Holley edges past Bloomfield in Class CC sectional opener

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Holley’s Nick Passarell makes a nice running catch in centerfield during the host Hawks sectional win over Bloomfield this afternoon.

Making the most of just six hits, No. 2 seed Holley edged past visiting No. 15 Bloomfield 3-1 this afternoon in the opening round of the Section V Class CC baseball playoffs.

Five of Hawks hits figured in plating the three runs as Holley advances to Friday’s quarterfinal round with a 15-4 record.

“Their pitcher was very crafty and kept us on our toes,” said Holley Coach Jason Cole. “But that is what you are going to get in the sectionals. You are going to get everyone’s best.”

Holley grabbed a 1-0 lead in the fourth inning as Joe DeFelice, who had three hits on the day, singled, stole second and third and came home on a wild pitch.

The Hawks made it 2-0 in the fifth as Nick Passarell banged out a lead off double and scored on a two out single by winning pitcher Jon Bower. Passarell also made a nifty catch in centerfield in the second inning.

“Getting that run with two outs was really big,” said Cole. “Jon just had a great day both pitching and getting that two out hit.”

Jon Bower delivers a pitch for Holley.

Bloomfield did cut the deficit to 2-1 in the top of the sixth on a walk and two singles. However, Holley got out of further trouble as a nice relay throw from Lucas Silvis in right to Sam Lammes at second to DeFelice at short got the final out at second base stranding the Bombers potential tying runner at third base.

“We stress the importance of hitting the cutoff because it is going to happen and it di and that was a big play,” said Cole.

Holley got that run right back in the top of the seventh as DeFelice singled, stole second and came home with the big insurance tally on a single by Silvis.

Bower pitched the first six innings allowing 4 hits and striking out 10.

DeFelice came on to hurl the seventh and retired the Bombers in order on a groundout to Bower, who made a nice pick up at short, a grounder back to the mound and a strikeout.

The Hawks will now host the winner of the No. 10 South Seneca vs. No. 7 Canisteo game in the quarterfinal on Friday.

Holley’s Lucas Silvis drove in the Hawks final run. The Bloomfield catcher is Isaiah Keyes.

Tennis

Marion 4, Kendall 1

Top seeded Marion defeated Kendall 4-1 this afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Section V Class DD tennis playoffs.

Riley Iqbal scored a straight set win at first singles for Kendall’s lone point.