PT falls short against unbeaten Plum
By Chris Dugan
Sports Editor
dugan@observer-reporter.com
WEXFORD - Starter Alex Kirilloff and reliever Ethan Wineburg combined on a one-hit shutout for top-seeded Plum (21-0).
Kirilloff, considered a potential first-round draft pick – as a hitter – in next month’s major league amateur draft, allowed only a third-inning infield single by Peters Township shortstop Alex Mundy over six innings. A lefty, Kirilloff struck out 11 but issued five walks. The Indians (13-8), however, were unable to capitalize on the free passes, stranding six baserunners. The Indians had only one runner reach third base.
Wineburgh replaced Kirilloff on the mound to start the seventh and got the final three outs, two via strikeout.
PT starter T.J. Dailey gave up six hits – two to Kirilloff and both played a part in the game’s only runs – and did not issue a walk.
“I can’t say enough about T.J.,” PT coach Joe Maize said. “We told him he’d have to keep the ball down and rely on his defense, which is what he did. T.J. did a great job and our defense kept us in the game.”
PT third baseman Eric Riotto, second baseman Dax Ploskina and catcher Brody Cararie, each made spectacular diving plays that led to outs. Cararie’s catch of a popped up bunt triggered a double play.
“Peters Township played a great defensive game,” said Plum coach Carl Vollmer, who like Maize is a Waynesburg native.
But this game was decided by Kirilloff. He opened the bottom of the first inning by hitting a triple off the fence in right field and scored when Taylor Vivino followed with a single.
In the second, Plum’s Tom Zummo was on first base when Kirilloff lofted a fly ball down the left-field line. The ball dropped for a double and Zummo beat the throw to the plate, making it 2-0.
“Alex Kirilloff is a special player,” Vollmer said. “He’s an elite talent. He’s a competitor. There’s a reason he’s going to be a first-round draft pick.”