Mariners Win Season Opener at Ipswich

The 2008 Postseason Champion Mariners defeated the 2008 Regular Season Champion Chiefs Monday night in the season opening game for both teams, 9-5.

In a back and forth battle throughout the game, the Chiefs took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the 5th inning on a towering 2 run homer from Dave Shoreman. In the top half of the 6th inning 1st baseman, Mike Cain, launched a 3 run homer for the Mariners to give them a lead that they would not surrender.

Ryan Marques picked up the victory with his 2 shutout innings in relief, while surrending 1 hit, and striking out 5. Steve Stout went the first 5 innings scattering 7 hits, with 2 k's and a walk. Dave Shoreman went 4 strong innings for the Chiefs giving up 4 hits, 4 runs, and striking out 5. Dave Doucette pitched the final 3 innings, giving up 5 runs (4 earned), striking out 3, but credited with the loss.

Cain (3 rbi, 2r) and Joe Orlando (2rbi, 2r)paced the Mariners with 2 hits each, and leadoff hitter Rory Gentile had 3 walks in 5 plate appearances. Rick Sotoropolous (3-4), Anthony Hernandez and Dave Shoreman led the Chiefs with multiple hits, while Shoreman and Dave Lane both contributed home runs.

The teams were to play in Essex on Wed 5/27, but have been rained out. The Mariners travel to Rockport on Sun 5/31, then play their next 4 games in Essex.