Fifth inning propels Emporium

Austin gave the Emporium Alle-Catt Amateur Baseball League team all it could handle until midway through Sunday's game, when the roof caved in for the visiting Panthers. Emporium (7-1) went on to score an 18-2 victory.

Neither offense could do much over the front four innings, as Austin hurler Jesse Whitman matched Emporium's Saul Solveson. Then came the fateful fifth.

Solveson checked out with a sore elbow after recording an out and reliever Ralph McKimm picked up where the former professional hurler left off.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Cats teedoff against Austin reliever Sean Mickle, who didn't get much help from his defense.

Solveson finished with nine strikeouts, allowing an unearned run and two hits. Mc- Kimm worked three and two-thirds innings, surrendering just one hit. Ryan Bresslin retired the Panthers without incident in the ninth.

McKimm had a double, three singles and four runs batted in. Sean McManigle clouted a home run, two singles and drove in three runs. Mike Baker smacked four singles and plated a pair.

Emporium hosts the hapless Ludlow squad on Saturday, followed by a trip to Shinglehouse on Sunday. Austin has a home game with Mt. Jewett on Saturday, followed by a road trip on Sunday to meet undefeated Olean AOH. All games start at 2 pm.

League Standings: Olean AOH 8-0, Emporium 7-1, Kane 7-2, Port Allegany 5-2, Austin 4-4, Mt. Jewett 4-4, Olean Oilers 4-4, Wellsville 4-4, Cuba 3-6, Crosby 2-7, Olean Royals 0-8, Ludlow 0-8.