Mariners Take 2 from Chiefs to Open Season

The Manchester-Essex Mariners and Ipswich Chiefs met on Monday night at Linebrook Field in Ipswich and Memorial Park in Essex on Tuesday to kick off the 2013 season. The Mariners won both closely contested games behind strong pitching and solid defense. Rusty Tucker picked up the victory in game 1 by a score of 8-2 in Ipswich. The Mariners broke open a 3-2 game in the top of the 7th by plating 5 runs. Tucker surrendered only one infield hit by Cain in the 6th inning, walked 2 batters, and struck out 16 Chiefs. Rory Gentile, Brett Cahill, Nate Bertolino, and Adrian Frattini all had 2 hits for the Mariners. Mike Cain was 1-2 w/2hbp and 2 runs scored. Rookie Danny Munn hit a 3 run double in the 7th inning to break the game open, in his first career ITL at bat. Kevin Michael took the hard luck loss by tossing 6 solid innings, surrendering 3 runs while scattering 8 hits, and striking out 5. Cain hit safely for the Chiefs and scored run. Galante scored the other run for Ipswich .

On Tuesday night in Essex, Ryan Marques and Mark O'Flynn squared off in a pitchers duel that the Mariners squeaked out 2-1 in just under 2 hours. Marques went the distance scattering 8 hits, striking out 4 and walking 2 with 1 earned run allowed. O'Flynn threw 6 complete innings, striking out 8, and only giving up 4 hits, while walking 5. Adrian Frattini led the Mariners with 2 hits and an rbi. While Nate Bertolino and rookie Cael Schwartz also hit safely; with Schwartz driving in a run as well and playing solid defense at 2nd base. Brett Cahill & Bryan Lafata scored the runs for the Mariners. Andy Knox led the Chiefs with 2 hits, while Cain, Tommy Radzim, Chris Zaremba (1 run scored), Curran, Doucette, and Gonges (1 rbi) all hit safely for Ipswich.

The Chiefs host the Topsfield Tories on Monday June 3rd, while the Mariners are back at it on Thursday May 30th by hosting the Beverly Giants in Essex.