Amherst's bats continue to struggle
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Amherst's season is only three games old but if they don't start hitting, the Tigers might be in for a long season.

Through three games, including non-league losses to Kenmore West, 10-4, on Thursday, April 19, and Grand Island, 8-4, on Saturday, April 21, Amherst is hitting under .200. The Tigers combined for seven hits and left the bases loaded four times between both games.

The only bright spot in the lineup is Will Gowen. The senior had the team's only RBIs last week, hitting 2 for 4 with a triple and a RBI against Kenmore West and 1 for 3 with a double, RBI and run scored versus Grand Island. A double by Andrew Gibson and singles from Geoff Gallson, Chris Eyeington, and Mike Yanity were Amherst's other hits.

The team is also playing undisciplined in the field. Amherst coach Brian Davis said his team had at least five errors versus Kenmore West.

The Tigers' pitching has been strong at times. Junior hurler Derek Duke allowed six hits and three earned runs and struck out three over five innings against Kenmore West and after the team's middle reliever got shelled, Tom Ponticelli allowed no earned runs over the final two innings.

Yanity threw the last five innings in relief against Grand Island, allowing two hits and striking out two batters. Both runs scored while he pitched were unearned.

If there is a ray of hope for the Tigers, it's that they didn't quit against Grand Island. Amherst trailed 7-1 at one point.

"We had a good talk at practice on Friday discussing how we have taken steps backwards since practicing in the gym," said Davis. "But out of the three games we played, the Grand Island game was the one where I felt OK to walk off the field knowing the boys had played their hardest. We just haven't gotten the hits when we have needed them."

Amherst (0-3, 0-1) played Williamsville South and Iroquois on Monday, April 23 and Tuesday, April 24, but results were unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at West Seneca East at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 27 and host Hamburg at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28.

e-mail: pnagy@beenews.com