MAHLER DOUBLE SINKS MAINERS; WESTERNERS FORCE DOUBLE-HEADER SPLIT

SANFORD – Tim Mahler had the key two-RBI double to left-center field in three-run second inning as the Danbury Westerners defeated the Sanford Mainers 3-1 in the second game of a double-header at Goodall Park on Friday night. Three Danbury (7-7) pitchers combined to hold Sanford (6-7) to one run on seven hits on the night.

The Westerners did all their scoring in the top of the second inning as they plated three runs (two earned) against Sanford starter Luke Demko (Rhode Island/Gilford, N.H.). Kevin Jackson got things started when he hit an infield single deep in the hole between third base and shortstop. He would move to second when an errant snap throw behind him at first base by Mainer catcher Mike Zaccardo (SUNY Cortland/Rochester, N.Y.) sailed down the right-field line. After Weldon Woodall worked a two-out walk, Tim Mahler hit a double to the gap in left-center field which scored both Jackson and Woodall to give Danbury a 2-0 lead. After Cory Underhill reached on a throwing error by shortstop Jeff Grantham (St. John’s/Randolph, N.J.) which allowed Mahler to move up to third base. Zack Gricher followed with an RBI single through the right side to score Mahler and make it 3-0.

The Mainers would get a run in the bottom of the third inning. With two outs and nobody on, Jeff Helps (Central Michigan/Wyoming, Ontario) started a string of four consecutive Sanford hits with a single through the right side. Brian Kemp (St. John’s/East Rockaway) followed with a single to right field to move Helps to second. Helps came in to score on an RBI single to center field by Max Most (Marist/Port Washington, N.Y.). However, the Mainers would leave the bases loaded in the inning and in the fourth inning as well, and the 3-1 deficit held the same through the remainder of the game.

Demko pitched the complete game and took the loss (0-1) on the hill for Sanford. Over seven innings, he gave up three runs (two earned) on five hits, walked two and struck out seven. Demko retired the final eight Westerners he faced on the evening, as well as 14 of the 16 batters he faced after the second inning.

Uchon Yi started on the hill for Danbury and did not factor in the decision. In 3.2 innings of work, he gave up one run on six hits, walked one and struck out six. Chris Daniels came in with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning and promptly got Kemp to ground into an inning-ending force out. Daniels got the win (1-0) in relief for the Westerners, as he gave up no runs and no hits over 1.1 innings and issued two walks. Aaron Taylor came into the game with a runner on first and nobody out in the sixth. He retired the side in order from that point and gave up one hit in the ninth before slamming the door shut on Sanford for his second save of the season.

The Mainers return to action on Saturday, June 23 when they host the Pittsfield Dukes. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Goodall Park in Sanford. Matt Janik and Dan Sturtevant will have all the action of at http://www.sanfordmainers.com.

A complete box score of tonight’s game will be available via http://www.necbl.com.

Founded in 2002, the Sanford Mainers are a non-profit organization and the premier collegiate baseball team in the state of Maine, playing their home games at historic Goodall Park. A proud member of the NECBL, the Mainers annually aid in progressing the careers of the future stars of professional baseball, in addition to bringing top-notch collegiate baseball to the Sanford area. For more information visit http://www.sanfordmainers.com or call the Mainers front office at (207) 324-0010.