Wellington Outlasts PB Central In 12 Innings

The Wolverines’ Phil Sieli did it all for Wellington Wednesday night.

On a night when Wellington honored one of its past great players, it took 12 innings to decide their 8A-9 match-up versus Palm Beach Central. Almost seven full innings after the last run was scored in the fifth inning, the Wolverines broke through in the bottom of the 12th for a walk-off win after a double off the bat of Phil Siely.

The Wellington ace did it all on Wednesday night. He started the game on the mound, tied the score in the fifth, and won it in the 12th.

“In six at-bats tonight, I only saw one fastball,” said Siely. “I knew the curve ball was coming, I turned on it and hit a laser down the third base line.”

Until Siely’s blast, the Wolverines’ hardest hit ball was a line shot off the bat of Anthony Maniotis, which died in the glove of the Bronco’s Chris Aubry.

Throughout the game, Wellington was aided greatly by several charging defensive plays by third baseman Rick Neyman. Throwing on the run with remarkable accuracy, Neyman thrice ended innings by nipping a Broncos’ runner at first.

With the go-ahead run in the form of the Broncos’ Chris Aubrey on second base in the top of the 11th inning, Siely charged a Jonathan Rosado single and his strong throw home held Aubrey at third where he would be stranded after a pop to short ended the inning.

In the bottom of the 12th, after Maniotis was hit by a pitch, Siely connected for his game winning double.

Former Wellington left-hander and current MLB player, Sean Burnett was present for the retiring of his jersey number.

The game was a pitcher’s duel throughout, with the Wolverines getting on the board first.

Wellington capitalized on an infield single by Jacob Koos, a walk to Matt Morales, an errant pick-off attempt at second base, and an infield error to load the bases in the bottom of the first. Koos then scored on a wild pitch.

In their half of the third, the Broncos took the lead. Rosado walked, Brad Zippen was safe on a fielder’s choice, and Conner Power crushed a double to deep left, driving in both runners.

“I’ve played with (opposing pitcher) Phil [Siely] since the age of twelve,” said Power. “I’ve caught him before. I kind of knew a fastball was coming after an 1-0 curve ball. I stayed inside it and was able to keep it fair down the third base line.”

Wellington tied the game after Matt Morales singled down the left field line then stole second. Siely drove in Morales but was cut down trying to stretch the single by Bronco’s right-fielder Joey Romano.

On a beautifully clear and temperate night, two hours of scoreless baseball ensued. The Wolverines finished with nine hits and one error while the Broncos collected 10 hits and two errors.

“Tough loss…lots and lots of chances to take the lead and we just couldn’t find a hole,” said Broncos Manager Scott Benedict. “We just have to clean some things up and we can start ending up on the other side of the score.”

On the other side, the Wolverines were happy to get the win.

“I told you before the game, we expected a lot from Phil Siely tonight,” said Wellington Manager Scott Riddle. “He really gets up for playing these guys and he despises losing more than most guys.”

Before the game, Wellington alumni Sean Burnett had his jersey, number 18, retired. Burnett, who has played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels is currently rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery which allowed him to be in attendance.

No Wellington Wolverine will ever wear Sean Burnett’s number 18 again.

Benedict, who was Wellington’s Manager from 1988 thru 2001, recalled Burnett’s focus, academic performance and his being an exceptional all-around player.

“In the 1999 state championship game played at the Yankee’s Legends ballpark in Tampa, Sean pitched a complete game victory,” said Benedict. “Leading 5-4, in a bases loaded, two out, full count situation, Sean threw a fastball by Panama City Mosely’s clean-up hitter to clinch the championship.”

Burnett received a framed jersey, a billboard bearing his name and number on the right-centerfield wall. Fans, friends and family all enjoyed the evening, many of which were wearing Burnett jerseys.

As for what is next for the two teams. In a non-district contest, Palm Beach Central welcomes the King’s Academy Lions this Thursday at 3:30 pm. Wellington will host the Seminole RIdge Hawks Friday at 7:00 pm.

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