Win puts Mitch's in league finals
The top-seeded Mermen (19-3) broke open a one-run game with seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning en route to an 11-5 win over No. 4 seed New York Pizza at
The seven-run explosion came after the Mermen got out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the fifth.
"I'll tell you what, it was close," Mitch's manager
For Mitch's, the top four batters, Louden Conte,
"The key to this whole deal is that we have a lot of guys that just love the game. They love to play baseball," Encapera said. "Last season, we had a lot of young guys that didn't always show up, but this season we've had a pretty consistent lineup throughout the season. That's helped a lot."
In the bottom of the sixth,
Conte, Jacko and Greene followed with RBI singles. Monica walked to load the bases, then
"That inning was huge for us. We had McCaw come in and pitch the last two innings," Encapera said. "He did a great job in relief of
A former California Area product, Luko allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out seven. His pitching allowed the Mermen to overcome seven errors -- six in the first five innings.
"We have to play better defensively ... and I know we will," Encapera said. "It was a weird field today, real hard but a lot of powder. The ball was doing some crazy things."
NYP (9-12) scored two runs in the top of the seventh on a two-run double by Dillinger before having its season end.
The Mermen got off to a hot start, scoring three times in the first. Conte led off the game by reaching on an error by NYP first baseman
Mitch's added a run in the second on an RBI single by Jacko.
The Mermen await the winner of the series between No. 2 Mill Run and No. 3
"We had some huge hits, and with our team speed we were able to take advantage of some things and take the extra base," Encapera said. "This was the goal all along. Honestly, anything less that a trip to the finals, in my eyes, would have been a disappointment. Now we have to go win it."
Encapera said he anticipates the best-of-three league finals will start Friday. Game One will be at Vets Field in
NOTES: NYP committed five errors of its own ... The Mermen left 10 runners stranded; NYP left eight on base. ... Pegg finished 3 for 3, and Musko and
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