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Gumm's pop propels Cherokee

Brendan Gumm has become an expert at leading the cheers for the Cherokee baseball team. He's not bad at creating them, either.

Cherokee's Brendan Gumm. (David M Warren/Staff Photographer)
Cherokee's Brendan Gumm. (David M Warren/Staff Photographer)Read more

Brendan Gumm has become an expert at leading the cheers for the Cherokee baseball team.

He's not bad at creating them, either.

Gumm cracked a two-run homer and finished with four RBIs as Cherokee continued its torrid play with an 8-3 victory over Shawnee on Wednesday in an Olympic Conference American Division game.

Winning pitcher Frank Rosetti, a senior righthander, worked 51/3 innings, and senior first baseman Jake Powell was 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI for Cherokee (12-7 overall, 8-1 division).

The Chiefs, who have won eight in a row, clinched a share of the American title. They can win the crown with a victory over Washington Township on Monday.

"We have a bunch of seniors on this team, and we want to go all-out," Gumm said.

Shawnee senior second baseman Nick Corbi doubled and scored for the Renegades (4-11, 1-6).

"We played three freshmen and six sophomores in this game," Shawnee coach Brian Anderson said. "It's been a rebuilding year, and our seniors have helped us through that process.

"Our young guys are making strides, but it's tough when you play a team like Cherokee with eight seniors out there and a lot of names that you recognize from the last couple of years."

Cherokee has been one of South Jersey's hottest teams since it fell to 4-7 with a 7-0 loss to Northern Burlington on April 21. The Chiefs were no-hit in that game.

"We decided at 4-7, we're too good for this," Cherokee coach Marc Petragnani said.

Rosetti shut out Shawnee through five innings. He struck out seven, with three walks.

"I didn't have my best stuff, but I was able to battle through," Rosetti said.

Powell delivered an RBI double, and Gumm added an RBI single in the first, as Cherokee took a 2-0 lead.

The Chiefs stretched their advantage with three runs in the fifth. Gumm took an inside fastball over the left-field fence for a two-run homer, and sophomore Evan Powell, Jake's brother, ripped an RBI single.

Gumm added his fourth RBI with a bases-loaded walk.

An outfielder in his first three seasons, Gumm has been forced to serve strictly as a designated hitter this season because a shoulder injury limits his ability to throw. He said he has used the time on the bench to focus on hitting - and also to cheer his teammates.

"I've tried to be more of a vocal leader for us," Gumm said. "I'll try to keep the guys up. When we take infield/outfield [before the game], I'll try to get everybody fired up."

Petragnani said Gumm has flourished in his new role.

"He's been unbelievable," Petragnani said. "I think he loves being the DH. He loves to hit."

Shawnee 000 003 0 - 3 6 2

Cherokee 200 033 x - 8 11 1

WP: Frank Rosetti. LP: Frank Hutchko. 2B: S-Nick Corbi; C-Jake Powell, Evan Powell, Nick Follet. HR: C-Brendan Gumm.

ONLINE EXTRA

See and hear from Cherokee's Brendan Gumm.

inquirer.com/rallynj

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