mercredi 30 mai 2012

Rogers helps lead Molloy into final eight after needing 45 stitches in face

Mike Rogers wiped the side of his face and looked down at his hand. Blood. Lots of it.

The Archbishop Molloy catcher stood his ground at home plate, trying to prevent the winning run from scoring any way he could. In the process, Holy Cross base-runner Stephen Wolfring slid awkwardly, his cleat coming up and grazing Rogers across his face.

“At first I thought it was my ear, like I was bleeding from my ear drum or something,” Rogers said. “I guess I got lucky.”

The senior was rushed to Long Island Jewish Hospital and was given 45 stitches in his left cheek. Less than 24 hours later, he was texting Stanners teammate Tyler Roberts.

Robert Cole

Molloy team celebrates its win over Holy Cross.

Photos: Archbishop Molloy-Holy Cross, Game 3

Robert Cole

Molloy's Mike Rogers shows 45 stitches from injury he suffered during Monday's game.

Photos: Archbishop Molloy-Holy Cross, Game 3

“Bring my bat,” Rogers wrote. “I’m cleared to play.”

To which Molloy star Jonathan Ramon said, “Wow.”

Rogers was the designated hitter and actually had two hits and scored twice in No. 7 Molloy’s 9-5 win over No. 11 Holy Cross in the decisive Game 3 of a CHSAA Class AA baseball third-round, best-of-three series Tuesday at Fordham University. Ramon said Rogers’ presence was inspiring.

“You could just tell by his personality,” said Ramon, who tripled and doubled. “He’s such a nice kid, but he just has that toughness to him."

After falling in walk-off fashion in Game 2 on Monday, Molloy (13-7) banged out seven runs in the third inning, sending 13 batters to the plate. Chris Piteo had the big hit with a two-run double and Mike Fuchs had a two-run single. Mike O’Dwyer’s RBI single chased Holy Cross starter Julian Polanco without an out recorded in the frame.

Ramon, the starting pitcher on Tuesday, and the Stanners would need the support. Zach Cruz had a two-RBI triple in the fifth following Julian Bilodeau’s RBI single and the Knights were down just 7-4. But Molloy got two insurance runs in the sixth on RBIs by Fuchs and O’Dwyer and Ramon struck out Austin Nieves and Thomas Lentino to finish the game with Cross (11-10) leaving the bases loaded.

“We had to set the tone,” said Ramon, who struck out 10 and gave up just two earned runs. “Our mindset was to finish them. That’s a tough team to fight.”

Perhaps not quite as tough as Rogers. He said he felt some pain when the anesthesia wore off last night, but all he really thought about was not missing the game, which could have been his last. He went to the doctor in attempt to get cleared earlier and raced to Fordham from Flushing afterward.

“I just wanted to play today,” Rogers said. “As soon as I got clearance, I ran here.”

Added legendary coach Jack Curran: “I didn’t think he’d be here. He’s a lucky boy. Another inch and it could have cut the carotid artery or something.”

Rogers probably won’t be behind the plate for awhile, but his season will continue Wednesday. Molloy comes back to face No. 2 St. Raymond in the double-elimination championship round 4 p.m. back at Fordham. When asked if he inspired his team, Rogers was modest.

“I don’t think they needed [inspiration],” he said. “The atmosphere has just been phenomenal the last two days. We really want to win this.”

Donovan Armas will be on the mound Wednesday and St. Raymond will throw ace Anthony Colon.

“I’m happy for this team,” Curran said. “They deserve it. They worked hard and I think they’re pretty good.”

mraimondi@nypost.com

Mike Rogers, Archbishop Molloy, Holy Cross, Molloy-Holy Cross, Jonathan Ramon, face

Nypost.com

Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire