VERMILION, Ohio (April 1, 2023) -- Daring, swashbuckling Pirate thievery. That summed up the Rocky River attack in Saturday's 6-3 conquest at Vermilion. The Baseball Buccaneers got superb pitching in what marked their second straight win. And a few timely hits and key walks. But the Pirates pilfered their way to 15 stolen bases as well, and if they didn't run circles around their hosts, they did around the bases those hosts laid out.

The River Nine rallied from an early 2-0 deficit, knotted the game at 2-2 in the top of the fourth inning on three walks and as many steals, then pulled ahead and closed out the game with a solo run in the top of the fifth and three runs in the sixth. The through line weaving across the entire windswept, rain-splashed game: pitching and stolen bases.

Thomas Rossi started the game, and he went 5-1/3 innings, allowing just three runs on as many hits and five walks. Rossi struck out nine before being lifted for Joe Brant.

Brant came on in the sixth -- with River leading 6-3 -- and recorded two outs with a runner in scoring position to hang a zero on the scoreboard. He then pitched a 1-2-3 seventh -- complete with two punchouts -- to earn the save.

The Pirates' run in the fifth came on a leadoff double by Anthony Ferchill, who went 4-for-4 in the game. In the sixth, River's big three-spot was culled together with four singles, a walk, and another round of heists on the bags. Ferchill, Joe Mommers and Rossi had RBI hits in the inning.

For the game, Rocky River outhit Vermilion 8-3. Ferchill (four steals), Hudson Wissman (3 SB), and Rossi (2 SB) each registered multiple thefts in the contest. With Ferchill (6 SB) leading the way, Rocky River (2-2) has now stolen 27 bases -- while being caught but twice -- in four games.

Saturday's game against the Sailors was to have been half of a split doubleheader. The nightcap against Huron was postponed due to inclement weather.


by Skip Snow

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