Lexington advances to Finals with 7-1 win over the Chiefs

By Bruce Hack
Lexington – Blue Sox starter Robbie Cobb made his first start for Lexington a memorable one as he pitched Lexington into the finals with a 7-1 win over Andre Sunday night.

Cobb, a former Nichols College pitcher, set down the first six Chiefs on 13 pitches. He retired 11 of the first 13 batters he faced through the fourth. In the third and fourth innings he was helped out by his defense. Lexington center fielder Dom Zaher, brought the third inning to a close with a Sports Center Top Ten Plays worthy catch. Zaher raced to his right and after a long run made a diving catch. In the fourth Zaher again flashed the leather making a running catch coming in for the first out of the inning. With one out and Nick Valdario on first Brendan Jones ended the fourth by turning a double play.

Meanwhile the Lexington offense finally got into high gear after two games. In the first two games of the series the Blue Sox had scored eight runs on eight hits. Tonight they scored seven runs on 13 hits, all singles.

For the third straight game the Blue Sox scored in the first inning and quickly took a 1-0 lead. With one out Gage Gaunt reached second on a throwing error. Luke Hall delivered a single up the middle and Gaunt easily scored the first run.

Lexington added two more runs in the third. Alex Voitik and Dahiandy Johnson each had two-out RBI singles that drove in Josue Feliciano (fielder’s choice) and Gaunt (single).

The Chiefs scored their lone run in the fifth. Adam Johnson singled and went to second on a throwing error. After taking third on an infield out Johnson scored on Joe Bova’s ground out to first. Kyle DeRoma walked and that brought an end to Cobb’s night. Borja Jones-Berasaluce came in and finished the inning with a strikeout.

In getting his first playoff win, Cobb pitched 4.2 innings, giving up 2 hits, an unearned run, walked two and struck out two.

Adding two runs in the fifth and sixth innings the Blue Sox took a 7-1 lead going into the seventh.

Lexington closer Manny Delcarmen pitched the seventh and quickly brought the game to an end as he struck out the side.

Chiefs starter Tim Dunphy, in his second start of the playoffs, pitched 5+ innings giving up 11 hits, 6 runs, 3 earned, walked one and struck out one.

Johnson drove in three runs for Lexington on run-producing singles in the third and fifth innings. At the top of the order Feliciano and Gaunt each scored two runs with Gaunt adding an RBI. Voitik and Zaher each scored and drove in a run. All nine Lexington starters had at least one hit, with four of them, Johnson, Alex Krylov, Jones and Zaher each getting two.

Lexington will be making its 14th consecutive appearance in the finals. All of the games will be played at Melrose’s Morelli Field with 7:45 start times. The action can all be watched on You Tube at Beyond Sight Sports.

First game of the Championship Round is Tuesday, August 17.