Stout got the win and Cain earned the save as the Manchester/Essex Mariners took game 1 of the ITL Finals. Jeff Jensen pitched well for the Generals going 5+ innings in a losing effort. The teams meet again tomorrow afternoon at Patton Park in Hamilton, 4pm start.
The Generals got on the board first in the top of the third inning. Jered Stewart broke the ice with a one out solo HR to left. The Generals then worked the bases loaded and got a sacrifice fly from Judd Funchion making the score 2-0. The Generals made Stout work on the mound all day but he seemed to always find the answers and get out of some tough jams.
The Mariners got one back in the bottom of the third to cut the lead in half. Bryan Lafata tied the score with an RBI single. The score stayed that way until the bottom of the sixth inning. After the first two batters reached, Jensen gave way to Drinkwater on the mound. With the bases loaded and no outs the Generals found themselves in a tight spot. Drinkwater got a pop fly out, then served up a slow roller to short. Quick throw to second for one but Mahi was able to beat the throw at first. The play scored a run on the back end, and extended the inning for the Mariners. Graham followed with a double that plated one more making the score 4-2 Mariners.
In the seventh Maloney led off with a single. Stout then left the game for Cain. Cain got the next two batters out. Back to back walks loaded the bases with 2-out. On a full count Cain got Jones to strike out earning the save and sealing the win for the Mariners. The Generals had their chances but couldn't capitalize against the clutch pitching of the Mariners.
