8/14/10: MVABL/COMABL ALL-STAR GAME

   Who would have thought that a Bud Selig reference would be needed at the OHIO CUP All-Star Game on Sunday, August 14th. But an All-Star Game tie is what we got, as lightning and rain foiled a late inning rally by either side in a 9-9 score.
   The MVABL jumped out to an early lead in the bottom of the first as Jacob Robinson singled, went to third on Brandon Ward's double, and scored on an overthrow from the outfield. One batter later, David Moss launched a two-run HR to left-center for a 3-0 lead. The COMABL got a run back in the second as a line drive to second base was misplayed resulting in Grozliner scoring the first run for the visitors. The MVABL got the 3-run lead back in the bottom of the 2nd as Rick Anderson led off with a HR to left.
   Aaron Watts led off the third for the COMABL with a single, and moved to second when a pickoff attempt went awry. After two outs, Christian Pantoja's popup to third was dropped allowing Watts to score to make it a 4-2 game. Sean Casey started on the mound for the MVABL and was effective for 3 innings, allowing two unearned runs on one hit, striking out 3.
   Scott Garrett relieved Casey and promptly gave up 5 unearned runs in the fourth inning. After two fielding errors that would have got out of the inning unscathed, the COMABL's hottest hitter Watts roped a 2-run double. Shawn Herlihy added a sac fly that gave the Central Ohio All-Stars a 7-4 lead.
   The MVABL chipped away in the bottom of the fifth. Rick Anderson singled up the middle and Scott Jones followed with a bouncer under the third baseman's glove. After two outs, pinch hitter Taylor Guntle came through with a 2-run double to cut the lead to 7-6. The COMABL continued to score runs in the 6th as Scott Wadman walked with two outs, followed by another Watts double. Todd Sexten added a two-run single to make it a 9-6 advantage.
   The MVABL fought back in the bottom of the sixth as Robert Riley doubled down the left field line to start off the frame. Drew York tripled to right center to plate Riley. Justin Dunlap then hit a first pitch fastball over the fence in left to tie the game at 9-9. The COMABL worked a pair of walks in the top of the seventh before the heavens opened up and electricity filled the skies. The game was called after an hour rain delay with no end to the rain in sight.