Skippers Trip Up Falcons In Game One Of Finals

Recovering from an early deficit is never an easy task, especially when dealing with the best team in the state.

The Cranston West Falcons matched up against North Kingstown in game one of the best of three series in the 2011 Division I baseball finals at McCoy Stadium on Monday night. Entering Monday's game, the Falcons had won 11 out of 12 games, and the Skippers had won seven out of eight, including six in a row. North Kingstown took the lead early and never relinquished it, holding on for a 5-3 victory.

"We hit well and put the bat on the ball all night long," said North Kingstown head coach Kevin Gormley.

In the bottom half of the first, the Skippers took advantage of some shaky defense by the Falcons. West senior Matt Pagano's error allowed lead-off hitter Pat O'Connor to reach first safely. Following captain Joseph Haley's double, Skippers sophomore Chris Hess brought in the first run of the game with a sacrifice fly.

North Kingstown was not satisfied with only one run. Junior Alex Marzilli belted a double to left field, upping the lead to 2-0. Austin Barry blasted it off the left field wall, bringing in two more runs to cap a four-run inning.

Cranston West rallied back in the top of the third, cutting the lead to 4-3. Captain Jeff Diehl walked, after Pagano had reached with an infield single. Senior Michael Hayden came up to bat and ended up crossing the plate with West's third run.

Hayden grounded it to Marzilli, who threw it past the first baseman. Barry threw the ball to home plate in an attempt to gun down Diehl at the plate. Senior catcher Andrew Berlinsky dropped the ball and Hayden, who never stopped running and ended up crossing the plate on the bizarre play.

North Kingstown starter, freshman Dominic Grillo, did not allow a hit in the final four innings, surrendering only one walk. He struck out five batters, shutting down West's potent offense and protecting the slim lead.

"He was unbelievable tonight and his last three innings were spectacular," Skippers coach Kevin Gormley said.

"My hat goes off to him; he’s a very good pitcher," Rob Malo, Falcons head coach said.

Barry provided a spark on offense for the Skippers in the game tonight, as he finished with three RBIs. In the bottom of the third, his single upped NK's lead to 5-3.

In the final four innings, pitching dominated. Cranston West managed to reach base once, with a walk. North Kingstown had two runners in scoring position, but failed to capitalize on their chances to increase the lead.

The teams will meet again tonight at McCoy Stadium at 6 p.m. West needs a win to keep their season alive, meanwhile the Skippers can clinch the state championship with a victory.