Cavaliers Edge Patriots 4-3 in 10 as Pitchers’ Duel Ends on Baltimore Chop.

Published by

Henry Barrial

on

all photos by Benjamin Becher

LAKE BALBOA – Birmingham Head coach Matt Mowry made it clear: this year’s Patriots’ squad is deeper than last season’s Open Division semifinal team, and expectations are accordingly high.

There’s certainly a swagger to the squad that is led by a pair of sophomores who look like seasoned veterans. Carlos Acuña took his 4-0 record to the mound and delivered with crafty poise, while Jordan Lindsay anchored the Patriot defense behind the plate and led with his bat. Together they form one of the more formidable batteries in the city.

A young baseball pitcher in a white uniform and cap, in a throwing stance on the pitcher's mound, with a blurred baseball field and trees in the background.
A baseball player in a black jersey swings a bat while batting during a game, with a catcher in a white jersey crouching behind home plate and an umpire in the foreground.

But Cleveland arrived with momentum of its own. After a 1-8 start, head coach Peter Gunny said his team had tightened up defensively and found its rhythm. The Cavaliers entered the matchup riding a four-game win streak, peaking at the right time against a Birmingham squad coming off its first loss in 11 games.

With two outs in the opening frame, Joshua Pearlstein singled up the middle off Acuña and scored when Ezra Preis followed with a double to right-center.

A baseball player swings a bat as a catcher crouches in a game setting, with spectators in the background.
A baseball player sliding into home plate, attempting to score, while the catcher is ready to tag him with the ball. Spectators are visible in the background.

Birmingham answered in the third, manufacturing a run after Ethan Dalumpines led off with a single and came around to score, tying the game at 1.

A baseball player in a Birmingham jersey stands on the field, looking up with his hand raised to his mouth, wearing a helmet and protective gear.

Pearlstein, who had Acuña’s number all evening, led off the fourth and launched a solo home run over the left-field fence to retake the lead, 2-1.

A baseball player stands ready to bat at home plate, with a catcher in position behind him and an umpire to the side. Spectators are visible in the background, engaged in the game.
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Lindsay ignited a two-out rally in the bottom half with a single and eventually scored on a throwing error by Grant Oh, tying the score at 2 through four innings.

A baseball player swings a bat at a pitch while a catcher prepares to catch the ball.
A baseball player in a white Birmingham uniform running past home plate, while a catcher in black gear prepares to catch the pitch. Spectators are visible in the background.

The game remained tight until the pivotal sixth inning. Pearlstein hit another deep drive off Acuña. This one stayed in the park, but brought home Oh from second to give Cleveland the edge. Acuña pulled a Houdini, escaping a no-out, runners-on-second-and-third jam, keeping the score 3-2.

A baseball pitcher throwing a ball on a field during nightfall, wearing a uniform with 'B' on the cap.
A baseball player in a black jersey and gray pants celebrates excitedly after reaching base, while a coach in a black jacket observes and provides guidance.
Baseball player standing on second base with arms raised, celebrating during a game.

In the bottom of the sixth, Lindsay answered again. He singled up the middle, then took advantage of a slow relay from center field, hustling into second for a heads-up double. He then scored the tying run on Dalumpines’ second hit of the game.

A baseball player in a white jersey stands on the base path, while two players in black and gray uniforms are in the field, preparing for a play. The scene captures a moment during a game with a nighttime backdrop.
A group of baseball players in white uniforms celebrating at the dugout after a play, showing excitement and high-fives.

But with Patriots on first and third and one out, Dalumpines was called for interference on a hard slide into second while trying to break up a double play. The ruling erased the go-ahead run and ended the inning with the teams tied at 3.

Tempers flared after the play with benches clearing. The umps quickly gained control of the situation but both Gunny and a Birmingham base coach were ejected. Lindsay was also tossed, removing the Patriot’s offensive spark plug from the game.

A baseball player in a white uniform with 'Birmingham' written on it is animatedly discussing something with a coach while two other players look on during a game at Ramirez Field.
A group of baseball players and coaches in a discussion during a game at night, with one player wearing a black jersey with 'GUNNY' and the number '12', while another player has 'WICKLIFFE' and the number '2' on their back.
A tense moment during a baseball game where players from opposing teams are engaged in a confrontation on the field, with several players looking agitated and an umpire observing the situation.

To both teams’ credit, they put what happened behind them. The game continued without further incident and settled into a tense stalemate with both bullpens holding firm.

Birmingham’s Aiden Martinez kept Cleveland in check until the top of the 10th, when the Cavs’ Sebastian Castaneda manufactured the winning run. He faked a bunt with 2-strikes, then Baltimore chopped a high-arcing grounder that scored Roman Oh.

A baseball player celebrating with his arm raised after scoring a run during a nighttime game.
Two young baseball players celebrating a play at a night game, with one player smiling and the other playfully touching their shoulder in excitement.
A group of young baseball players celebrating together, with one player joyfully laughing at the forefront. They are wearing matching dark uniforms and hats with their team logo and numbers visible.

Gunny’s replacement, coach Ryan Fleischer, talked about the winning hit, “(Baltimore chop) is something we work on every practice at BP. You never know when you’re gonna need it.”

J.J. Rodriguez drew a leadoff walk in the bottom of the 10th for Birmingham, but Cav’s freshman closer Eliot Schoenwald shut the door from there to secure the 4-3 win. Guiley finished with 7 innings, allowing only one earned. Schoenwald pitched 3 hitless innings to earn the win. Pearlstein paced the Cavs offense, going 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, including the HR.

A young baseball pitcher in motion, throwing a pitch on a well-maintained baseball field with a 'Champions' banner in the background.
Two baseball players celebrating with a hug on the field after a game.

While both teams looked sharp in the field, the difference tonight was Cleveland’s ability to pitch to contact; striking out two but only walking three batters in 10 innings. Lot of chances in the field that were converted.

For Birmingham, Mowry was accustomed to tight league games: “Every day in the West Valley League is a battle and (Cleveland) came prepared and ready to go. You tip your hat and move on.”

Acuña went six innings for the Patriots, allowing three runs while striking out eight. Martinez provided a gutsy four innings in relief, surrendering just the one run. Lindsay led the offense, going 2 for 2 and scoring twice. Dalumpines also contributed two hits and an RBI.

Two baseball players discussing on the field during a game, one wearing a black jersey with the number 1 and the other in a black jersey with the number 30.
A baseball player in a white uniform throws a ball while standing on the field, with grass and a fence in the background.
A baseball player in a black jersey with the number 33 is sprinting on the field, wearing a helmet and batting gloves.
A baseball player in a black jersey with the number 33 celebrates after scoring, while another player in a black jersey with the number 1 watches. An umpire observes the play as a player from the opposing team stands ready at first base.
A baseball player in a white uniform throws a ball while playing on a grassy field.
A young baseball pitcher in motion, throwing a ball from the pitcher's mound on a sunny field.
A young baseball pitcher in a white and gray uniform is in mid-throw on the pitcher's mound, displaying focus and intensity.
A baseball pitcher in action, throwing a pitch on the field during a game.
A young baseball pitcher in a white jersey with blue accents celebrates a successful play, showing intense emotion on the field.
A young male baseball player in a black jersey with red accents is seen preparing to throw a baseball while standing on the field.
A baseball pitcher in a black jersey and gray pants, preparing to pitch on a baseball field, with an American flag visible in the background.
A baseball player celebrating after reaching home plate, wearing a white uniform with black accents and a helmet. In the background, spectators sit on bleachers, and a flag is visible.
A baseball player celebrating passionately after a play, wearing a white uniform with blue accents, standing on the field with a fence and spectators in the background.
Two youth baseball players on the field: one in a black jersey with the number 18 and the other in a white and navy uniform, standing on second base with a joyful expression.
A baseball player running on the field during a game, wearing a white uniform with blue accents and a blue cap.
A baseball player slides into base as the opposing player reaches out for the tag during a game.
A young baseball pitcher in a black jersey and gray pants is in mid-throw on a baseball field, with a vibrant green grass background.
A baseball player wearing a Birmingham uniform standing on the field, looking up with a focused expression.
A baseball player in a white uniform with 'Birmingham' printed on it, running towards first base on a dirt infield during a game.
A baseball coach stands on the field, wearing a team uniform and a helmet, with a serious expression during a game.
A baseball player running on the field, wearing a black jersey and gray pants, with a focused expression.
A baseball player at bat in a game, with an umpire behind the catcher and spectators in the background.
A baseball player in a black jersey with the number 33 celebrates as he runs past a player in a white jersey with the number 32, standing on the field. The background features a scoreboard and trees.
A baseball player wearing a black jersey with 'The Land' on it celebrates with his helmet raised after reaching home plate, while another player, number 22, stands nearby holding a bat.
A young baseball player running excitedly on the field, wearing a black shirt and gray pants, with a helmet in hand. In the background, teammates watching from the dugout.
Two baseball players on the field: one is in a batting stance on first base, while the other, a fielder, walks towards him.
A young baseball player is preparing to throw a ball while another player stands nearby, both on a field with trees in the background.
Two baseball players attempting to catch a high fly ball during a game, with one player stretching out while the other looks up in anticipation.
A baseball player catches a fly ball while another player looks on, with a blue fence displaying the letter 'M' in the background.
A young male baseball pitcher winds up for a throw on a well-lit field, wearing a black jersey and gray pants.
A baseball player running towards first base after hitting the ball, wearing a black jersey and gray pants, with spectators in the background.
A baseball player in a dark jersey is attempting to bunt a ball on a baseball field during a game, with spectators in the background.
Baseball players on the field, with one player in a batting stance and another coach standing on the field.
Baseball player running towards home plate during a game, with a scoreboard visible in the background.
Scoreboard at Ramirez Field displaying game details including balls, strikes, outs, and scores for two teams.

All photos by Benjamin Becher

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