Olson, Del Gallo help Avon Legion hand Bristol a 2-1 defeat

Avon’s Justin Olson (2) got the job done Tuesday night on the pitcher’s mound, limiting Bristol to just three hits in a 2-1 victory at Buckingham Field.

AVON, June 28 – Pitcher Justin Olson allowed just three hits and struck out eight as the Avon American Legion baseball team earned their fourth straight victory with a 2-1 win over Bristol Tuesday night in Zone 1 action at Buckingham Field.

It was a crisp, well-played contest. Bristol hurler Noah Cruz also went the distance, allowing just three hits and striking out eight in six innings on the mound.

Avon (10-2, 10-2 Zone 1) took the lead with a two-out rally in the bottom of the fifth inning. Chris Jacobs singled to center field and moved to second base when Joe Suski coaxed a walk from Cruz. Both runners scored on Sean Del Gallo’s two-RBI single to center field for a 2-0 lead.

Bristol (10-6, 8-4 Zone 1) cut the lead to one in the top of the sixth inning. Cody Fradette doubled, moved to third on an infield ground ball and scored on a wild pitch. But that is all that Post 2 could muster.

Bristol had an opportunity in the fourth inning. With two outs and the game scoreless, Chad Richardson singled to left field and then Olson hit Nicholas Sassu. A walk to Bradley Burney loaded the bases. But Olson got Andrew Owsianko to hit the ball back to him and Olson threw out the runner at first base to end the threat.

Avon tried to extend their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. With two outs and Andrew Leduc at second base, Will Thramann singled to center field. But Bristol outfielder Jalen Benoit threw out Leduc at home plate to end the inning and keep the lead to just one run going into the top of the seventh inning.

Avon (10-2) maintained its hold on first place in Zone 1. Simsbury is second in the zone with an 11-5 record with Bristol third with an 8-4 mark.

It was the third consecutive one-run game between the two teams. The final two games that Avon and Bristol played in 2015 were also 2-1 decisions. Each team won a game.

Tuesday night was the beginning of a three game homestand for Post 201. Avon hosts Terryville (5-8) on Wednesday night at 5:45 p.m. and hosts Winsted (6-8) on Thursday at 5:45 p.m. Avon closes out the week with a doubleheader at Simsbury’s Memorial Field beginning at 5 p.m.

Avon 2, Bristol 1
At Avon
Bristol (10-6)                    000  001  0 – 1-3-1
Avon (10-2)                      000  020  x – 2-3-0
Noah Cruz and unknown; Justin Olson and Jeremy Zarwanski; WP: Olson (2-1); LP: Cruz; 2B: Cody Fradette (B); 3B: none; HR: none