Rough start, smooth finish
MARS — Getting off to a good start against Mars' Eagle County League baseball team is tough enough, but it's earning the desired result at the end of the game that proves most elusive.
Cranberry Township achieved the former in Game 1 of the best-of-five championship series Monday at Marburger Field, jumping out to a 3-0 lead.
But behind the improved pitching of Matt DeSalvo and a lineup littered with potent bats, Mars scored the final eight runs in an 8-3 victory.
Mars had left runners on first and third in the bottom of the first and was retired in order by Cranberry starter Tim Mulvey, a left-hander, in the second frame.
“This was the first time we faced him (Mulvey),” said Mars player/manager Brendan Malone, “but the third inning was the second time through the order for him and we went to work.”
John Taveras singled with one out and Bob Spithaler had a base hit with two outs. A walk to Dan Penberthy loaded the bases before Brent McCormick laced a two-run double to center field. Brandon Bergstrom capped the inning's scoring by singling home Penberthy to tie the game at 3.
Mars, the five-time defending league champion, plated four more runs in the fourth — two of them scoring on a pair of errors — and that was more than enough for DeSalvo.
He had given up a two-run home run to Ben Murray in the top of the first, then threw a wild pitch that allowed Clayton Bouchard to come home in the third inning.
“It seems to be the case for our best pitchers lately, getting off to slow starts,” said Malone. “But we know they're good and that they'll come around.”
DeSalvo came around by pitching four shut-out innings to end the game. In that span, he allowed just two base hits. His complete game ended with 10 strikeouts and no walks.
“I think he (DeSalvo) settled down and pitched better as the game went on,” said Cranberry player/manager Bill Clinefelter.
Mars added an insurance run in the fifth when Matt Johnston doubled in G.J. Senchak. All five runs were charged to Mulvey, who allowed eight hits while striking out five and walking five. Reed Tomlinson pitched the final 1 2/3 innings.
Mars ended the game with eight runs on nine hits, including three doubles. Clinefelter knows how difficult it is to hold Mars down, especially on its home field.
“You just try to pitch away to their lefties and be smart,” he said. “This is just one game. We'll come back and go at it again tomorrow.”
Game 2 will be played at 6 p.m. today at North Boundary Park.
Cranberry Twp. 201 000 0 — 3 5 2
Mars 003 410 x — 8 9 1
W: Matt DeSalvo 7 IP (10K, 0BB). L: Tim Mulvey 4.1 IP (5K, 5BB).
Cranberry Township: Clayton Bouchard 2-1B R, T.J. Kuny 1B R, Ben Murray HR 2RBI, Reed Tomlinson 1B
Mars: John Taveras 1B 2B 2R, Brendan Malone 1B R RBI, Bob Spithaler 2-1B R, Dan Penberthy R RBI, Brent McCormick 1B 2RBI, Brandon Bergstrom 1B RBI, G.J. Senchak R, Matt Johnston 2-2B R RBI, Sam Sibeto, Jr. R
Today: Mars vs. Cranberry Township, Game 2 at North Boundary Park, 6 p.m.
