By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana  

KOKOMO---Saturday’s 3A Semi-State game came in with plenty of hype.  Both Norwell and Western were highly ranked, and both featured two quality pitchers, who when on their game, can dominate any team’s lineup.

Western’s Ronnie Smith took the mound for the Panthers, while Josh Van Meter, recently selected as a SS in the fifth round of the MLB draft by the San Diego Padres, got the start for Norwell. 

The Panthers got to Van Meter early, scoring two runs in the bottom of the first inning.  Marcus Pingleton and Evan Warden had consecutive base hits in the inning putting runners on first and second.  Both runners eventually moved up a base on a wild pitch.  Drew Bellus knocked in the first run on his grounder to short, while the second run came off of Devon Eaker’s grounder.  After appearing to get to Van Meter, the Panthers were held scoreless the rest of the game. 

Van Meter eventually settled down, throwing a complete game, allowing 6 hits and striking out 12.  He sat in the upper 80’s with his fastball, and kept the Western bats off balance with a good breaking ball. 

In the third inning, Norwell was able to get their offense going on three consecutive singles by Van Meter, Nathan Shelton and Tailur Szarenski. Norwell eventually took the lead in the fourth scoring two  more runs.  The Knight’s offense was led by first baseman Tailur Szarenski who finished the day going 4-4 with three doubles and a single.  When it was all said and done, the Knights were able to put 5 runs across the plate, beating Western 5-2.

No. 4 Norwell will face off against No. 6 Jasper on Friday night at 7:30 in Indianapolis for the 3A State Championship game.  Both Norwell and Jasper played each other in the 2006 State Championship game, with Jasper winning 13-12.