April 11, 2006

ML Game 8

Hagan’s Funeral Home    8

Moppert Brothers    2

Hagan’s returned to their winning ways Monday night with a hard-fought 8-2 win over Moppert.  Moppert, behind outstanding pitching by Kevin Bosco, held the powerful Hagan’s offense in check through four innings, yielding a single run in the top of the fourth. Meanwhile, Moppert chipped away tallying single runs (both scored by Vendetta) in the 2nd and 4th innings and carried a 2-1 lead into the top of the 5th. That’s when Moppert went to the bullpen and Hagan’s bats finally came alive.

In the 5th inning, Hagan’s first two batters both went down swinging on 3-2 counts.  Then, with two outs, Hagan’s unleashed a 5-hit barrage, scoring five runs. In all, eight consecutive batters reached base safely during the rally that was keyed by Jack Prior’s 2-RBI single to right field. Hagan’s tacked on two insurance runs in the 6th on Beau DiFiore’s 2-run homer over the left field fence.

DiFiore (3 for 3, walk, HR, 2 RBI, 3 runs scored) had a monster game to lead the Hagan’s offense. Prior (2 for 3, 3 RBI) added two clutch hits for the winners. Hunter Tierney and John Owens split the pitching duties, holding Moppert to just four hits in six innings.

For the first time in three games this year, Hagan’s defense stepped up to provide strong support for Tierney and Owens. Brian Vendetta (2 for 3, 2 runs scored) led the offense for Moppert.

Moppert Pitching:
    Bosco - 4 innings (77 pitches)
    McLarney - 1 inning (24 pitches)
    A. Donaghue - 2 innings (43 pitches)

Hagen Pitching:
    Tierney - 3 innings
    Owens - 3 innings