High School Baseball:
Pemberton Defeats Williamstown To Take Minuteman Tourny

Saturday, May 1, 1999

By Gary Steiner
SJSports Staff Writer

Left fielder Mike Pfister went 2-4 by slugging a three-run homer in the 2nd inning and a double in the 5th for a total of 4 RBI's to help power the Pemberton Hornets to the Minuteman Tournament Championship. Catcher Gary Schafer also contributed to the 13-3 win over the Williamstown Braves with a 4 hit, 5 RBI performance.

Hornet's pitcher Chris Cotton gave up 9 hits but only walked one in holding Williamstown to just three runs. The Braves' scoring came in the 4th on a 2 RBI double by Shawn Abrams, who then came home on a fielder's choice hit by Dave Hutchinson. The Braves had threatened in the 2nd, but an errant throw to first by the Hornets set up a play at home where the Braves' Pat Fallon was tagged out by Schafer. Cotton then got the Braves' George Caruso to hit a line drive to third baseman Steve Chambers for an unassisted double play.

The win keeps the Hornet's playoff hopes alive, with a record of 6-7 and two games remaining to play before the May 7th cut off date. They must defeat Moorestown at home on Tuesday, then win at Willingboro on Thursday to qualify for post-season play.

"I told the team when they got on the bus that this was a business trip. All business," said Coach John Brida. "I'm proud of what they did. They came out last night and held it (referring to yesterday's 11-10 win over tournament host Washington Township), and came out today and took it. But we're not finished yet."

Photos by Boog Williams

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