WPCNR PRESS BOX. By John F. Bailey. May 24, 2005: The "THWOCK" told the story.  Kelsey Kulk had gotten all of a pitch in her wheelhouse and it was launched into the gray squally skies over O'Donnell's Bluff. It soared with majesty,  headed way way back and 10 feet over the centerfield fence for a 2-run homer. The Kulkster's clout scored Dena Frederick ahead of her for a 2-0 Tiger lead in the first. Kulk's pitching then made it stand up over the next  six windswept innings for a 2-1 win. A solo homer by RCK's Amanda Vetrano was hit even farther over the left field fence in the fourth accounting for the only R. C. Ketcham run.

Kelsey Kulk Finishing Roy C. Ketcham High off in the 7th under Apocalypse Skies on Windswept Frigid O'Donnell's Bluff. Photo by WPCNR Sports.

The only threat Ketcham had occurred in the sixth when an error and a bunt single put two on with nobody out. After an intentional pass to RCK's big bopper, Amanda Vetrano,  there were three on and 1 out, Tigers leading 2-1. The game was in the frying pan.

 On a 1-strike pitch, Ketcham's clean up hitter lofted a high looming pop down the right field line behind first. Christine Younkin reaching above her head hauled it in for out number one, set and threw to the plate.

Ketcham's coach sent the runner from third for RCK's one shot at the  equalizer.

Younkin uncorked a strong throw on one-bounce landing up  the first base line from the right field corner to Tiger Catcher Sandra Mastrangelo.

Sandra backhanded the ball at the plate, whirled and ran slightly up the line, having the RCK runner out by five feet and tagged her  (who did not slide)  five feet in front of the dish.

OWWWWWT!

It was a bang-bang 9-2 double play and the Kulkster was out of the inning. Kelsey set Ketcham down 1-2-3 in the seventh to carry the Tigers to their second win in Sectional Play. Kulk fanned 9, walked 1 intentionally.

Carrie Abbott returned to third base for the Tigers and played a bangup game at third firing out 3 Ketchams on two bang-bang bunts at first, and a third sparkler. Danielle Szabo was back at short, and Dena Frederick moved to left field, but were not tested as only one RCK-er got around on Kulk the whole afternoon. Only three balls were hit to the outfield.

Kulk was not as overpowering as she was against Arlington last week, but was slicing and dicing the corners neatly, throwing the exploder for the big pitch. The game was intense against a worthy and poised opponent.

The Tigers play John Jay Cross River Thursday upcounty in their next Sectional Test. Jay Jay Cross River defeated North Rockland today. In other action, John Jay East Fishkill shut out Horace Greeley 2-0, and Carmel rallied to beat Brewster 5-4.  Carmel takes on John Jay East Fishkill Thursday.

Coach Ted O'Donnell and the Tigers at their Debriefing After today's game. Photo by WPCNR Sports.