2012 60 National

60 National champs Berry’s Athletic Supply

Eichelberger spins complete game

Berry’s Athletic Supply 7, Greenwood Ridge Dragons 2

By Jeff McGaw, MSBLNational.com

Tempe Diablo Stadium, November 3, 2012-The Greenwood Ridge Dragons defeated Berry’s Athletic Supply three times in round robin play in the three-team, 60 National division, but the fourth meeting – the one that counted – did not go their way.

Juan Eichelberger pitched a complete game nine hitter to propel Berry’s Athletic Supply to a 7-2 victory over the Greenwood Ridge Dragons at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Eichelberger, 59, a seven year major leaguer, walked none and struck out four batters in holding down a formidable Dragon lineup, and helped himself at the plate with two singles. Tom Benedickt also added two singles and Mike Tricker dropped in an RBI double to propel the Berry’s attack.

Mark Fess and Craig Rickeman each had two hits for the Dragons.

Dragons starting pitcher Gary Spitzack was betrayed by an uncharacteristically generous defense that allowed three unearned runs. He was forced to leave the game with a knee injury in the second inning. Larry Hendrickson pitched five solid innings in relief, giving up just one earned run before also suffering a leg injury of his own.

Randy Olson pitched the last two innings, allowing the last Berry’s run.

The Dragons had finished pool play 5-1 counting the three Berry’s conquests. Berry’s, meanwhile, finished 3-3.

“It’s tough beating a team three out of four times only to see them walk off with the trophy,” said Dragons manager/centerfielder Allan Green. “Berry’s is perennially a strong, very deep team. It’s hard to match up with them for four games, and it took an underage former major league pitcher to beat us, so we feel good about our showing in our first year in the 60+ National division.”

Eichelberger pitched five seasons for the San Diego Padres from 1978-1982. In 1983 he threw for the Cleveland Indians, and in 1988 he returned to the pros to pitch for the Atlanta Braves. He threw 603 major league innings and had a 26-36 pro win-loss record.

Bob Loflin bolstered the Dragon pitching staff, picking up two wins in relief in pool play. Tony Shimetz led the Dragons with eight RBI. Craig Rickeman (.571), Jim Hurt (.545, 8 runs), John Metras (.533), Mark Adams (.500), Allan Green(.500), and Mark Fess (.455) hit well all week for the Dragons.