Reading Bulldogs

The Bulldogs entered Friday night with a 2-1 series lead over the Andre Chiefs and were looking to end the series and advance to the ICL Championship, while the Chiefs were hoping to pull out another victory and push the series to a game five.

The Chiefs got off to an early lead, scoring one run in the first inning on an RBI double by their catcher, Shane Stande. The Bulldogs did not waste any time answering back as they scored a run of their own in the bottom of the first. After Darren Hartwell reached on a double into short right field, he used his speed to score Reading’s first run on a ground out by Mike DeDonato.

The Bulldogs scored again in the third inning when Darren Hartwell manufactured another run with his speed, scoring on an error by Andre’s third basemen. The Bulldogs fought hard, but could not get any offense going after the third, as the Chiefs starter threw a complete game. The Chiefs then scored in the third, fourth, and fifth innings and went on to win by a final of 9-2.

Colby Morris starting for Reading and pitched into the fifth inning. Alex Mandrus and J.P. Songin both worked out of the bullpen for the Bulldogs, pitching a combined 2 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. On his birthday, Johnny Hayes went 1-2 with a single and Darren Hartwell picked up two hits and two runs scored.

The Bulldogs and Chiefs will take the semi-final round to a fifth game for the second straight year. The Bulldogs have played with a high energy and determination throughout their playoff run and look to finish off the series to take on the Blue Sox in the ICL Championship. Game five will be do or die for both teams and will take place Sunday at Pine Banks at 7:30 PM.