The Mariners beat the Ashbourne Giants 7-1 to tighten the standings in the Irish Baseball League A Division. The Mariners were led by former Irish National Team pitcher Woody ‘the Wizard’ Woodburne. Woodburne baffled the Giants hitters all day with his arsenal of breaking balls, allowing only one unearned run over 8 innings.
The Mariners got off to a quick 1-0 start in the first as designated hitter, Dan Barclay singled to drive in center fielder Eric Kelly. After Woodburne set down the Giants 1-2-3 in their half of the first, Kelly then added to the lead with a single that scored 2nd baseman Rich Otto.
The Mariners broke the game wide open in the third. After the lead off batter grounded out, the Mariners strung together 4 singles and a walk to score 4 runs and take a commanding lead.
The Giants bats started to wake up in their half of the 5th. The Giants loaded the bases with singles from shortstop Sal Rizo, left fielder Hector Zambrano and centre fielder Ryan Wiebe but could not cash them in. Miguel Moreno came to the plate and hit a hard ground ball to third baseman Tommy Hernandez. Hernandez deftly fielded the ball and threw out Rizo at the plate. Irish baseball legend Jaime Cuevas then hit a long fly ball that left field Leo Farrell chased down to end the rally.
The Mariners extended their lead in the 6th as Eric Kelly walked, stole second and third before coming home on a wild pitch. The Giants responded with their only run in the bottom half of the 6th as Giants pitcher, Eduardo Hernandez took advantage of a temporary breakdown in the Mariners defense to score. The pitchers for both teams dominated the balance of the game as the Mariners took home a convincing 7-1 win.
Eric Kelly lead the Mariners offense with a hit, 2 walks, 3 stolen bases and 2 runs scored. Dan Barclay and Chuck Adams had 2 base hits for the Mariners as well. Catcher Alberto Romano was the only Giant with 2 hits for the Giants.
