RECAP >> The head coaching debut of former Emmaus High School grad Jeff Merlet did not get off to a good start on Thursday night at Community Park.
Visiting Carbon broke a 1-1 tie with a six-run fourth inning as the Monarchs spoiled Merlet’s first game as manager of the Emmaus legion baseball team with a 7-1 victory.
Carbon, made up of players from Jim Thorpe High School, was led on offense by right fielder Ian Rarick who went 3-for-5 with two RBI. Third baseman Randy Bongiorno had two hits and drove in two runs, while first baseman Jack Edwards, center fielder Lawrence Baldassano and catcher Nick Schwartz each had two hits for the Monarchs who banged out 11 hits off three Emmaus pitchers.
On the mound, starter Michael Yeakel and Talan Sensinger combined to limit the Hornets to just five hits in the game. Yeakel went four innings of work and allowed just a pair of hits to earn the victory, while Sensinger pitched the final three innings striking out seven in relief.
Emmaus shortstop Ben Sieger went 2-for-4 at the plate and drove in his team’s only run in the third. Starter Austin Portz suffered the loss after giving up seven runs on eight hits in four innings.
The Hornets will return to action on Tuesday at 6 p.m. when they travel to Northern Valley.
To stay up date with Emmaus legion, follow @Emmaussports.com on twitter, like Emmaus sports on facebook.
Carbon 7, Emmaus 1
Carbon – 001 600 0 – 7-11-1
Em – 001 000 0 – 1-5-4
Michael Yeakel, Talan Sensinger (5) and N. Schwartz; Austin Portz, Davin Rompilla (5), Nate Sauter (6) and Nick Zernhelt. W – Yeakel (1-0), L- Portz (0-1)
2022 Emmaus Roster:
Seth Cherhit
Dennis Holland
Karson Krasley
Jackson Lake
Austin Portz
Davin Rompilla
Nate Sauter
Ben Sieger
Haven Tarbox
A.J. Thompson
Zach Werthheimer
Kaden Zacharda
Nick Zernhelt
Tyler Shotwell
Mason Uyvari
Jeff Merlet – Manager
J.P. Raynock – Assistant