Blake Colston
sports@piedmontnewsonline.com
GUTHRIE — Skylar Fenton hit a two-run home run as part of Piedmont’s nine-run second inning Tuesday as the Wildcats dispatched of district rival Guthrie 15-1 in five innings.
The win completed an unusual district sweep of the ‘Jays, after Guthrie was forced to forfeit its 4-3 win over Piedmont on Monday because GHS pitcher Evan Kowalski exceeded the 120-pitch limit dictated by Oklahoma Secondary Activities Association rules.
Kowalski pitched all nine innings in the game and totaled 134 pitches.
Guthrie coach Casey Porter said afterwards that he knew Kowalski was over the limit in the ninth, but misunderstood the application of the rule.
Porter thought his pitcher was allowed to finish an inning as long as his pitch count was below 120 pitches at the start of the inning. Kowalski started the ninth with 113 pitches.
That was allowed in the past, but the OSSAA updated the rule before this season to stipulate that a pitcher is allowed only to finish an at-bat if his pitch count does not exceed 120 when it begins.
Kowalski topped 120 while facing his second batter of the inning, but continued on to record the final two outs of the game.
The OSSAA ruled in favor of Piedmont’s protest Monday evening after both sides submitted information.
“I hate to win a game like that, but I have to fight for our kids,” Piedmont head coach Kory Williams said.
By rule, Porter was suspended for Tuesday’s game.
The wins mean Piedmont is 7-1 in district play while Guthrie drops to 5-3. Carl Albert leads the district at 8-0.
Piedmont and Carl Albert are scheduled to meet April 23 and 24. The top two teams in the district standings automatically qualify to host a regional in the postseason.
The Wildcats play at Mustang Thursday at 5 p.m.
