Psenka pshuts down Iowa

By David Graham-Caso
Special Correspondent

The potent Richmond, TX lineup scored 39 runs in five games at the Southeast regional tournament. Their average of six and one half runs a game, coupled with a deep pitching rotation, was good enough for the coveted trip to Williamsport.

Richmond continued its offensive onslaught in its World Series opener, defeating Eldridge, IA 7-1 Saturday afternoon at Volunteer Stadium.

Richmond wasted no time in their first chance at bat as eight batters stepped to the plate for the Lamar National Little League, four of which eventually crossed home. Texas pitcher Robert Psenka drove in the first runs of the game with a bases-loaded double to right-centerfield. The Iowa defense didn’t provide much relief for hurler Matt Peterson, committing two costly errors, both of which led to runs.

“Texas is a great hitting team,” said Iowa skipper Paul Tremmel. “They put a lot of balls into play and made us try to execute.

“They have guys up and down their lineup that can hit the ball with authority.”

Iowa ace Matt Peterson never found his groove. The righty, who recorded 31 strikeouts in 17.0 innings during the Midwest regional tournament, surrendered nine hits in his six innings of work.

“Nerves had to play a little bit of a role” Tremmel said. “This is the first time we have ever been to Williamsport, so nerves definitely played a role in how Matt pitched today.

Richmond scored twice more in the bottom of the fourth inning. With two outs and the bases full, Garrett Staudt took a breaking ball to the helmet, brining in the fifth run for the Southwest champions. The next batter was Psenka, who was facing his second bases-loaded situation of the day. Psenka came through for his team again, this time with an RBI single to left.

Texas would add one more run in the fifth to extend their lead to six runs.

The 6-foot tall Psenka struck out five in his six innings of work.

“Robert was not at the top of his game today; this is not indicative of how he has pitched this season,” said Richmond manager Jim Michalek. “He would usually be striking out more batters and he would certainly be in command.”

Psenka, who has been trying to incorporate a curveball into his repertoire, admitted that he was not on his game today.

“I did not have my best game today,” the hurler said. “I think that I will throw better later in the tournament.”

Texas, now in the driver’s seat in Pool B play next faces the West champions Sunday at 1 p.m. Iowa will attempt to recover against Delaware, Sunday at 8 p.m.