by Chris Byrnes, Embrach Mustangs
The Mustangs took care of business by sweeping the visiting Wil Devils in a very convincing manner 15-0 and 13-0. This was the sixth and seventh shutout this season for the Mustangs pitching staff. The wins helped the Mustangs improve to 12-2 at the half way point of the season.
In game one the Mustangs were able to break open the game in the 3rd inning by sending 15 batters to the plate and scoring 11 runs to put the game out of reach. Key hits by Tim Jones, Bruno Albrecht and nice squeeze bunt from Korey Kovac were all the Mustangs needed. The Mustangs moved their right field fence back 30 feet before the game and Tim Jones was a victim as he doubled off the fence in the 3rd just missing his first home run of the year. Roger Savoldelli was brilliant again allowing only one hit and gaining his fifth victory of the season. Christian Klarer came in to pitch a scoreless last inning to close out the Devils.
Scott Chiusano the younger brother of retired Embrach and Zurich Lion player Mark Chiusano made a successful debut going 2-2 with a long double and making a bare hand grab on a slow roller at 3rd base to nail the runner just in time to save a hit.
In Game two, The Mustangs Korey Kovac faced Ben Wood from the Devils in the night cap and it was again all Mustangs. The Mustangs leading 5-0 going into the third inning broke the game open with seven runs making it 12-0 after three frames. Devil’s pitcher Ben Wood struggled with his control and walked seven batters and Harry Wischnewski added a double in the inning. Kovac pitched three strong innings allowing only one hit and no earned runs. Tim Jones came on and pitched four scoreless innings in relief to end the game.
At the half way point in the season the Mustangs have received great pitching, improved defense and are making fewer base running mistakes. They have a much more difficult schedule in the second half of the season but they are gaining confidence every game and seem to be more focused in 2012.
The Mustangs will now host the Zurich Barracudas on Sunday in Embrach and that will be a very good test for both aspiring teams as both fight for playoff spots and have talented teams.