The Manchester Essex Mariners are going to have to muster up some magic this week if they want to stay alive in the ITL championship.
Going into the playoffs as the top seed, Manchester made quick work of the Rowley Rams to kick things off, earning a two-game series sweep to advance to the finals for a remarkable 14th consecutive time.
But the going has gotten tough from there, as Hamilton has proven to be a worthy adversary and has now jumped out to a swift 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 title series.
Behind a complete game gem from Will Jones in Saturday’s championship opener, the Generals secured a 5-0 victory for the early series lead. Ryan Hutchinson then came through with an equally effective outing on the mound on Sunday afternoon to help his team to another shutout win, this time a 4-0 decision at Patton Park.
In Game 1, Manchester managed just three hits off Jones — those coming from Luke Leavitt, James McKenna and Troy Flood — while striking out eight times. Hamilton, meanwhile, plated all five of its runs in a big second inning thanks to RBI hits from Conor McClintock, Will Frain, Gian Gamelli and Hunter Willochoski.
On Sunday, Manchester had just two hits: a double from Harry Painter and a single from leadoff man Lukas Albano. Hutchinson fanned eight batters as well while walking just one in his seven innings of work.
Zach Abbott (5 IP, 8 hits, 4 ER) was solid on the bump for Manchester, but it wasn’t enough.
Now, the Mariners will have to win on Wednesday at home at Memorial Park (5:30 p.m. start) to keep their season alive, and will need three straight wins overall to capture the title.
Sports Editor Nick Giannino may be contacted at 978-675-2712 or ngiannino@northofboston.com.