Sandstone uses late scoring surge to top Carlton for Midget League playoff title

Photos by Cheryl Wertman – Sandstone shortstop Garrett Smith gets set to put a tag on Carlton’s Jack Conn during this afternoon’s Albion Midget League championship game at the Midget League Field.

A big late inning scoring burst keyed Sandstone to a 7-2 win over Carlton in the Albion Midget League playoff championship game this afternoon at the Midget League Field.

Omer Fugate delivers a pitch for Sandstone.

Breaking away from a 2-2 deadlock, Sandstone moved on top to stay by erupting for five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning on a two-run single by Eli Johnson, an RBI double by Rocco Sidari, an RBI single by Brayden LaMartina and an error. Johnson also had a double in the second inning.

Omer Fugate went the distance on the mound for Sandstone allowing only 1 hit and striking out 16.

Sandstone grabbed a 2-0 lead in the third inning on a two-run single by Fugate which followed singles by Wesley LeFrois and Drew Pritchard who had a total of 3 hits on the day.

Carlton quickly tied the game with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth on a single by Noah Kowalski, an error and a fielders choice play off the bat of Jack Conn.

However, Carlton could not cross the plate again as Fugate retired 6 of the final 7 batters he faced on 4 strikeouts and a pair of outs by Pritchard at first base.

In the semifinals this past Tuesday regular season champion Sandstone defeated Rotary 15-1 and Carlton downed Elba 7-1.

Carlton shortstop Jack Conn goes high to take a throw as Sandstone’s Eli Johnson slides into second base.