Silent Salesmen, Highlands Ridge Pick Up Wins

The Sebring Senior Softball League had a beautiful day for play on Tuesday at the Highlands County Sports Complex, as Silent Salesmen, Highlands Ridge and Highlands Merchants pulled out victories.

The Silent Salesmen met the Aluminum Discount team in a rather loosely played contest that seemed like both teams were determined to give the game away. In the bottom of the eighth inning with a one-run lead, the Aluminum boys finally gave the game away by making two costly errors to make the final score 14-13.

Starring at the plate for the Salesman were Mike Jurmu going 3-for-4 scoring four runs, and Marvin Knutilla with 3 hits. Also doing some damage were Don Cunningham, Syd Collins, Harley Smith, Leo Lypps and Dick Marmic with two hits each. A good pitching performance was turned in by Dick Harmic, allowing only three runs in the last four innings.

Aluminum's top hitters were Jim Larnard, Bob Lott, Mike Ellis and John Schiltz slamming three hits each. Highlands Ridge and the Blue Jays created the most excitement of the day vying back and forth for a win. Highlands scored 10 runs in the first inning.

The Jays had a great comeback scoring 11 runs in the fifth inning, but Ridge pulled it out scoring two runs for a final score of 20-15.The Ridges' John Bielman was 5-for-5, Doug Ebeling had three hits and three RBI and Dan Smart had four hits.

Highlands Merchants faced some good defense by the Rebels, but prevailed with a 14-7 victory. Merchants' Bobby Fulcher hit a triple and was responsible for four RBI. Having three hits each were Jose Torres and Kyle Saunders.

The Rebels Jim Monroe went 4-for-4, Diz Jones had three hits and Don Purdy tripled, while six other players had two hits.

Royal Palms and Highlands Independent Bank had a calmer game than some of the others. The Palms came out on top with an 18-5 win despite The Banks Bob Burley's three-Runhomer. Palms Charlie Quinn was 4-for-4 with atriple, a home run and six RBI, while Bob Fox was 2-for-2 with a home run.

Doug Hammond was 2-for-3 with a triple and Don Ward had two hits.

During Thursday's action, Highlands Merchants outscored Royal Palms for a 22-8 victory.

Merchant's mainstays were Victor Rodriquez banging out the only home run in the game. Jose Torres had three hits, including a triple, while Bob Fulcher was 3-for-3 and Wayne Hill, Ryan Lewis,and Bill Yeager had 3 three hits apiece. Ron Anderson belted two hits with a double for Royal Palms, while Bob Wiess and Doran Quigg each went 2-for-3.

Highlands Ridgefaced Aluminum Discount and came out with 16-9 victory. Doug Ebeling powered a three run homer, while Joe Healey had three hits, including a home run. Curt Brown went 3-for-4, Andy Timermanis had a triple in his 2-for-4 outing and John Bielman had three hits.

Aluminum Discount was quite disappointed with their mornings' efforts. Cheering could be heard far and wide from the spectators of the Silent Salesman and Rebels teams.The Salesman met the Rebels for the second time this season and came out on top again, this time by a scoreof 9-8. The Rebels left the tying run on base in the 8th inning.

Singles were the order of the day for the Salesman as 18 of 21 hits were one base knocks. Top performers were Mike Jurmu going 4-for-4, Don Cunninginham went 3-for-4 and Jerry Johnston had two hits, including a double and a triple. Roque Socarras went 2-for-4 with a double, while three others had two hits each. Salesman did hustle by making two double plays. The Rebels had a promising start by scoring five runs in the first inning of the game. Tony Caristo was 4-for-4 and Jack Grosso went 3-for-4.

The Blue Jays were overbearing with the Highlands Independent Bank in a 25-1 win. The Blue Jays were led on offense by Don Day, Marvin Strope and Don Sheets.