WEXFORD — Even a 12-day layoff could not break Frank Craska's rhythm.

Mars' junior pitcher struck out five, walked one and allowed just four hits over his 6 1/3 innings of work to lead the Planets to a 2-0 baseball victory over Moon in a WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal playoff Monday at North Allegheny High School.

“Frank throws a lot of strikes and I'd say he's been our most consistent pitcher this year,” said Mars coach Andy Bednar.

Craska last pitched in an official game May 10 against Blackhawk, working four innings of relief to get the win. He did throw 30 pitches in a scrimmage against Canon-McMillan last Thursday.

“I felt good in my bullpen session before the game today,” said Craska, who moved his season record to 6-3. “We knew Moon was an aggressive team and they like to swing at fastballs. I went with a lot of first-pitch curve balls today, then put 'em away with a fastball later in the count.”

Mars will play West Allegheny, a 4-1 victor over Franklin Regional, in a semifinal Wednesday at a site and time to be determined.

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