Rams 1 - Townies 1

The Rowley Rams and Rockport Townies locked into an 8 inning pitchers duel at Eiras Field tonight. For Rockport Greg Kistner was outstanding, going the distance giving up just 1 earned on 5 hits, 2BB and fanning 11. For Rowley Shane Johnson made his season debut on the mound, he went 7 giving up just 1R (0ER) on 2 hits with 5BB and 5K's. The only blemish for Kistner came on a Ralph Renzulli solo shot into the parking lot to lead off the 2nd inning. Rockport got to Johnson for their run in the top of the 3rd when Bertolino scored on an RBI fielders choice from Brent Currier. Both Pitchers got stronger as the game wore on, the teams produced just 1 base runner in the 5th, 6th and 7th combined. For Rowley Matt Warden relieved Johnson for the top of the 8th, Robertson led off the 8th with a hard liner that Tim Jean just got to in right center for the first out. After a one out walk Warden settled in and struck out the last 2 batters he faced. In the bottom half of the 8th, Rowley put together 2 singles from Joe White and Ben Brink, with 2 outs and the bases loaded, Kistner retired Rowley clean up hitter Dave Mariani on a hard drive to right played perfectly by Brock Currier, ending a very well pitched and played game. Rockport is back in action in Topsfield Thursday and the Rams have a double header scheduled for Saturday in Rowley against Topsfield.