Saturday, May 31, 2003

By Vincent Lewis
SJSports Staff Writer

It was a day that most would have rather stay at home completing their indoor chores that needed to be done. The day’s forecast was not a favorable one for the game of baseball, but it was a day that no one wanted to see this semi-final rescheduled. The steady light rain did not put a damper on this game at Bishop Eustace Prep as the Crusaders were hosting Gloucester Catholic for a chance to advance to the South Jersey Parochial B title. Gloucester Catholic dodged the raindrops and their four run deficit to storm past Eustace by a 10-7 margin. With their victory, the Rams will seek to capture the sectional title at Washington Township on Tuesday.

The Crusaders gave the home crowd a lot to cheer about, especially when Eric Shonewolf’s solo homerun gave Eustace a one run lead after three innings. They would have more reasons to celebrate as their lead swelled even more during the fifth inning. After trailing by a run, starting pitcher Nick Iannucci would enjoy seeing Eustace score five more runs to lead 7-3. Greg Pustizzi highlighted the inning with a two run single.

The Rams have built a successful team for years and coach Dennis Barth has seen his share of comebacks. This year, Gloucester Catholic would be the underdog in this game as they were holding down the third seed in the area’s Parochial B bracket. It didn’t bother Barth’s team to have to travel to Pennsauken to play the second seeded Crusaders team.

The Rams knew they were able to score runs against Iannucci if they remain patient. Scott Ward was definitely calm at the plate during their top half of the fifth when he stroked a shot over the right center fence and onto the highway. During the sixth inning, Gloucester Catholic started their hit parade. John McMullin’s single scored two runners and knotted this game at seven apiece. The go ahead run was scored on a bases loaded walk. Gloucester Catholic would score two more runs in the seventh capping off their three run victory.