MOOSIC – Cory Lescavage broke to his left just as the ball was struck sharply to his right.
No problem.
The Wyoming Area shortstop simply reversed direction, made a diving stop, scrambled to his feet and threw to first base in time to complete what may have been the best of a series of defensive gems that highlighted the fourth annual Field of Dreams Game June 19 at PNC Field.
Lescavage played the entire game as the shortstop and third hitter in the Wyoming Valley Conference lineup during a 4-2 loss to the Lackawanna League. He was 0-for-3 with a walk at the plate, but his biggest contributions came on defense where he turned a double play and handled six chances in the first four innings.
“Before the play, coach told us to throw behind the runner,” Lescavage said of his run-saving play to end the bottom of the first inning. “On the swing, I kind of looked over toward the bag, but it was hit in the hole.
“I figured the only chance I had was to dive for it.”
By making the diving stop, Lescavage first prevented the ball from getting through to left field and allowing West Scranton’s Cam Colger, who had been leading off second base, to score the game’s first run.
When he managed to follow it up with a strong throw, Lescavage retired West Scranton’s Jacob Thomas to end the inning.
Lescavage also ended the second inning by turning a double play.
The defenses combined to commit just one error in game that saw fielders complete three double plays, leave their feet to make two other plays and throw out a base stealer.
“I guess it was kind of expected,” Lescavage said. “They claimed it was the best of the best.
“We just came out here trying to have fun.”
Lescavage was one of the leaders of Wyoming Area’s WVC Division 2 title repeat with his defense at shortstop, his hitting and his pitching. He was the only Greater Pittston player to participate in the game.
Wyoming Area’s Tyler Dougherty and Pittston Area’s Kyle Turonis and Jeff Donnora were on the original Field of Dreams roster, but had to drop out because of scheduling conflicts when the game was rained out June 5.
Dougherty, Turonis and Donnora will get a second chance July 7 in the WVC Senior All-Star Game at the Mountain Post Legion Field.
Lescavage and Dougherty will be part of the West team. Turonis and Donnora will be on the East.
