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Silver Creek advances to title game following Rybak’s pitching gem

OBSERVER Photo by Lisa Monacelli Silver Creek’s Dylan Slaght tags out a Maritime runner attempting to steal during Section VI Class C1 baseball action on Monday.

SILVER CREEK — Behind a quality pitching performance by Zach Rybak, the Silver Creek Black Knights (13-6, 8-4) advance to the class C-1 final with a 2-0 win over Maritime Charter on Monday. Rybak pitched a complete game shutout giving up only three hits and three walks with five strikeouts. “Zach threw an excellent ball game,” said Silver Creek coach Mike Janisch. “He was in control and did what was necessary for us to advance.”

Maritime Charter had a few chances early in the game before the Black Knights took control. However, the Silver Creek defense threw out several Maritime runners. In the second inning, Ryan Davis was tagged while trying to score on a passed ball.

“The kids work hard,” said Janisch. “They make mistakes because they work hard and try hard, but always find a way to fight back.” The quick reaction by catcher Sam Mullen ended the threat in the inning. In the third inning, Zak Bogosian gunned down a runner trying to advance to third on an infield fly, while in the fourth inning, Mullen threw out a Maritime runner trying to steal second to end the inning.

The Black Knights only made one error with several quality defensive plays to limit any Maritime’s opportunities. “We have worked hard all year,” said Silver Creek pitcher Zach Rybak.

“My control wasn’t there as much as I would like, but the defense was great and helped out a lot.”

Rybak pitched to 25 Maritime batters, four more that the minimum.

The only runs of the game came in the bottom of the fifth. Austin Pierce led off the inning with a double hit down the left field line. Later in the inning, Chris Williams hit a two out RBI single to bring home the first run of the game. Williams advanced to third on the play after the left fielder overshot the catcher trying to throw out runner Jon Pulver who replaced Pierce. “Chris needed that hit,” said Janisch. “He has been in a little slump. When he does something well, it pays off for us. His aggressiveness and speed brought him to third which was critical allowing us to score another run.” Stephen Romanik then batted in Williams with a hard hit single.

Maritime pitcher Ahmed Morales pitched six inning giving up four hits and one walk. The Black Knights hits included singles by Romanik and Williams along with doubles by Tom Galfo and Pierce. The Black Knights used great situational hitting, taking advantage of the great chance that they had.

According to Janisch, “The team did what they needed to do to win the game.”

With the victory, the Black Knights advance to their first sectional final since 2006. They look to claim the title on Wednesday against Allegany-Limestone at Diethrick Park in Jamestown.

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