For just a brief moment on May 2, the sun seemed to shine through the clouds and onto the Clarkston sideline as the Wolves took on the Rochester High Falcons.
The ray of light came courtesy of outfielder Eric Bryan, who with two outs and two runners on in the top of the seventh inning, belted a three-run homerun over the right center fence, giving the Wolves a 5-3 lead.
‘I went into the batter’s box just trying to be more aggressive. I didn’t think it was going to get over the fence. I thought it was going to be a double or a triple,? said Bryan
The Wolves held off Rochester in the bottom of the seventh as pitcher J.J. Lange threw a complete game with eight strikeouts for a 5-4 victory. Lange’s effort was made that much more impressive by overcast skies, piercing winds and random spurts of precipitation, including rain and sleet. At one point in the game, Clarkston Coach Phil Price considered asking the umpires to postpone play to a later date due to the wintry conditions.
‘Both pitchers were outstanding. It is not easy to pitch out there in weather like this,? said Price. ‘I was really proud of (Lange). His last outing he was more throwing than pitching. Today he went back to pitching, threw his changeup and he got his curve working.?
?(Pitching) was pretty challenging in the first inning, but I was able to get a better feel for the ball as the game went on,? said Lange. ‘When (Bryan) got that hit I knew the game was over.?
Clarkston routed Rochester 16-0 on April 13, but this time around faced the Falcons ace in Brandon Luczak. Price was happy his team did not get caught up in what they accomplished earlier in the season.
‘This was a big win for us… I think our kids respect everybody, but at the same time, do not fear anybody on the field,? said Price.
Clarkston has recently survived a 10-day break in the season due to fluctuating temperatures and fickle storm clouds. Price is happy with the way his team handled themselves in indoor practices as the Wolves saw a three-game winning streak cooled by three straight cancelled games.
In their return to action, Clarkston led 7-5 over Rochester Adams in the fifth inning on April 29. The Highlanders suddenly burst into flames though putting 12 runs on the board, winning the contest 12-7.
‘Adams just hit the ball. Our pitchers had not thrown in a week and a half,? said Price.
On April 30, the Wolves shook off the rust as they beat Brandon 13-6 in the opening round of the Brandon tournament. Mike Kittle picked up the win for Clarkston against Brandon and Eric Brelisnki went 3-3 at the plate. Clarkston then gave the No. 1 team in the state, Ann Arbor Pioneer, all they could handle, but eventually succumbed 6-3. Price felt pitcher Mike Navarre pitched a great game against Pioneer, Brandon Phillips highlighted the offensive side of the ball with a two run homer.
The Wolves made up their game against Lake Orion, which was originally scheduled for April 22, on May 3. The game finished too late for this edition of The Clarkston News. Up for grabs was the OAA division I lead, as Clarkston came into the game in first place.
Next up for the Wolves is the Roy ‘Pop? Warner Classic. Seven teams from across the metro area will take part this year on May 7, including Oxford Waterford Mott, Waterford Kettering, Warren Mott, Lapeer West, Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Northville.
?(Roy Warner) is a legend in Clarkston and with our program,? said Price of the longtime Clarkston baseball Coach.
The Roy Warner Classic will start at 10 a.m. and will be played at Clarkston High School and Clintonwood Park.