The Lancaster Barnstormers were facing off against the York Revolution — not on a field, but in an alley.

The first round of a bowling War of the Roses went to the Revolution on Saturday in a charity Bowlerama at Leisure Lanes. The event raised money for cancer research and for You and Me on a Comeback, an organization started by Barnstormers catcher Jed Morris to meet the ongoing needs of people in remission from cancer.

The fun, competitive event saw five players for each team bowling for the most total pins. Despite a largely partisan crowd cheering the home team, it was the Revolution that pulled out a 633-596 victory.

The Barnstormers, a team that made lots of late-inning comebacks during the baseball season, kept it close with strong bowling in the last three frames, but it was Revolution pitching ace Daryl Harang that made the difference with his game-high score of 190.

The event, which featured team bowling during the day, a silent auction, various raffle prizes and entertainment, brought in $4,200 for Morris' organization. More than 170 bowlers participated in the event.

"I am blessed with how well this event went in the first year," said Morris, who is in remission from acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was diagnosed in 2006. "So many people and fans showed up, and the volunteers did great work. I am overwhelmed and thank the Lancaster and York players who came to this event to make it so much fun. I just wish we could have won the trophy for the fans."

The evening roll-off between the two teams adhered to a host of baseball-type formalities. A pair of umpires called gutter balls, strikes and spares. The teams exchanged lineup cards to start the match, with both teams using two relief bowlers off the bench as needed. Lancaster manager Tom Herr served as the team's coach, while the Revolution had Scott Youcheff from its front office serve as a player-coach. The teams played for a trophy, donated by Garden Spot Ribbon and Awards, that will go to the winning team each year. Dave Collins, play-by-play announcer for the Barnstormers and an avid bowler, called the action frame by frame.

"Bowling is my favorite activity, but the baseball schedule prevents me from participating in a league," Collins said. "I always wanted to announce a bowling match. This was certainly fun, with a lot of creative touches. It is a great way to raise money for a good cause."

The Barnstormers roster for the event included Lancaster County natives Eric Ackerman, Matt Watson and Aaron Herr, former outfielder Bryan Sabatella, who was traded last season, pitcher Ross Peeples, bullpen catcher Kevin Richards and Morris. Jon Danos, an 11-year cancer survivor and president of Opening Day Partners, which owns both teams, started the match with a ceremonial "first bowl." His ball knocked over six pins, which is all Danos had hoped for.

"I had a taste of my own medicine," Danos said. "I am used to bringing people on the field for a first pitch. I just wanted to make sure I did not throw a gutter ball."

The match started badly for the Barnstormers, with Aaron Herr losing his balance on his first throw and the team struggling to make strikes or spares. Every Barnstormer finished with a score over 100, though, and the match became very competitive, with players on both sides pushing their teammates and trying to force the other team into mistakes. Mascots Cylo and Hilda the Turkey were among the fans cheering Morris and his teammates in their late comeback bid.

"I got an early strike and wanted to win for the Lancaster fans," Morris said. "But I definitely bowled over my ability, as I was so hyped up."

Danos praised Morris' character.

"Players are often viewed as one-dimensional, but Jed is an incredible person who will do so much good in the world. He is a great person who will excel on and off the field."

Tom Herr said he's glad the Lancaster players are good at baseball because their performances Saturday showed them to be terrible bowlers. Regarding baseball matters, Herr said the team has a few players already under contract for 2010, and he's optimistic about the Barnstormers' chances in the Atlantic League. Spring training begins April 12.

"Work is under way," Herr said. "We have a lot of players who have shown interest in playing here. It is too early to predict anything, but I am anxious to see how things turn out so we can reach the point where we can contend for a title."