Ian Metzger put the “extra” back in extra innings last night, as Verona High School baseball defeated Cedar Grove 2-1 in 11 innings.
Playing at Montclair State University for the two teams’ annual rivalry game, the Hillbillies and Panthers were locked in a 1-1 tie that seemed unbreakable. Nicky Coppola had driven in Steve Priscoe at top of the second inning for Verona’s score. At the top of the 11th, game officials decided that 11 innings would be the end, one way or another.
Anthony Zamloot was on first base when Metzger, who had handled Verona’s pitching for what would have been a normal-length game on any other night, came to the plate. Metzger set his sights on the right-centerfield gap, and delivered a double that got Zamloot home.
On the mound, Metzger struck out 13 and allowed just one run in six hits. Pierce Coppola finished out the game for Verona, garnering eight strikeouts in just over three innings. The win–Verona’s fifth win in its last seven games–pushed the team’s record to 11-10, but the team dropped to 11-11 today after losing to Belleville 5-3. Verona’s next game will be hosting Glen Ridge next Wednesday, May 16.
