Philadelphia clinches playoff spot

By By Jamie Sullivan / staff writer
April 14, 2002
PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Tornadoes clinched a spot in the Class 3A State Baseball Playoffs Saturday night, with a 5-4 comeback win over Southeast Lauderdale here at Burnside Park.
With the win, Hill and his Tornadoes are assured of at least a second place spot in post-season play.
Southeast threatened to score in the second inning, but PHS centerfielder Tyler Threadgill gunned out a runner at the plate to turn back the Tigers.
The 15-10 Tornadoes took a 1-0 lead in second inning on a Jonathan Booker homer. Philadelphia made it 2-0 when Cameron Tawater blasted a solo homer over the center field wall in the fourth inning.
PHS stretched it to 3-0 in the fifth when Tyler Rounsaville reached base on an error and later scored on a wild pitch.
Southeast scored four runs in the top of the sixth to go up 4-3. Jay Butler's three-run blast capped the rally, which began with Tyler McMullen driving in Larry Fairchild with a single.
The Tigers went into the bottom of the seventh inning ahead by one run, but they could not hold off the homestanding Tornadoes.
Southeast wrapped two defensive miscues around a single by PHS' Hunter Holley, as the Tornadoes loaded the bases with no outs.
Jonathan Holland then became an instant hero with a two-run double to end the game.
Holland's heroics were set up when Philly's Booker opened the inning by reaching first when his swinging third strike got past the catcher. After Holley's single, Rounsaville put down a bunt that was misplayed by the Tigers.
Despite the loss, Richardson was pleased with his team's effort.
Holley went the distance on the mound for the Tornadoes, picking up the win while allowing just four hits and fanning eight. Jeff Linton suffered the loss for the Tigers, despite giving up just five hits.
Tyler Harper had a double for SEL.
The 12-11 Tigers close out their season on Monday with a road game against Meridian High School, while Philadelphia will travel to Morton or Forest for the first-round of the Class 3-A State Playoffs on Thursday.