Tri-Town Draws First Blood

Copyright Adam Baker  Republican-American  8/20/13
In a rematch of the earlier Stan Musial championship, the Tri-Town Trojans defeated the Naugy Dogs, 2-0, in Game 1 of the Tri-State League World Series behind the pitching of Miles Scribner and timely hitting from Dan McCarty and Sam Shurberg on Wednesday night at Fuessenich Park.
Scribner tossed an eight-hit shutout, allowing six hits and walking three to lead his team in the opener of the best-of-three series.
“I felt good,” Scribner said. “I haven’t really had my best stuff lately.”
Some clutch hits don’t hurt, either.
The Trojans struck first in the sixth as Landon Gardella doubled to center and scored on
an RBI double by Shurberg. Before Gardella’s hit, Naugy pitcher John Soldinger had been perfect, but Gardella opened the door for the Trojans (30-5). Soldinger finished with eight strikeouts while allowing only four hits and two runs.
The Dogs (26-9) threatened in the seventh. After a strikeout, Jeff Rustico walked and stole second. After a flyout to center, Devin Murphy walked and executed a double steal with Rustico. Naugatuck, trailing 1-0, had runners on second and third.
“I knew either Miles would get it done himeself or it would be up to us (the defense),” said McCarty. “The ball was going to be hit at someone, we just had to get the out.”
Matt Kane followed with an inning-ending grounder to first.
In the seventh, Tri-Town’s Kyle Savo singled, stole second and scored on bloop single by McCarty. “I had to find the hole,” said McCarty. “It wasn’t my best swing, but I fought it off and it found the hole, so I’ll take it.”
Tri-Town and Naugatuck will play again tonight at 7 at Fuessenich Park in Game 2.