But he didn’t hesitate when asked what he’s enjoyed the most during his tenure in America’s pastime.

It’s serving as the head coach in Jamestown.

Thursday night was a perfect example why Hill has embraced his new role.

Trailing 4-2 after six innings, the Tarp Skunks erupted for three runs in the seventh and nine more in the eighth to post a walk-off 14-4 Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League victory over Geneva before a large crowd at Diethrick Park.

Jamestown’s Kobe Jones fields a ball in left field during Thursday’s Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League game against Geneva at Diethrick Park. Times Observer Photo by Scott Kindberg

“It’s definitely a completely different experience,” Hill said. “I’m actually really enjoying this. I never knew what to expect coming into coaching, and I’m having a lot of fun, more fun than I ever imagined. This group makes it a lot of fun. It’s definitely a good time.”

The key hits for Jamestown in the game’s latter stages were Nigel Sebastianelli’s two-out, two-run double in the seventh inning that tied the game 4-4, and Henry Juan’s three-run double in the bottom of the eighth when the Tarp Skunks sent 13 men to the plate and took advantage of eight walks, two hit batters and Kobe Jones’ two-run single that ended it via the 10-run rule.

“That ending was definitely pretty crazy, especially with that little delay (the game was delayed 23 minutes when the lights on the third-base side of the field went out),” Hill said. “We didn’t know what to expect. We were only up one at that point, so coming out and scoring nine in the last inning was huge.”

The victory improved Jamestown’s record to 14-15, while the Red Wings dropped to 10-15. And even though the Tarp Skunks won’t be catching first-place Batavia (22-5) in the Western Division standings, it’s pretty clear that Hill has truly enjoyed his time calling the shots since taking over the team five weeks ago.

See TARP SKUNKS / Page B2

Jamestown shortstop Nigel Sebastianelli looks to turn two with a throw to first as second baseman Austin Matranga looks on. Times Observer Photo by Scott Kindberg

“This group has each other’s backs,” Hill said. “We love to come here every day together. It’s really fun. … We just try to play loose and no matter what happened the day before, it’s going to be fun and we have a chance to win.”

The players certainly responded last night, bouncing back from deficits of 3-0 and 4-2. Gabe Wheeler (University of Tampa) raised his record to 3-0 in relief of starter Gage Hayes (Drury University). Together, the right-handers scattered eight hits, struck out two and walked three.

The Tarp Skunks were led offensively by Juan (Williams College) with three hits and three RBIs; and Sebastianelli (Niagara County Community College), Leo Doyle (Wagner College), DJ Stoianovich (Mansfield University) and Jones (Shorter University) with two RBIs apiece.

Juan has been particularly hot.

“He’s so consistent,” Hill said. “It’s so easy to put him out there every day and trust that he’s going to put together good at-bats. He’s really been showing that lately.”

Jamestown showed patience at the plate as well, taking advantage of 10 walks — eight in its final at-bat — and it left the ballpark on Falconer Street feeling pretty good about itself heading into today’s road trip to Geneva.

John Lewis (East Central Community College), Ayden Alsobrooks (Arkansas State) and Ryan Grace (Lafayette College) all had two hits. One of Alsobrooks’ hits was a triple, while losing pitcher Colin Boyd (East Mississippi CC), one of four Red Wings’ hurlers, added a double.