Magicians force deciding game
By JEFF OLIVER
MVI Sports
Mitch’s Bail Bonds spotted favored Mill Run a 3-0 first inning lead, but rallied for a 7-5 win in their Fayette County League playoff game Monday at steamy Vets Field.
The win ties the best-of-three semifinal series at 1-1 with the deciding game slated for 6 p.m. today at Mill Run.
Mitch’s long-time manager Ryan Encapera smiled and joked that his players won it for him.
“This is my last year managing. I’ve had enough of trying to chase down players every year Not many people know, but those in my circle do,” said Encapera. “The guys really rallied today after we fell behind. I’m not sure if they rallied around me, but it feels good to live to play another day.
“And that’s what counts.”
Mitch’s Noah Hansen pitched a complete game to get the win. After giving up three runs on five hits in a shaky first inning, the Bondsmen ace hurler settled down and gave up just two runs on four hits the rest of the way.
“Noah is our veteran presence,” said Encapera of the lefthander. “He really wanted this one bad. The first inning, they hit a couple shots and a couple flairs that snuck in there. But Noah kept battling. He sucked it up after that and kept us in the game.”
After Mill Run (13-4) jumped in front, Mitch’s (7-10) tied the game in the bottom of the second with some two-out magic.
Catcher Eric Soccio led off the second with a single up the middle. After one out, Creed Potkul singled to put two runners on base.
After two outs, Manny Stitch drilled a two-run double to the gap in leftcenter. Stitch then scored on Aaron Previsky’s RBI single.
“Manny’s hit was really huge and I felt good for him because he had been struggling at the plate,” Encapera said. “But he snapped out of it today when we really needed it.”
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