Masontown strikes back to even series

By JOSE NEGRON

jnegron@yourmvi.com

Masontown took the lead for good in the fifth inning and never looked back, capturing an 8-3 victory over Mitch’s Bail Bonds in Game 2 of the Fayette County League best-of-five championship series at Vets Field in Charleroi Friday evening. 

One day after suffering a 9-6 loss in Game 1, Masontown (13-6) collected seven hits and took advantage of nine free passes to tie the series at 1-1. 

“The game was back and forth the whole way and then you have a play or two here and there that made a difference in the game,” Mitch’s manager Ryan Encapera said. “It’s a tough one to lose.” 

Masontown broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth inning as Santino Marra got things started with a leadoff single to left field. Chad Petrush followed with a walk before Willie Palmer reached on a fielder’s choice, putting runners on the corners with one out. One batter later, Nate Zimcosky drove in a run with a double into right field, giving Masontown a 3-2 edge. Zach Uhazie was walked to load the bases and Kaine Frye drew another free pass to push the lead to 4-2. 

“When you get deeper into a count, the opposing pitcher gets worn and you put guys on base to give them more chances,” Encapera said. 

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Saturday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.