The Memorial Mustangs hosted the Stratford Spartans at Mustang field, Tuesday night to play ball and clinch their position in the 19-5A district race. The Mustangs came up short by one playing to the last pitch. 4-3.

The Spartans came with “a play-off mentality” stated Coach Mardirosian. “The game played out just as we had planned.”

Stratford (22-7, 11-2) struck first and early putting up a run by second baseman Travis Smith in the top of the first inning. The 1-0 lead had also drawn blood as Memorial first baseman Cliff Vaughn took a ball to the nose forcing him out of the game and out of his clean-up position in the batting order, for the moment.

It appeared the Mustangs (21-5, 12-1) would quickly answer back loading the bases with walks on Jeremy Rathjen, Mark Hicks, and Kevin Ahrens. However, Stratford’s opening pitcher, Matt Evers and good defense left the runners stranded to close out the first.

If this sounds like a lot of action for one inning, then you are right. An energized crowd, stormy skies, hot bats, big hits, and great plays characterized the entire night.

There was no lack of talent represented by both teams with Evers leading the city in strikeouts, Cliff Vaughn second in homeruns,and Travis Smith eigth in stolen bases. Pro scouts are a normal sighting for either of these teams.

Stratford as well as Memorial used a trio of pitchers. Daniel Clark opened the game for the Mustangs with relief from Larry O’Donnell then going to Kevin Ahrens for the close.

Stratford brought in John Mardirosian in the bottom of the second inning behind Evers, and finished with A.J. Daggett, the known closer for the Spartans.

Stratford warmed up their bats in the top of the third with an opening hit for a double by Will Gould to centerfield. John Sorsby followed with an RBI single to left to make it

2-0.

However, Memorial sophomore Michael Ratterree fired the ball to second shutting down the batter. Stratford did not retire the inning before Daggett had doubled with a hard hit to the left field fence and a walk for Jake Miller.

Again in the fourth, the Spartans added another run as catcher James Vaughn brought in Evers on a hit to right field for a double. 3-0.

With the wind blowing, rain sprinkling, and Vaughn back in the game, the Memorial bats came alive in the fifth. Rathjen started things up with a long hit to centerfield for a double. Ahrens singled advancing Rathjen to third. Vaughn’s hard hit line drive double down the third base line let everyone know Vaughn was back.3-1.

Ratterree, whose ball bounced off the centerfield wall, added a two-run double bringing home both Ahrens and Vaughn to tie the game 3-3. A Stratford pitcher change brought in Daggett who found his rhythm quickly, and closed things up for the inning with a squeeze play that went against Memorial and was well executed by the Spartans.

Taking the lead in the top of the seventh, the Spartans capitalized on a walk by Miller, a failed pickoff attempt, and a huge hit by Barrett Loux for the winning RBI.

Senior, Daggett allowed no room for error closing the game out with a Spartan victory on Mustang soil. “ We are looking to keep winning and to move on the play-offs prepared as a team and ready for the intensity at the next level,” stated Daggett echoing his coaches previous statements.

The race that seemed to be decided is yet to be determined. Friday night the Mustangs meet the Tigers looking for a win and the District championship. The Spartans will tangle with Nimitz. A loss by Memorial to Spring Woods could rearrange the final positions between these two rivals as they head into the postseason.

Stay tuned to AC for all updates and details.

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