Cushing tosses perfect game in Phoenixville’s 7-0 victory over Pottstown
PHOENIXVILLE >> It’d be hard to ask for anything better from Phoenixville starter Kevin Cushing.
In reality, you couldn’t.
Cushing went the distance, setting down all 21 batters he faced while striking out nine, in throwing a perfect game to lead the Phantoms past Pottstown, 7-0.
“It feels really good,” Cushing said afterward. “I knew the defense would help me out behind me. I just had to throw strikes and let them make plays behind me. (The prospect) of getting a perfect game was running through my head the whole game. I tried to suppress the thought and focus on pitching.”
Of the 90 pitches Cushing threw Tuesday afternoon, 61 were strikes. His last, a groundball to shortstop Devon Goryl, set the team rushing toward the mound in celebration.
“My fastball command was pretty good today,” Cushing said. “My curveball was working really well, too.”
Quinn Danna and Nick Opalkowski led the way for the Phantoms’ offense, both collecting three hits with Danna also finishing with a triple and four RBI. Matt Osisek-Byrne and Luke LeBeau (two hits) each scored two runs as Phoenixville built a 3-0 lead after three before tacking on another four in the bottom of the fifth.
More than enough run support for Cushing.
“It takes the stress off when your offense can give you that much support,” Cushing said. “You can focus on throwing strikes, knowing that the offense has put you in a good position.”
Pottsgrove 4, Norristown 1 >> Adam Girafalco swung the hot bat as he went 3-for-4 with two RBI, two runs scored, a double and home run to lead the Falcons.
Girafalco’s effort at the dish equaled his performance on the bump as he went four innings while allowing three hits and one run with three strikeouts. Noah Rimel and Bailey Delp pitched effective in relief, the two combining to allow two hits in three innings of work.
Boyertown 3, Methacton 2 >> The Warriors battled back to tie it at 2 but an unearned run spoiled the start of Ben Christian as the Bears came away with a victory in a Liberty Division contest.
Boyertown brothers Mike and Pat Hohlfeld pitched well for the Bears. Mike went five innings, allowing five hits and one run (zero earned) while striking out three while Pat took the win, tossing two innings with five strikeouts.
Christian received a no-decision after tossing 5 2/3 innings while scattering seven hits and striking out five.
Perkiomen School 12, Collegium Charter 1 >> The Panthers pounded out 14 hits en route to a convincing victory over Collegium in Tri-County League play.
Nick Guadarrama led the team with a 3-for-3 effort including a run and RBI while Chris Pow (four RBI), Nathaniel Urbina (two RBI, two runs scored), Joshua Cruz (four runs) and Ian Diaz each finished with two hits as the Panthers built a 7-0 advantage through four.
Marc Molnar got the win on the mound, tossing three innings while allowing two hits and one earned with three strikeouts. Ian Diaz came on in relief and struck out six and allowed one hit in his three innings of work.
