Pirates Bats Explode to Top Calhoun

It was a tale of two teams: Mepham got the big hit when they needed it while Calhoun stranded nine runners and couldn't come through in the clutch as the Pirates were able to lock down a 9-5 win yesterday.

"They just showed a tremendous amount of heart," Mepham coach Bill Murphy said of his team. "We had a couple of timely hits, and we were able to pull this one out."

The visiting Pirates (2-4) were led by starting pitcher Tom Pisano, who allowed three runs on seven hits in five and a third innings of work. He also struck out two and walked three in the effort.

"I came out a little flat and the curveball wasn't working to well," Pisano said. "Toward the end, I felt like I was definitely getting more comfortable."

Pisano had a lot of help from the Mepham bats, which exploded for a six-run seventh that put the game away. Billy Ruvolo crushed a two-run homer off of Colts reliever Jon Mekelburg to seal the victory as the Pirates were able to end a two game skid.

"I was just trying to go the other way," Ruvolo said. "But luckily for me, he (Mekelburg) hung one over and I was able to hit it hard."

Calhoun (3-3) played well, but unfortunately for them, things fell apart in the seventh inning.  Mekelburg was off of his game, and the defense made a couple of key mistakes, and that allowed the game to slip away.

"We have to play a complete game," Calhoun coach Mike Marino said. "We started off well and saw some good things, but we didn't play a complete game. Pitching and defense are keys to winning the game."

Calhoun was led by Mike Simon, who allowed just three runs on seven hits in his six innings of work. He also struck out six Pirates and walked just two. Simon was happy with his effort.

"I think I pitched well," Simon said. "I was able to keep my team in it, but we just couldn't finish the game."

Calhoun scored two runs in the third on consecutive doubles by Alex Ras and Thomas Viverito, and Frank Trimarco added an RBI on a groundout. Mepham was able to trim the lead to one in the sixth when Ruvolo had a big RBI single. The Pirates would take the lead in the sixth when Pisano singled in a pair, but the bottom of the sixth turned out to be the biggest momentum shifter of the game.

The Colts seemed primed to strike in the bottom half, as they started off with a walk and two singles, but Joe Christopher struck out, Frank Trimarco hit a sacrifice fly, and then Kass was hit by a pitch. That loaded the bases for Dan Sullivan, who promptly flew out to right field to end the threat.

"When you start the inning with the bases loaded, you need to do more than that," Marino said. "We need to strike when they give us the chance."

The offensive star for Calhoun was Viverito, who went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs in the effort.

"I am feeling very good at the plate right now," Viverito said. "We just need to get back out there and beat them on Thursday, and we will be back where we need to be."

One thing is for sure: Whenever these two teams go to battle, the fans are in store for one heck of a show.  Mepham hosts Calhoun at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.