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East Catholic Beats Stratford 7-1
The Penders Memorial Scholarship Game turned out a great crowd and gathered many notables for a pre-game ceremony that included Mayor Laura Hoydick, the Penders Family, the Baird family, the Crudo family, a number of former Stratford High players from the Mr. Penders' era, a few former East Catholic players from Coach Jim Penders, Jr's days there, current SHS Athletic Director Tony DeAngelo, the East Catholic baseball team, the Stratford High baseball team, and family and friends and several of Coach Buck's teammates from the 1980's. The pre-game ceremony honored the memory and legacy of James W. 'Jim' Penders, the long-time Stratford High baseball coach, the winner of four (4) CIAC State championships, and the namesake of the high school's field in Longbrook Park. The ceremony also recognized and remembered for Stratford High Athletic Director Bob Baird and Stratford High Coach Joe Crudo, two men who gave so much sporting service to not only Stratford High but also to the Stratford community as well. Both Bob Baird and Joe Crudo passed away in recent week due to illnesses. The game started at 11:00, the sunny was brightly shining over Penders Field as only Mr. Penders and the Baird/Crudo combo would want it, and there was an early spring chill in the air only enhanced by a steady breeze. 'Home' team East Catholic ended up scoring 1 in the 2nd and 5 in the 3rd off Stratford starter Senior Dylan McCain. They added 1 more in the 5th off reliever Sophomore Jake Lubas who relieved McCain and went two full innings. Stratford's lone run came in the 3rd after Sophomore Ethan Hill bunted his way on, went to second base on a wild pitch, got over to third base on Senior Jake Kszywanos' single, and ultimately scored on Senior Conor Lesczczynski's subsequent single to LF. Stratford ended up committing 4 errors on defense, plus the pitching yielded 4 walks and 3 HBPs. Kszywanos and Lesczczynski both had 2 hits in the loss. Stratford returns to action on Monday at 4:15 at Penders hosting SWC league opponent Bethel.