JEFFERSON TWP - At the beginning of the season, it was Dan Pierre's glove that convinced Mars coach Andy Bednar he deserved playing time.

On Monday afternoon, Pierre let his bat do the talking.

The

senior belted a home run, a double and a single in the Planets' 5-1 Section 1-AAA win over Knoch at Laura Doerr Park.

"I've been pitching, playing first (base) and the outfield," said Pierre. "But until three games ago, they've been using a designated hitter in my spot in the order. In the last three games, I'm 8-for-9 at the plate."

Pierre's first plate appearance of the day yielded a lead-off double to left-center, after which the Planets (6-6, 3-3) scored two runs to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the third inning.

That was the score when he walked to the plate in the sixth inning following Charlie Jaicks' double to the center-field fence.

Knoch reliever Dan Rickard served up a fastball on the outside corner and Pierre drove it over the fence in right-center for a 4-1 lead.

"I was seeing the ball real well today," said Pierre. "Plus, I was trying to open up my hips a bit more."

"He's really been hitting the ball the last three games," said Bednar. "We like him in that nine spot so he can turn the order over. And we love his glove at first base and the outfield."

The offense was more than enough for Mars sophomore starter Chip Hasek, who pitched a complete game while surrendering four hits, striking out six and walking two.

"This was his second consecutive complete game," said Bednar. "To have a sophomore go out and throw a complete game for you, that's huge."

The lone run charged against Hasek was Austin Leffler's solo home run that gave Knoch a brief 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second.

"The kids are putting forth a good effort, but we just aren't hitting well with runners in scoring position," said Knoch coach Curt Schnur. "And we've tried different things - changing the order around and working on some things in practice."

Kevin Bacon, who shouldered the loss, started on the mound for Knoch (5-6, 2-4) and lasted just 2-plus innings.

He experienced control problems early, walking the first two batters of the game on nine pitches.

After failing to retire any of the first four batters in the top of the third, Rickard relieved Bacon with the bases loaded and the game tied at one.

The first batter Rickard faced, Zach Zollner, reached on a fielder's choice as Mark Lucas scored the go-ahead run.

Knoch pitchers combined to walk seven batters.

"We're looking for a No. 2 pitcher behind Johnny Lefevre," said Schnur. "But so far, we haven't found somebody who can consistently throw strikes."

Mars 002 002 1 - 5 8 1

Knoch 010 000 0 - 1 4 2

WP:

Chip Hasek (7 IP) 6 strikeouts, 2 walks.

LP:

Kevin Bacon (2+ IP) 1 strikeout, 4 walks

Mars (6-6, 3-3):

Dan Pierre 1B 2B HR 2R 2RBI, Mark Lucas R, Adam Fleming 1B RBI, Ryan Lynch 1B R 2SB, Zach Zollner RBI, D.J. Cannon 1B RBI, Adam Spithaler 1B, Charlie Jaicks 2B R

Knoch (5-6, 2-4):

Bob Kruth 1B, Austin Leffler 1B HR, Bill Elliot 1B

Today:

Ford City @ Knoch

Wednesday:

Hampton @ Mars