Lumberjacks lose tough game to Franklin
By MIKE LYNCH, Enterprise Sports Writer
POSTED: May 13, 2008
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Provost would be thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a triple, but for a moment, he gave the Lumberjacks a chance at a huge upset Monday.
Franklin Academy won in the eighth inning after Joel Abar scored from third on a ground-out by leadoff hitter Andy Fisher. Abar’s run gave his team a 9-8 win.
At 9-1, Franklin Academy is one of the toughest teams in the area. Meanwhile, Tupper Lake has struggled to a 2-8 record but has played well, at times.
“They’re a top team,” Lumberjack coach Scott Tower said. “We played them tooth-and-nail. I can’t be any more proud of my guys than I am right now.”
The Lumberjacks played catch-up all game but never gave up. When they knotted the contest in the seventh, it was the only time since the first inning that both teams were on an even slate.
The Lumberjacks fell behind in the first inning when Franklin Academy’s first three runners scored. After one inning, it was 3-1 Franklin Academy.
But Tupper Lake saved its best for last, scoring seven runs in the final three innings.
In the seventh inning, Lumberjack Steve Doolen led off with an infield single. Bob Lawyer then reached on an error, putting runners on the corners.
An errant pick-off throw to first allowed Doolen to race home, bringing his team within two runs.
Two outs later, Evan Deschene drew a walk, setting the stage for Provost, who connected to deep left, tying the game.
While the Lumberjacks showed some clutch offense, their starting pitcher also showed courage. Senior Tom Coady took the loss, striking out 10 in a complete game.
“Tom had a lot of heart today,” Tower said. “He pitched like a veteran. He was the leader out there today.”
On offense, Coady contributed a double.
The Lumberjacks were lead by Provost, who had doubles in the sixth and seventh innings for three RBIs.
Leadoff hitter Jimmy Merrihew and No. 3 hitter Steve Doolen each had two singles.
The overall effort of his team brought praise from Tupper Lake’s coach.
“Our record is certainly not indicative of the way we’ve been playing ball,” Tower said. “We’ve been competing with any team in the league. We’re on a roll right now. We’re playing really well.”
Franklin Academy’s coach agreed.
“They keep battling,” Franklin Academy coach Mike Sargent said. “That was a good game.”
Sargent himself did some battling in this game. The Franklin Academy coach was nearly thrown out of the game after the first-base umpire determined that Sargent was verbally abusive toward one of his players.
The umpire chased Sargent to the third base line after an incident with the player and threatened to toss the coach if his demeanor toward the player didn’t change. The umpire’s actions drew applause from the home crowd.
