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Baseball: 4-Run 1st Propels Mitchell Past Ridgewood

MUSTANGS 9, RAMS 4

By Eric Horchy | The Suncoast News

Published: March 11, 2009

TRINITY - Led by a big first inning and third baseman Matthew Hart's 2-for-3, three RBI night at the plate, Mitchell High (8-1) glided past Ridgewood 9-4 at home Tuesday night.

The Mustangs took advantage of Ridgewood starter Bob Peck's control issues and two Rams errors in the opening frame to take an early 4-0 advantage. Hart struck first for Mitchell by slamming a two-run ground-rule double to left field that plated Steve Brown and Doug Burlett. Hart and right fielder Anthony Ritz both crossed the plate soon after, following the consecutive Ridgewood errors. Reliever Mike Rinaldi was called in to get the final out of the first.

Mitchell starter Michael Grande earned the win, surrendering three runs (two earned) on four hits over five innings. Cody Van De Boe, who started the game in left field, closed out the final two innings for Mitchell.

The Mustangs' offense pounded out their nine runs with 10 hits and nine free passes against four Ridgewood hurlers.

First baseman Patrick Schuster was the other Mustang to have a multiple hit evening. The University of Florida signee went 2-for-2 with an RBI, sacrifice fly and sacrifice hit. Second baseman Marlon Mejia also brought home two runs.

Ridgewood's E.J. Nutt had a two-hit night, going 2-for-3, and shortstop Jay Mattos drove in two of the Rams' four runs.

Mitchell will take to its home field again Thursday night when it welcomes Class 6A, District 7 foe St. Petersburg High. Ridgewood (3-7) travels to District 5A-7 rival River Ridge Friday night. The Rams lost their first meeting with the Royal Knights 1-0 on Feb. 24.

BOX SCORE:

RIDGEWOOD- 010 - 020 - 1 --- 4
MITCHELL- 421 - 200 - 0 --- 9

TOP PERFORMERS:

Ridgewood

Jay Mattos - 1-for-3, 2 RBI, Sac Fly
E.J. Nutt - 2-for-3, R, SB
Robby McCabe - 2.0 INN, 0 R, 2 H, 3 K

Mitchell

Matthew Hart - 2-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, SB
Patrick Schuster - 2-for-2, RBI, 2 SB, Sac Fly
Michael Grande - W, 5.0 INN, 2 ER, 4 H, 2 K, BB