Wednesday night at Bethlehem Town Park, the Marlins faced the Pirates and, Pitcher of the Year candidate, Mike Kane. This, less than 24 hours after facing the Outlaws in a double header, and minus 3 key players (who were involved in a 55+ playoff game), and without Ron Lochner (due to an injury). Even I didn't like our chances.
Well, we got the start we needed by plating 3 runs in the bottom of the first. With two outs and a runner on second base, Mike Girard doubled off the left center field fence, scoring Darnell Baker. Randy Craft reached on an error and Mike Clary singled to score Girard. Phil Gadomski followed with the third two-out RBI in the inning. The rest of the way, Mike Kane was his masterful self, scattering just four hits over the next five innings and holding the Marlins scoreless the rest of the way.
Mike Girard took the hill for the Fish and scattered five singles over seven innings, while striking out eight and walking one for a complete game win. The Pirates were able to scratch out just one unearned run in the top of the sixth on a walk, a two-base throwing error, and an RBI single by Mike Kane. The win by the Marlins sets up a showdown tonight between the Silver Marlins and the long time rival Kingston Hummnbirds, where the winner gets fourth place and a first round bye in the playoffs, while the loser plays Saturday in the one game elimination round.
