 By Derek Pyda
Eagle Staff Writer
JACKSON TWP — It was one of the best outings of Cory Mazzoni's varsity career.
With six outs remaining, his teammates set out to make sure it didn't come in vain.
Mazzoni had given up one run on two hits through the first 5½ innings of Monday's section game against North Allegheny, but still trailed 1-0.
Mazzoni reached base to lead off the Raiders' sixth inning on an NA fielding error before giving way to courtesy runner James Daniels.
With one out, Andrew Fornadel tripled to left-center, scoring Daniels to tie the game.
Dan Jergel followed with a two-run home run over the right field fence, his third round-tripper of the season.
"Dan's been hitting the ball hard a ton this year," said Raiders coach Eric Semega.
Mazzoni finished the game in style, striking out the side in order in the top of the seventh to cap a 3-1 win at Raider Field.
Mazzoni (5-1) struck out 14 and surrendered no walks. He now has 214 career strikeouts, moving him into first place on the program's all-time list, passing 2001 graduate Zach Jackson (208).
"Cory was amazing out there today," said Jergel. "To hit a home run to help him win the game, it's great."
Seneca Valley's lone defeat this season was a 4-3 setback to the Tigers April 2, which was Mazzoni's only loss.
"Maz wasn't as sharp then as he was today," said Semega. "He had everything working today. He made them hit his pitches, and they didn't do it."
"I felt better today throwing all three of my pitches," said Mazzoni of his fastball, curveball and changeup. "And I think the nice weather had something to do with it."
The Tigers (8-5, 4-3) managed two baserunners against Mazzoni in the first five innings — a double by Dylan Songer in the first inning and Nick Butterini reached first following a third strike that went to the backstop in the third.
With two outs in the top of the sixth, NA's John Wilson reached base on an error, stole second and went to third when Ryan Turner's throw went into center field.
Songer followed with a base hit for a 1-0 edge.
All three of SV's runs in the bottom of the inning were charged to NA starter Sam O'Neill.
O'Neill, who gave up one hit in six innings in NA's previous win over the Raiders, limited SV to three hits in the first five Monday.
He was relieved by Mike Zelik with one out in the bottom of the sixth after striking out three and walking four.
"Sam's our No. 1 pitcher and he did another good job today," said NA coach Andy Maddix. "He put us in a position to win." |
