Special to the News-Sun
LAKE PLACID - In six previous meetings this year in Lake Placid softball, Yates Insurance and Schooni's Restaurant each won three times.
The last four were decided by one run, and the aggregate score was Yates 148, Schooni's 147.
Evenly matched and with the two best records in the league, the two squared off on Monday.
Schooni's led most of the way, but Yates rallied in the eighth inning for six runs, highlighted by a three run homer by pitcher "Wahoo" Stanley.
The Insurers held on to get the final two outs with the tying runs on base to win 27-25.
With the win, Yates Insurance clinched the regular season league title for the third straight year.
"A team effort, all the way," exclaimed jubilant Yates manager Dick Cook in the victorious winners' dugout.
For Yates, Cliff Bluml (double, HR), Stanley (the cycle) and Dave Steigerwalt had five hits each.
Paul Brand doubled and homered.
Going deep for Schooni's were Denis Cuillerier, Bill Gallagher and Ron Wickman.
Richard Rucker slammed two triples.
Seminole Tire won their third straight game by defeating Central Security 35-30.
Darrel Richards (two doubles) led the 'Noles Hit Parade with five, while Gary Pixley (triple) and Howard Carney (triple) had four each. Norm Grubbs hit a roundtripper in the win.
Dana Hurlbut, owner and left fielder, lead Central Security with five hits, including four doubles.
Paul Stephenson (two doubles) also had five, while Chet Johnson knocked out a double and homer and Joe Hedges had two doubles and a homer.
On Wednesday, Central Security (7-13) played like anything but a last place team in downing Yates Insurance (13-7).
Yates took the lead in the fifth inning on a home run barrage by Cliff Bluml, "Wahoo" Stanley and Ed Engler, but the Securitymen came storming back to win handily 29-20.
Owner Dana Hurlbut again paced his team with six hits, including the cycle, while Paul Stephenson (double) also had six hits.
Chet Johnson hit two four baggers, and Fred Moore contributed another round tripper.
Dick Cook added a home run for Yates.
Schooni's (11-9) toppled Seminole Tire (9-11) 23-19.
John McCallum and Denis Cuillerier went deep for the Restauranteurs, while Bill Gallagher tripled.
Norm Grubbs hit for the cycle for Seminole Tire.
Darrel Richards (double) and Howard Carney had four hits apiece, while Skip Raller homered.
The regular-season finale is Monday.
A two-day tournament starts Wednesday, March 20, with a banquet following the championship game on Monday, March 25.
For further league information, please visit lpsoftball.com.
Friday, March 15, 2013 - www.newssun.com/SUN-3-17-13-LPSoftball