Frey’s gem cut short, but Franklin Regional wins

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, May 1, 2018 | 9:30 PM

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It's a shame the high school pitch count spoiled Franklin Regional senior Alex Frey's bid for a no-hitter.

But when Frey struck out Laurel Highlands shortstop Travis Sankovich to open the seventh inning Tuesday, it was his last pitch of the game.

Frey reached the 100-pitch count during Sankovich's at-bat and was forced to leave the game after striking out 13 and allowing no hits.

Palmer Jackson came into relieve Frey and, after loading the bases on two-out hits by Ian Edenfield and Nathan Zimcosky and a walk to Chad Petrush, got Rich Mehall to ground out to preserve a 2-0 victory.

It was a key win for the Panthers (10-3, 8-2) because it allowed them to creep closer to the first-place Mustangs (11-1, 11-1) in Section 3-5A. The Mustangs defeated the Panthers, 14-0, on April 6.

Gateway (11-2, 10-2) plays at No. 2 Laurel Highlands on Wednesday in a first-place showdown, and Franklin Regional hosts Woodland Hills (2-10, 1-10).

“He really threw well,” Laurel Highlands coach Scott DeBerry said of Frey. “The rule prevented the kid from throwing a no-hitter. He was as strong in the seventh inning as he was the entire game.”

Frey allowed three basesrunners: lead-off hitter Greg Lancaster struck out and reached on a passed ball, Sankovich walked in the first inning and Tan Erminio walked in the third.

He retired the last 12 batters he faced, including striking out his final six.

“All we wanted to do is beat this team because we know we're a better team than a 14-0 loss,” Frey said. “We showed that when we get everything falling correctly and coming together that we can get a win.

“We had a really solid defensive game, and we made some good plays. Our defense was really solid all year.”

Frey said he mixed his fastball and curveball to keep batters off stride.

“I know we felt we didn't play our best game down there,” Franklin Regional coach Bobby Saddler said. “Alex wanted this game since it was scheduled. He had it circled on his calendar. The entire team did. We played a great game. The team is playing well.”

The Panthers have won seven of their past eight.

Franklin Regional scored one run in each of the first two innings. Jake Williams opened the game by ripping a double off losing pitcher Mason McManus. He scored on a groundout by Bryce Harper.

In the second inning, Michael Klingensmith singled with one out and stole second. He scored on a single by Zach Seaman.

McManus pitched well. He allowed five hits and a walk and struck out two.

“I thought Mason battled,” DeBerry said. “But when you don't score any runs and or get a hit until the final inning, you don't give yourself much of a chance.”

It was the second consecutive tight game for the Mustangs. The team that averaged 13 runs per game needed nine innings to defeat Latrobe, 4-3, on Monday.

“We needed these types of close games,” DeBerry said. “The good thing, we have another game tomorrow.”

At least they won't have to see Frey again.

Paul Schofield is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at pschofield@tribweb.com or via Twitter @Schofield_Trib.

Tags: Franklin Regional, Laurel Highlands