Washington Township Hammers Out Diamond Classic Win

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High School Baseball:
Washington Township Hammers Out Diamond Classic Win
Sunday, May 19, 2002

By Art Redd
SJSports Staff Writer

After another day of rain on Saturday that postponed the 29th Annual Joe Hartmann Diamond Classic, Washington Township and Williamstown were the second game of the day competing in a quarterfinal match up at Deptford High School. Washington Township had little trouble against Williamstown as they jumped all over their opponent. The Minutemen scored 10 runs in the fourth and fifth innings to end this game early by a 14-1 victory. The first game of the day saw Buena defeat Woodstown to advance to the next round against the Minutemen.

It has been widely know that the previous Diamond Classic Tournament champs have been Gloucester Catholic. The Rams have won 6 of the last 8 tournaments dating back to their 1994 victory over Pitman. Coach Dennis Barth has been getting use to seeing his team come out on top with his successful baseball program he has built. But this year, they were knocked out of this tournament by Washington Township with a 5-4 extra innings victory in the first round.

Washington Township loaded the bases with one out in the top of the first inning. Ryne Cantwell accounted for the first run of the day when he drew a four-pitch walk to score Nick Sbarra. Troubles would continue for Chris Yurick as he had problems finding the plate early on. During the inning, Yurick was hit hard in his lower left leg when Washington Township's Justin Heller lined a ball up the middle. Yurick would stay in the game for Williamstown, but his troubles continued.

Township would bat around in the fourth inning scoring four runs, and send 12 batters to the plate put Williamstown in a position they could not overcome. Washington Township walked away with a 14-1 when and now will go up against Buena in a semi-final game this Saturday at Deptford High School. The other game will see the Sterling Silver Knights battle the Mustangs from Mainland at Washington High School.

Photos by Art Redd