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Port Chester Baseball Improves to 3-0

MAMARONECK, N.Y. — Port Chester varsity baseball coach John Cafaldo could not have asked for a better start as his team remains undefeated Monday after a 3-2 win over host Rye Neck in a Section 1 game.

Winning pitcher Mike Iantorno and freshman Danny Wilson combined on a five-hitter. It was the third consecutive solid start for a Rams' pitcher. The right-handed Iantorno allowed one run on four hits and struck out six in five innings. Wilson closed out the game, earning his first varsity save in his varsity pitching debut.

"Our starting pitching has been excellent," Cafaldo said. "They have been throwing strikes, not walking anyone. And our defense has been making the plays behind them."

Wilson allowed one run in the sixth inning, then snuffed out a Rye Neck threat in the seventh. The Panthers had runners on first and the tying run, in Chris Pennell, on second with one out.

"Pressure, pressure, pressure," said Wilson. "I just wanted to clear my mind and make sure I threw strikes."

Pennell led off the seventh with a walk and moved to second on a sacrifice by Brendan Crowley. After intentionally walking No. 3 hitter Thomas Pipolo, Wilson retired Jakob Calvini and Matt Franks to end the game.

"We had him pitch against Tappan Zee, and they are the sectional champs, in a scrimmage. And he was throwing strikes," Cafaldo said. "He does not show any fear, and I feel he is years ahead of his age."

The score was even at 1-1 through two innings as Pipolo and Port Chester's Mike Celestino traded RBI singles. With one out in the fourth, Port Chester put together four singles, including three straight infield hits, to take the lead. Gonzalo Forero's infield hit scored Jimmy Magrone, and Ivan Santiago scampered home on Jason Ippolito's forceout.

Rye Neck starter Matt Garcia pitched well in defeat, allowing three runs on seven hits in six innings. Ryan Aquino had two hits and scored a run, and Tim Brown made a sacrifice fly.

Port Chester 012 000 0 — 3-9-1Rye Neck 100 001 0 — 2-5-1

RBI — PC: Mike Celestino, Gonzalo Forero, Jason Ippolito; RN: Tim Pipola, Thomas Brown. WP — Mike Iantorno. LP — Matt Garcia. Save — Danny Wilson.

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