Hamilton Wins Must-Win

Hamilton (10-12-2) brought its best game to the field Thursday night at Patton Park and came up huge with an impressive 16-3 victory in a must-win game over Manchester/Essex (15-8).  Jack Clay (6IP, 5H, 3R, 0ER, 4BB, 7K) picked up the complete game victory in a darkness shortened game.  Mike Cain was charged with the loss for the Mariners.  The Generals offense was led by the middle of the order duo of Matt Cook (2-for-3, HR, 3RBI, 3R, 2HBP) and Jim Maloney (2-for-4, HR, 6RBI, BB).  Austen Michel added three hits for the home team while Lawrence Saggese and Jim Love each contributed two hits.  Alex Ray accounted for all three runs for the Mariners with a bases clearing double.

Hamilton has put together a good stretch this week with three straight wins and currently sits one point ahead of Ipswich (9-11-3).  However, Hamilton's fate lies in the result of the Rowley/Ipswich game on Friday night.  An Ipswich win will eliminate Hamilton while a Rowley win will result in Hamilton claiming the #4 seed in the playoffs.  A tie would result in a one game playoff between Hamilton and Ipswich for the #4 spot in the playoffs.  Hamilton would be the home team.