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Metcalf

October 13, 2007 on 2:00 am | In Athletics |

MACOMB, Ill. - Tyler Metcalf’s walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the Purple team to a 3-2 extra-innings win in the championship game of the Western Illinois Purple & Gold World Series.

Metcalf, a junior third baseman, and senior shortstop Kyle Surprenant were named co-Most Valuable Players of the best-of-five series, captured by the Purple team, three games to two. Junior catcher Cooper Stewart, who hit .607 this fall, led the Gold squad and narrowly missed MVP honors.

“This was a terrific series and a big step forward for our entire team,” said head coach Stan Hyman. “Four of the five games were decided by one run, with the championship game going extra innings. There were so many pressure situations which the two teams handled with tremendous composure. Both squads played well consistently in all aspects of the game. Most importantly, the depth and talent of the 2008 team was shown throughout the series.”

Metcalf’s bases-loaded game winner just missed being a grand slam as the ball hit off the center field fence near the 400-foot sign. With the game tied 2-2, senior pinch hitter Andrew Maxwell led off the final frame with a double down the left field line. Senior outfielder Ryan Wurmlinger, who pinch ran for Maxwell, advanced to third when junior infielder Lorenzo Gallaga hit a deep fly ball to center. The Gold squad then intentionally walked junior second baseman Cole Waddell and senior designated hitter T.J. Kistner to set up force play situations at every base. Metcalf followed with his one-out, series-winning blast to center.

Metcalf’s hit made a winner out of senior righty Bryan Faulds, who pitched 2 2/3 innings of two-hit, one-run relief. Freshmen hurlers Jimmy LaPlume, Chris Wagner, and Brendan Dabney tossed the first 5 1/3 innings, yielding only one run for the Purple team. LaPlume, who started, threw four innings of no-hit ball. Ben Percival of the Gold team pitched 5 2/3 strong innings, surrendering only one hit on 59 pitches.

“Several freshmen stepped up in the series,” Hyman noted. “LaPlume showed that he could contribute this season on the mound and A.J. Whitten played well offensively and at third base. There’s a lot of potential with several of the rookies.”

Outfielders Jared Wolf and Brett Pendell each drove in a run for the Gold team while Kistner added an RBI for Purple.

“The support of the community for this event was incredible,” Hyman added. “Without Chris Smith, Gerald Lowe, and David King assisting with the umpiring, the series would not have been possible. Domino’s and McDonald’s also continue to support Western baseball. From our bat boys Derek, Brett, and Jordan to the media services staff, announcers, and scoreboard operator, everyone did a pro job. With 27 home games in the spring, we can’t wait to utilize the home field advantage.”
Originaly from Source