Say Hey had a first-round bye and scored double digits in both its PCL tournament victories. Say Hey was hoping for a sweep and to celebrate the PCL championship on Thursday, May 18, but Alhouse had something to say about that. Alhouse beat Say Hey by a score of 9-3 to set up the winner-take-all championship game on May 20–and it was a barnburner.

After a scoreless first inning (a rarity in this year’s tournament), Say Hey scored two runs in the top of the second. Taking advantage of some wildness by the Say Hey pitcher, Alhouse answered with five runs in the bottom half. Say Hey tied it in the top of the third; the rally included consecutive hits by Karam Dhillon, Cassion Coakley, and Mason Phillips.  Alhouse then scored one in the bottom half to take back the lead. Alhouse’s lead did not last for long, as Say Hey erupted for five runs in the top of the fourth (four with two out) and a solo run in the fifth.

When Alhouse batted in the bottom of the sixth, they were down 12-8. They scored a run and put runners on second and third with two out, but could score another off Say Hey’s pitcher John Park, who went the final inning and two thirds and preserved the win for Mateo Benford Garcia.

Alhouse recorded two unassisted double plays!  Marcus Lanzman in the first and Arvin Hartmann in the sixth, which kept Alhouse in the game.

Say Hey’s 13-hit attack was led by Dhillon and Phil Sheng, who each had three hits. The hitting stars for Alhouse were Caleb Lee and Milan Goda, who also had three hits.

Congratulations to Say Hey for a great season and to Alhouse for a thrilling tournament. Alhouse won four straight games in the losers’ bracket, including a walk off, to make it to the championship game.

Congratulations and thanks to all who played in the 2023 PCL spring season.

For a detailed game summary, click here.