Mariners 4 - Rams 3

Mariners 4 Rams 3 Manchester/Essex bounced back against Rowley to win in dramatic fashion 4-3 last night in Essex. The Mariners recieved a gutsy pitching performance from Lucas DaSilva (7IP 3ER 3H 3K 4BB) but it would have been wasted if not for the 7th inning heroics of allstar center fielder Rory Gentile. After Jeremy Nicastro (2-3) led off the home half of the 7th with a single up the middle, Gentile stepped to the plate with the Mariners trailing 3-2. Gentile wasted no time as he blasted his 4th homerun of the year to center and sealed the Mariners Victory.

Rowley was led by Dave Mariani who hit 2 Homeruns and Sloban who went the distance on the hill (6+ IP 3K 0BB 4ER). Rowley also recieved some solid defense from their shortstop, Conte. Nate Bertolino hit his 4th HR in 5 games and Charlie Choate (1-3; 2B) had an outfield assist from deep left center.

Manchester/Essex improves to 14-5-2 and remains in first place by just 2 points, while Rowley falls to 11-9-1. However, the Rams have all but clinched their second straight playoff apearence under Manager Jeff Wood. The Mariners return to the field on Monday in Topsfield.