess raced for home.
Tanner Emmons braced for impact as Burgess bore down on the Armwood catcher, who held onto a high throw from Roundtree as Burgess came in high with what looked more like a football block than a play at the plate.
Emmons was pushed back a few steps but held onto the ball, and Burgess was promptly ejected. One out later, the host Hawks had a 1-0 win.
"It was a great throw," Emmons said. "I knew it was going to be close. I just stayed in there and took it.
"As a catcher you've got to be tough. You're going to take some hits."
Armwood coach Mike Wrenn lauded his catcher and rightfielder for a clutch defensive play that allowed his team to hang onto its slim lead.
"That was a strong throw there," Wrenn said. "(Roundtree) got rid of it quickly. He's got a gun."
Armwood starter Josh Spano improved to 2-1 with a complete-game effort. The senior right-hander scattered seven hits for his first shutout of the season.
"The main thing tonight was keeping the ball down," Spano said. "I was going to let them hit it and let my fielders make the plays."
Armwood (11-7) scored the game's lone run in the bottom of the third. Jordan Famaree followed Roundtree's two-out single with a run-scoring double. Those were two of the four hits allowed by Durant starter Trey Oest (0-1).
Durant's late rally began when Burgess was hit by a pitch and stole second base.
After the close play at the plate, Spano induced Luke Heyer to pop out to first baseman Sean Cramer.
