2nd Combined No-Hitter of Season & Avery's Hot Bat Has Rockets On Top in Division A

Book-end Spring Break wins over Swenson (8-4) and Esperanza (9-3) had the Rockets rolling into Lincoln tied with Frankford at 5-0 atop Division A. Lincoln, who had just lost to Frankford (4-3) were looking to get back on their previous hot streak to keep pace. But SLA’s pitchers had other plans. In a busy week for the upstart Rockets, who face Lincoln, Frankford and North East within 5 days, efficient pitching was critical.

Senior Ben Simon, who shut down the dangerous 2016 Champions Olney Charter, was on his A game again, striking out 4 and holding Lincoln hitless over 4 innings. Most importantly he was efficient, keeping his pitch count below 50 to maintain availability for a relief appearance on Wednesday. Sophomore Leo Cassel-Siskind, who shut down Swenson for his first Varsity start and win, came in and baffled Lincoln hitters with his quirky side-arm delivery and freakish defense. Meanwhile, Junior Ijustice Avery literally put the team on his back, going 3-4 with a Double, one run scored and 3 huge RBIs.

Although not needed, Senior Leon Finney came in to close the game, blowing six consecutive strikes past two overmatched Lincoln hitters, sealing the 2nd combined No-Hitter of the season for the Rockets. Simon, having thrown one all by himself last season, a dominant 17K silencing of Roxborough, has now factored into all 3 No-Hitters in Rockets team history.

The Rockets (6-0) take on Frankford (5-0) in a battle of the undefeated for primacy in Div A Public League on Wed, 4/26. First Pitch 315pm.