BETHLEHEM, Pa. - After dropping game one of their Region 19 playoff best of three series, the Northampton baseball team responded with a run-rule shortened 14-2 victory in game two, to force a third, and deciding, game on Sunday.
GAME ONE - Lost 14-11
In an uncharacteristic outing for the Northampton pitching staff, the Spartans allowed 14 runs (10 earned) on 15 hits, including 3 homeruns, and 8 walks.
Mason Sgarlat (Forty Fort, PA/Wyoming Valley West) took the loss in relief, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits in 1.1 innings of work. Starter
Austin Beard (Lebanon, PA/Cedar Crest) went 5.0 innings, allowing 8 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits, while striking out 8.
After falling behind 6-2, the Spartans were able to take the lead at 8-6 entering the 6th, but the Mighty Oaks responded with 3 runs to retake the lead at 9-8. The Spartans tied the contest at 9-9 with a run in the 6th and retook the lead at 10-9 with a run in the 7th. Salem responded with 2 in the 8th and 3 in the 9th for the 14-11 upset victory.
The offense pounded out 17 hits, led by
Robert Furino's (East Stroudsburg, PA/Pocono Mt. East) 3 for 5 performance, which included 2 homeruns, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored.
Brandon Ratti (Effort, PA/Pleasant Valley) finished 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and a double,
Luis Beato (Bethlehem, PA/Muhlenberg) homered and went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI and
Manuel Barroso (Puerto Rico/Beltran Academy (PR)) added a triple and 2 runs scored.
GAME TWO - Won 14-2 (5 innings)
The 2nd seeded Spartans came out swinging in game two, plating 6 runs in the bottom of the 1st and never looking back in the run-rule shortened 14-2, 5-inning victory.
Ethan Woods (Hummelstown, PA/Lower Dauphin) got the win, improving to 6-3 on the year, allowing just 2 runs on 2 hits with 2 K's.
Alexander Ruiz (Lancaster, PA/JP McCaskey) led the offense with a 3 for 4 performance at the plate, including 2 doubles and 2 RBI.
Robert Furino (East Stroudsburg, PA/Pocono Mt. East) went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored and
Gabriel Caso (Califon, NJ/West Morris (NJ)) finished 1 for1 with a double, 3 RBI and 2 walks.
Northampton is now 44-8 overall, while Salem moves to 27-23.
The third, and deciding, game of the series will be played on Sunday, with the first pitch scheduled for 2pm.
The winner will advance to the North Atlantic District Championship May 17-19 at RCSJ-Gloucester.
