News Summary
Plymouth Christian Academy secured a 9-1 victory over Petersburg-Summerfield in the Division 4 baseball semifinals, reaching the championship game. Freshman pitcher Luke Janigian starred with nine strikeouts, and a powerful seventh-inning offense helped PCA dominate. Notably, PCA’s defense allowed only two hits, solidifying their game strategy ahead of the final against Portland St. Patrick. As they aim for their first state title, PCA looks to leverage their experience from previous championship challenges.
Plymouth, Michigan – Plymouth Christian Academy (PCA) is heading to the Division 4 baseball championship after a decisive 9-1 victory over Petersburg-Summerfield in the semifinals on June 13. The semifinal match took place at Michigan State’s McLane Stadium, further solidifying PCA’s impressive season record of 29 wins and 7 losses.
PCA’s victory was marked by a remarkable offensive performance, particularly during a seven-run third inning that brought them within a single run of triggering the five-inning mercy rule. Freshman pitcher Luke Janigian played a pivotal role in the game, striking out nine batters and demonstrating remarkable control by delivering five consecutive three-up, three-down innings. On the offensive front, Janigian contributed by stealing home and hitting a key line drive for an RBI. Dylan Beasley, another standout player, produced a two-run double, while Brandon Shollack came close to clearing the bases with a pop fly, showcasing the depth of PCA’s batting lineup.
The Eagles’ defense was equally impressive, allowing Summerfield a mere two hits throughout the game. PCA did not commit any errors, demonstrating their solid defensive capabilities. In contrast, Summerfield struggled with five errors, which included wild pitches and misplayed routine catches. These mistakes played a critical role in enabling PCA to sustain their offensive momentum and secure a commanding lead.
Janigian acknowledged the significant impact of PCA’s defensive performance, emphasizing how it instilled confidence in him as a pitcher, enabling him to focus on throwing strikes, assured that his teammates were ready to back him up on defense. This blend of offensive power and defensive skill positions PCA well for the upcoming championship game.
As PCA approaches the championship, the team is determined to learn from their past mistakes, particularly from their 2-0 loss against Beal City in the state championship two years ago. First-year head coach Eero Perkola has reiterated the need for consistent performance, encouraging the team to treat the championship match as just another game, albeit in a different setting.
This season has already been significant for the Eagles; Micah Lavigne is set to appear in his second championship game this school year after a defeat in the boys’ soccer finals. Additionally, freshman Michael Fernandez, who contributed with two hits and an RBI in the semifinal, is slated to start as a pitcher for the championship game, further highlighting the young talent within the PCA roster.
PCA will face Portland St. Patrick in the championship, with the title match scheduled for Saturday. Portland St. Patrick achieved their place in the final after a solid 7-0 win against Norway in their semifinal. This upcoming game is pivotal for PCA, as they aim to secure their first state title following their previous championship setback.
With tense anticipation building, the Eagles are poised to capitalize on their strengths while drawing upon the lessons learned from previous experiences. They are focused on delivering a performance that will bring home a championship and fulfill the aspirations of the team and their supporters.
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Additional Resources
- Hometown Life: Plymouth Christian Baseball Beats Summerfield 9-1 in D 4 Semifinal
- MHSAA: Small Ball Drives St. Patrick, Plymouth Christian Capitalizes Big Rally
- MLive: Plymouth Christian Moves on to Division 4 Title Game
- Monroe News: Summerfield’s Magical Run Ends with Loss in State Baseball Semis
- USA Today HSS: How to Watch Summerfield High School vs Plymouth Christian Academy
