SARATOGA — Plate disci
pline was the difference for the Clinton County Junior Mariners on Friday.
The Mariners recorded a 5-2 victory over the Saratoga Stampede U17 in the opening round of the American Legion District 4 Playoffs at East Side Recreation Park.
Clinton County (11-12) will oppose the winner of the Tri-County Eagles versus Saratoga Stampede U16 game, which was played late Friday night, at 1 p.m. today in a winner’s bracket contest.
Jack Tolosky, Tanner Rascoe and Mitchell Cunningham had the lone hits for the Mariners, who took advantage of eight walks dished out by Saratoga pitchers.
“Their pitchers walked in two runs and two others scored on wild pitches,” Mariners coach Gary Duquette said. “Mitchell Cunningham’s infield hit drove in the other run for us.
“We showed tremendous plate discipline and they didn’t. They played the way we did a month ago.”
The Stampede managed six hits off starter Quenton Barber, who pitching into the sixth inning to get the win, and reliever Jeremy Barber, who went the rest of the way for the save.
“Quenton Barber was fantastic,” Duquette said. “We took him out after he got to an 80-pitch count where he usually starts to lose velocity.
“Jeremy Barber did an excellent job as well and it was huge for us for him to get the save.”
The Mariners took the lead for good with three runs in the second inning and held a 4-0 advantage before the Stampede cut their deficit in half with two in the top of the sixth. Clinton County got one of those runs back in the home half of the inning.
“Out outfield defense was excellent,” Duquette said.
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Mariners 5, Stampede U17 2
Stampede U17 000 002 0 — 2 6 2
Mariners 030 101 x — 5 3 0
Smith, Sowards (4) and Bush. Q. Barber, J. Barber (6) and Altizer. WP- Q. Barber. LP- Smith. Sv- J. Barber.
