Kenwood Rallies Past Towson in Baseball

Brandon Hovel scored the game-winning run on a throwing error in the bottom of the seventh inning as rallied to defeat , 5-4, on Wednesday in Essex.

Trailing 4-3 entering the seventh inning, Kenwood (4-1) tied the game on an RBI bunt single from Hovel, who drove in Corey Williams. Hovel then stole second and advanced to third on a single by Anthony Pelekakis.

Hovel then scored the game-winning run when Towson’s pitcher threw the ball away trying to pick off Pelekakis at first. Hovel finished the game with three hits and an RBI while Pelekakis had three hits and drove in three runs.

Pitcher Eric Prachniak allowed seven hits and four run, but just one earned run to pick up the complete game victory for the Bluebirds, who next play at 3:45 p.m. Friday when they host Eastern Tech.

Eastern Tech Softball: Senior second baseman Allison Williams went 3-for-4 with five RBIs as the Mavericks defeated host , 20-2, in a game halted after five innings.

Freshman outfielder Giselle Alvarez went 3-for-3 with two doubles and four RBIs, while senior first baseman Lauren Channell went 3-for-4 with two RBIs for (7-2), which bounced back in a big way following a 4-3 loss April 5 at IAAM A Conference power Archbishop Spalding.

Sophomore pitcher Jordan Cargile allowed four hits and two earned runs and struck out five over five innings to pick up the win. Eastern Tech next plays at 3:45 p.m. Friday at .

Kenwood Track and Field: Shannon Foster became the first Kenwood female to clear more than 15 feet in the long jump in helping the Bluebirds take first place in a track and field meet that also included Loch Raven, Perry Hall and host .

Foster set the school record in the long jump as she cleared 15 feet, 4 ½ inches. Senior Rayven Ray also played a vital role in Kenwood’s victory as she cleared 5 feet, 4 inches in the high jump.

Bluebirds coach Mark Planamente said Ray is ranked first in Baltimore County, the 4A North region and in the state in the event. Her jump also is the fifth highest clearance in county history, Planamente said.

On the boys’ side, Kenwood came in second place. Among the top Bluebird performers was Shawn Strasdauskas, who placed second in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 5 minutes, 6.3 seconds. Also, Travis Jenkins took second in the 400, finishing the race in 53.2 seconds.

Results were compiled from email and interviews with area coaches and athletic directors. Have a score to report, a story idea or other sports news you wish to report? Contact Essex-Middle River Patch Editor Ron Snyder at ronald.snyder@patch.com