Hampton, Va. –The Peninsula Pilots (35-23) won the decisive game three in the first round of the Petitt Cup Playoffs over the Wilmington Sharks (32-25) 8-2 Friday night.
Pat Grady got the Pilots going early in the bottom half of the first inning as he led off with single, his third hit of the series. Jordan Negrini struck again for the Pilots in the same inning as he picked up a single to score Grady and give them an early 1-0 lead.
Brandon Reitano picked up his third hit of the series as he smashed a pitch down the left field line just tucking inside the foul pole for a solo home run in the fifth to give the Pilots a 2-0 lead.
The Sharks fired back and got themselves back into the ballgame in the top half of the seventh as Tyler Slaton singled into left field and then stole second to get into scoring position. Tyler Best put down a sacrifice bunt to move Slaton to third with one out. John Fidanza drew a walk to put runners on the corners and then an infield hit from Zach MacAneney drove in Slaton to make it 2-1. Andrew Amaro tied up the ballgame at 2-2 with a ground out to the right side.
The Sharks had the bases loaded with two outs, but were unable to take the lead. The Pilots took the lead for good as they had a huge inning in the bottom half of the seventh.
The Peninsula Pilots will take on the Edenton Steamers in the Second Round of the Petitt Cup Playoffs as game one is slated for Sunday in Hampton, Va.
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