ADAMS TWP — The Mars baseball team had control of its playoff destiny.

It was Knoch, however, that took control of the game right from the start.

The Knights scored two runs in each of the first three innings in an 8-6 defeat of the Planets on Wednesday at Marburger Field.

The loss keeps the Planets (8-11, 5-7) from tying New Castle for the final playoff spot out of Section 1-AAA.

The Planets defeated Knoch, 6-4 on April 16.

"We're out here to win every game," said Knoch coach Curt Schnur. "These guys knew what was going on today," referring to the game's implications.

The Knights came out swinging against Mars starter Lee Lawver, as the senior southpaw was charged with six runs on seven hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

Senior Stush Antoszyk doubled to right-center with two outs in the top of the third, driving home Dave Govan and John DeWalt to put Knoch ahead 6-1.

It would prove to be Lawver's last pitch, as he was relieved by Dan Brent after striking out one and walking three.

"Lee's got the mentality, he battles all the time," said Mars coach Andy Bednar. "Today, Knoch just got a couple of timely hits."

Mars was able to fight back with the long ball, but all three of the team's home runs — Zach Bear in the second inning, Chris Herold in the third and Lawver in the fifth — were solo shots.

That was the key for Knoch starter Cullen Hinderliter. He never allowed that big inning Mars was in desperate need of.

"Cullen threw real well today," Bednar said. "Home runs don't hurt you as much when they're solo shots."

Dale Gallo's two-out double in the top of the sixth inning plated Govan and Andrew Wirtz, making the score 8-3.

"We did something today that we've struggled to do all year and that's hitting with runners in scoring position," said Schnur.

Mars scored one in the bottom of the inning on Dan Brent's fielder's choice.

In their last at bat, the Planets watched leadoff hitter Anthony Ciafre single and Herold reach on a throwing error, which allowed Ciafre to score and cut his team's deficit to 8-6.

With the tying run at the plate and no outs, Hinderliter struck out Lawver, got Ryan Schroth to pop out and Andrew Rush to ground out to end the game.

Wirtz scored three runs and Robert Zanella drove in three for the Knights (9-8, 5-7).

Mars recognized eight seniors before the game. They included Zach Bear, Anthony Ciafre, Drew Glavin, Andrew Guerriero, Lee Lawver, Sean Roach, Ryan Schroth and Justin Vancheri.

Knoch 222 002 0—8 9 4Mars 011 012 1—6 8 3W: Cullen Hinderliter 7IP (4 K, 1 BB).

L: Lee Lawver 22/3IP (1 K, 3 BB).

Knoch (9-8, 5-7): Stush Antoszyk 2B 2RBI, Andrew Wirtz 2B 3R SB, Dale Gallo 2B R 2RBI, Robert Zanella 2-1B 3RBI, Brandon Wissinger 1B, Cullen Hinderliter 2B RBI, Dave Govan 2R, John DeWalt 2-1B 2R

Mars (8-11, 5-7): Anthony Ciafre 2-1B R, Chris Herold HR, Lee Lawver HR, Andrew Rush 1B R, Zach Bear HR 2R, Justin Vancheri 1B, Phil Bushee 2B RBI, Dan Brent RBI

Today: Freeport at Knoch; North Hills at Mars