From STAFF REPORTS The CIF-SS Division 3 top seed from Maranatha was tested for the second consecutive postseason game. And for the second time in two chances, the Minutemen answered the bell. MHS scored twice in the first inning and got two more in the second inning. Their trifecta of pitchers on Tuesday made that […]
From STAFF REPORTS
The CIF-SS Division 3 top seed from Maranatha was tested for the second consecutive postseason game.
And for the second time in two chances, the Minutemen answered the bell.
MHS scored twice in the first inning and got two more in the second inning.
Their trifecta of pitchers on Tuesday made that hold up in the 4-3 victory out in Simi Valley.
Max Blessinger allowed three runs over the first 1 2/3 innings for Maranatha on six hits.
Will Downing went the next 1 2/3 innings and then the area’s hammer, Dawson Netz finished off the Lancers with four perfect innings.
Netz didn’t allow a hit or walk and struck out five to earn the save.
Blessinger helped with his bat, as the star junior doubled and scored a pair of runs.
Marco Martinez finished 1 for 2 with a double and two RBIs.
Nick Iverson singled and scored twice and Sal Tabullo walked and drove in a run for the Olympic League champions.
Josh Swales got the loss after allowing four runs (two earned) on just three hits over six innings.
Swales walked three and had a game-high eight strikeouts on the mound for the Lancers.
Kai Tinker went 2 for 4, including a triple for Grace Brethren.
Maranatha will host Arlington of Riverside on Friday at Brookside Park.
The Lions (22-10) dominated San Luis Obispo, 9-3, in their second-round game on Tuesday afternoon.
Quotable:
Maranatha coach Matt Shupper: “Any time you win a road playoff game, it’s a good day. We got out early and our pitchers did just enough to continue our season. Dawson did an incredible job over the final four innings to secure the win.”
Box Score:
MHS: 2-2-0-0-0-0-0-(4)
GB: 2-1-0-0-0-0-0-(3)
Win: Will Downing
Loss: Josh Swales
Save: Dawson Netz
3B: Kai Tinker (GB)
2B: Max Blessinger (M), Marco Martinez (M), Josh Buckley (GB)
Records: Maranatha (24-4); Grace Brethren (17-9)
