by Michael Leonard
Sports Editor
Streetsboro -- The Streetsboro baseball team reverted back to some habits from last season over last week.
Given the Rockets' nightmarish fielding tendencies in 2007, it's little wonder why coach Chris Scisciani is alarmed.
"I'm so disappointed in these guys right now, I'd really don't know what to say," Scisciani said. "I would say lack of focus is hurting us right now. I hope that we're not getting complacent because we've won four more games than we did last year, but that's probably part of it as well."
Streetsboro bobbled through a 12-3 loss to Windham May 5 at Streetsboro City Park in a game marred by a combined 12 errors between the top teams.
On April 29, the Rockets lost a 7-1 decision to County foe Garrettsville James A. Garfield.
Streetsboro's record moved to 8-10, including 4-5 in the Portage Trail Conference County Division. Streetsboro was set to play a rematch May 5 in Windham, but results weren't available at press time.
In the game against Garfield, the G-Men scored a run in the top of the first inning, two in the third, one in the fourth and three in the sixth. The G-Men finished with seven hits and no errors.
Streetsboro scored its only run in the first and had five hits and one error. Kevin Miller (3-2) took the loss for the Rockets on the mound.
In the game Windham, things went haywire early for the Rockets. Two Rocket errors, a walk, a hit batsman and a wild pitch allowed the Bombers to score three runs without a hit in the top of the first.
Scisciani said Streetsboro starter Matt Senters deserved better.
"We just can't make the routine plays for Matt," Scisciani said. "We said he was going to become our No. 2 starter, as he's developed into that role. He's a good player the three years I've been here."
However, Scisciani said the May 4 game was Senters' last in a Rocket uniform as he was scheduled to have leg surgery May 5 to repair an injury he first suffered in wrestling season.
Senters (1-3) took the loss in his final start as a Rocket, allowing 12 runs, but only five of these were earned.
Streetsboro also was without catcher Scott Ashburn for the third straight game May 4. Ashburn was a late scratch when coaches decided he had not yet recovered fully from cut fingers on his catching hand.
Streetsboro got a run back in the bottom the first as second baseman Cody Rader reach on error, stole second and came home on a groundout from catcher Ryan Stainbrook.
Streetsboro was able to take advantage of five Windham errors, but the Rockets were unable to get any hits off Bombers' starter Cody Apthorpe or reliever Sean Kellar, who pitched a 1-2-3 seventh inning.
After each team plated an unearned run in the third inning, Windham blew the game open in the top of the fourth.
Right fielder Jesse Burns singled, shortstop Kyle Cooper reached on an error and Kellar laid down a bunt single to load the bases. Apthorpe then blasted a two-run single.
After center fielder Kyle Harman hit a run-scoring single, another Rocket error allowed two more runs to score. A run-scoring groundout by third baseman Dave Van Steenberg completed the scoring, giving the Bombers a 10-2 lead.
Streetsboro got one run back in the bottom of the fourth, as first baseman Doug Tackett reached on an error, moved to second base on a passed ball and later came home on wild pitch, but that was it for the Rockets' offense.
While the Bombers put up single runs in the fifth and seventh, Streetsboro got another injury scare in the bottom of the sixth.
Third baseman Kevin Miller struck out to start the sixth, but the catcher couldn't handle the ball. Miller ran to first, but he banged knees with Windham first baseman Josh Simmons as he was called out.
Miller limped off the field and was replaced by Steve Mauer for the seventh. Scisciani said Miller had "a bad Charlie horse" but hoped he could return in time for his pitching assignment May 6.
Streetsboro is scheduled to return to action May 9 as it will host a home doubleheader against Akron Springfield. First pitch is scheduled for 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The Rockets return to PTC action May 12 at Rootstown and May 13 at home against the Rovers. Game time both days is at 4:15 p.m.
Streetsboro also found out its playoff placing May 4 as the Rockets will compete in the Division II Akron District this spring. Streetsboro is set to open the playoffs May 15 at Aurora at 4:30 p.m. The winner of that contest will face third-seeded Mogadore Field May 16 at Field.
The district semifinal is scheduled to be played May 22 at 5 p.m. at Summit Lake Park in Akron, with the title game set for May 23 at 5 p.m. at Summit Lake Park.
E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com
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