Mars bats too much for Cranberry, 11-3
MARS — If there was any rust on Mars' bats, it certainly didn't show.
The Eagle County League's top seed totaled 12 hits in Friday's semifinal-round game against Cranberry Township, seven of them going for extra bases, in an 11-3 win at Marburger Field.
With the victory, Mars takes a 1-0 lead in the best-of-5 series.
Mars' player/manager Brendan Malone totaled three hits, including a pair of homers, and drove in five runs.
“Our last game was Friday (July 26),” he said. “You get a little nervous when it's been that long since you played, but we put that to rest early on tonight.”
The hosts scored all of their runs in the first three innings, including six tallies in the third frame, which featured a three-run home run from John Poppert and a two-run blast from Malone.
The damage came against Cranberry starting pitcher Joe Hoffman, who was relieved by Tyler Brunner after three innings. The former struck out three and walked four and allowed the 11 runs on nine hits.
“We have a team full of veterans,” said Malone. “I'm 30 years old and I was the youngest guy out there for us tonight. We take pride in showing these college kids how to hit.”
“Traditionally, we have been a team built on good pitching and defense,” said Cranberry player/manager Bill Clinefelter. “We just didn't pitch well tonight. This field is built for Mars.”
Staked to an early lead, Mars starter Brian Zima was solid in his five innings, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out four and walking three.
“Brian has played in this league a long time,” said Malone. “When he's pitching, you know if you score three runs, he's usually going to get you the win.”
Trailing 5-0, Cranberry got on the board in the top of the third when Mike Mulvey's base hit drove in Zak Schmidt. But Zima got out of the inning a few pitches later when Justin Patsilevas flied out. Though Cranberry scored in as many innings as Mars, the former was never able to post a big inning.
Bob Spithaler and Malone combined to work the final two innings for Mars.
While his team's offense earns a lot of attention, Malone is quick to point out that the pitching staff is just as solid.
“One of our former players, Mike Jeffreys, was recently signed by the Kansas City Royals,” he said. “And he was our No. 3 pitcher. That shows you what kind of talent we have on the mound.”
Cranberry Twp. 001 010 1 — 3 6 0
Mars 236 000 x — 11 12 1
W: Brian Zima 5 IP (4K, 3BB). L: Joe Hoffman 3 IP (3K, 4BB).
Cranberry Township (16-16-1): Zak Schmidt 2-1B 2R, Brad Johnson 2B RBI, Mike Mulvey 1B 2RBI, Mike Mulkerin 1B, Ed Jacquel 1B R
Mars (27-5): Nate Statzer 2B R, John Taveras 2-1B 2R, Brendan Malone 2B 2HR 3R 5RBI, Dan Penberthy 2B, Bob Spithaler R, Dan Berti R, Sam Sibeto Sr. 2B R RBI, John Poppert 2-1B HR 3RBI, Sam Sibeto Jr. 1B R
Saturday: Mars vs. Cranberry Township at North Boundary Park, Game 2
