Guilford Moves on to CIAC Championship After 1-0 Win Over Berlin

Jun 7, 2023

In a remarkable performance by both teams' starting pitchers, Guilford's Andrew Shosho outdueled Berlin's Jonah Shackford in a 1-0 victory for the Grizzlies that sends them off to the CIAC Class L, State Championship Game this Sat., June 10th at 7:00 pm. The Grizzlies will take on the Brookfield Bobcats at Palmer Field in Middletown, who defeated Notre Dame - WH, 3-1, on Tue. afternoon prior to Guilford's game vs. Berlin.

Before I get to Shosho's performance, a tip of the cap to Berlin's Shackford, who took the loss in an effort that typically would result in a win, where he pitched all 6 innings and allowed just 1 run on 1 Guilford hit. However, the Grizzlies' one hit was a big one.

After Shosho retired the Redcoats in order in the top of the 1st, in the bottom of the inning, Lucas Ametrano crushed a solo homerun off the scoreboard at Palmer field to give the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead. In a game that was similar to Guilford's quarterfinal win over Wethersfield, a homerun combined with shutout pitching and great defense would be the Grizzlies' key to victory, as Ametrano's homer would be all Guilford could muster vs. Shackford.

Armed with a 1-run lead, Shosho went back to work in the top of the 2nd, in what would be a pitching performance to be remembered in Guilford Baseball history. Shosho would surrender his only walk allowed to the Berlin leadoff hitter in the top of the 2nd, before he got the next 2 batters on a popout and 2 Ks. When it was over, Shosho would retire the Redcoats in order in 4 of the 7 innings he worked, and would allow just 1 Berlin baserunner to get as far as 2nd base for the entire game, although he got a huge assist on a play that will also be remembered in GHS Baseball history.

With 2 out in the top of the 6th, Berlin's Aiden Cooney lined a hit down the right-field line, rounded first base and headed for 2nd trying to get the potential game-tying run in scoring position for the Redcoats. Grizzlies right-fielder, Bryce Meder, raced over to the line, fielded the ball and immediately fired a perfect strike to SS Lucas Deshefy, who applied the tag to nail Cooney and end the inning. The throw has to be seen to be believed, be sure to watch the highlight video of the play using the "Video" tab above.

Perhaps what was most impressive about Shosho's performance, was that it was all done "without a net", as the pressure grew each inning he took the mound trying to protect a 1-run lead. Shosho would finish with 8 strikeouts against just 1 walk allowed, gave up a hit in the 3rd, and the hit that resulted in an out on Meder's throw in the 6th. Guilford played errorless defense, and with 2 outs in the 7th, Shosho surrendered the 3rd and final hit he would allow, before getting the last Berlin batter to fly out for the win, and a berth in the CIAC Championship Game.

It was the Guilford pitching staff's 2nd consecutive shutout, and if it ends up being Shosho's final appearance on the mound as a Grizzly, it would be a great ending to great story. Shosho's comeback from a terrible injury he suffered in the middle of last season has been remarkable, and an overarching testament to the mental toughness that is on display every time he takes the ball. The win was his team-leading 8th of the season, with many of them coming against some of the state's top lineups. The "Big Sho" will undoubtedly be remembered as one of Guilford's all-time best, big game pitchers.

The CIAC Class L Championship Game will be played on Sat., June 10th at Palmer Field in Middletown, where Guilford will try for their 2nd State Championship in team history, when they take on Brookfield at 7:00 pm. The Bobcats come into the game at 19-5 playing out of the South West Conference (SWC), and defeated #28 Bunnell, #12 Torrington, #29 Masuk and #9 Notre Dame - WH to reach the finals.