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By Mark Kaboly

Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 10:52 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, February 19, 2013

It may have taken the better part of three years, but even Alain Girman ran into something more dominant than his perfect 27-0 career pitching record.

Mother Nature humbled the Serra Catholic ace with an array of adverse weather conditions including temperatures in the 30s coupled with rain, sleet, snow and gusting winds that made him appear to be mortal.

But still, Girman had enough to help the defending state champs win their 24th consecutive Section 2-A game with a 14-7 victory at Chartiers-Houston (5-3, 1-1) Wednesday afternoon to remain tied atop the standings with Bentworth.

“It was one of those days with the weather, but we persevered and came through,” Serra coach Brian Dzurenda said. “There are no excuses (for Girman), but that mound was bad, it was very cold and it just wasn't his day.”

No too often can you say that about Girman.

Coming into the game, Girman hadn't allowed a run in 25 innings dating back to last year's state semifinal game.

Yesterday, he gave up the most hits and runs in a single game of his career.

Girman went six innings allowing six hits and six runs (three earned) while striking out nine and walking five, but did improve to 4-0 on the year and 28-0 for his career.

“I am not going to make excuses, but I really don't like pitching in the cold,” Girman said. “I honestly couldn't even feel my fingers, then my foreman started to get tight. My dad even came over and said that was the worst you've pitched in your life. It was just horrible.”

Serra was able to back Girman with plenty of offense off Chartiers-Houston ace Dylan Pounds to make up for his off day.

Pounds, who baffled Serra (6-1, 3-0) in eliminating them from last year's WPIAL playoffs, showed effects of the weather as well.

Pounds gave up eight runs (five earned) over five innings while giving up six hits and walking three. Pounds threw a pair of wild pitches in the first that scored two Serra runs.

“We were very aggressive on the base paths,” Dzurenda said. “I am not disappointed in anything that transpired.”

Serra managed only eight hits but was able to push across 14 runs.

Trevor Jaworski went 3 for 3 with a double, 4 RBI and four runs scored to pace Serra's offensive attack while Girman, Colton Joseph and Zack Potts knocked in runs.

“I was just looking for first-pitch strikes all day and ripping it,” Jaworski said. “I really don't like hitting in this weather, but I was able to be successful today.”

Chartiers-Houston got two hits from Josh Counihan and a two-run single by Kyle Johnson.

Serra opened up a 6-1 lead heading into the bottom of the fourth when the Bucs got to Girman.

Despite an error by center fielder Chad Hazaga, Girman appeared to get out of the inning allowing just one run when Joseph and Brandon Coddington turned a bases-loaded double play that scored a run.

But Girman allowed Johnson, the No. 9 hitter, to single in a pair to make it 6-4.

Mark Kaboly is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at mkaboly@tribweb.com

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