Moylan Comes Through in Novato North's 5-4 Win

Connor Moylan’s bases-clearing double rallied Novato North from a deficit and relievers Cole McCue and Charlie Dial held on from there as the league’s 9-10 All-Stars edged Ross Valley 5-4 in the opening round of single-elimination play Saturday in the District 3 Tournament.

The win vaulted Novato North into a rematch with Twin Cities in Monday’s semifinals at Gallinas Field at 5:30 p.m. Novato North handed Twin Cities its only loss of pool play 3-2 last Thursday.

All four other teams representing the city of Novato saw their seasons come to a close Saturday.

In the 11-12 tournament, Novato North fell 9-4 to Tiburon and Novato American was beaten 6-3 by San Francisco American.

In the 10-11 event, Novato North was eliminated by Mill Valley 10-0, while Novato South got clobbered by Tiburon 20-0.

Novato North’s win in the 9-10 game surely wasn’t easy. It trailed 3-0 and then 5-3 before Moylan’s critical hit.

Dial, who saved Saturday’s win on the mound, did the same in the meeting with Twin Cities on Thursday. The first time, he relieved Matthew Lozovoy, who also pitched well.

Defense has been a key to Novato North’s success. Spencer Shifs has been a ball-tracking whiz in center field, and shortstop Max Glasser has played flawlessly to anchor the infield.