By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Thursday’s opener was a test of patience. Ray Manioci’s Aquinas Li’l Irish proved themselves to be up to the task.
Zach Johnson pitched an inning and a third for the win, and Sam Leonardo nailed down the final three outs as Aquinas came from behind to beat the Gananda Panthers, 3-2 in non-league action from Rich Pilliter Field.
“It feels really good,” the second-year coach said. “The kids bought in. That’s why the result was what it was today.”
Johnson came on with bases loaded and two outs in the fifth inning and struck out the first batter he faced to escape the jam.
“The kid has got a bulldog mentality,” Manioci said of the right-hander. “It’s ‘here it is, go ahead and hit it.’ He comes at you with a fastball and a curveball.”
Johnson worked a clean sixth with another strike out and pair of ground balls to give Aquinas a chance for the comeback.
Aquinas worked six straight base on balls against the Gananda bullpen to push across the runs needed in the sixth.
“We waited it out. We were thorough in our at-bats and made the adjustments when we needed.”
Leonardo got the final three outs for the save, ending the game on a punch out.
“Sam is a three-year starter. He had to work through an arm injury last season. By the end of the season, he was healthy.
“He was lights out when he took the mound. He is a kid who wants it more than anybody. He’s got an electric fastball and a wipeout slider. He’s a leader. He relishes those moments. He wants the ball in that spot. He’s a kid who I have more confidence in than anyone. He’s going to be there when I need him.”
Gananda starter, Tim McClare and AQ hurler Tyler Szalkowski locked horns for five innings. McClare struck out 12 and walked six over 5.2 innings. The Canisius College commit allowed one run on one hit and left the game with a runner on second and a 2-0 lead.
“Hats off to Tim McClare,” Manioci stated. “He’s outstanding. That kid is going to be special at the next level. We knew going in it, it was going to be tough. Told the kids, you got to wait it out. Do your best against him, go out and out up tough at-bats. That’s what we did.”
Szalkowski allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and six walks over 4.1 innings. The sophomore and starting quarterback on the school’s state championship football team struck out five. At the plate he walked twice and collected an RBI.
Jack Scanlon walked and had an RBI for Aquinas. Logan Bush finished 1-for-1 with two walks and an RBI for the Li’l Irish.
Patrick Walsh led Gananda at the plate with a pair of RBI including a two-out run-scoring single in the first to give the Blue Panthers a 1-0 lead. Jayden Castrechini was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. McClare walked twice and scored a run. Luke Ciprich and Zach Ciprich had a hit apiece.
Aquinas hosts St. Francis (VI) on Saturday. A noon first pitch is scheduled. The Li’l Irish will welcome St. Joseph’s (VI) on Sunday.
Gananda travels to Sodus on Friday for a 4:30 start.
2019 Aquinas Season Preview
Last season: Finished 8-10 and lost to Batavia in the semifinals.
Coach: Ray Manioci (second season)
Top returners: Jack Scanlon (Jr. SS, team captain, 3-year starter. hit .330, 14 RBI, and seven stolen bases last season, expected to hit at the top of the order – very strong defensive shortstop), Sam Leonardo (Sr. C/P team captain, 3-year starter. Expected to hit in the middle of the order and finish games out of the bullpen. Last season went 2-0 with 11 Ks in three relief appearances around arm injury) and Tyler Szalkowski (So. P/C/INF led team in all offensive and pitching categories as a freshman).
Top newcomers: Mason Pelletier (Jr. OF, 5-foot-9/150 lbs.), Shane Weasner (So. 1B, 6-foot-0/180 lbs.) and Ryan Wilmer (Jr. LHP, 5 -foot-10/160 lbs.)
Outlook: AQ returns eight of nine starting positions from last season. The Li’l Irish gained a significant amount of experience and dedicated themselves to a comprehensive offseason program. Additions to the coaching staff help bring experience to a team full of young talent.
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