Mason McLane talks about what he did to keep the Valley Stream North lineup in check and how he got out of crucial jams in the 6th & 7th inning. pic.twitter.com/t93tPIajp0
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 6, 2019
In game one of the series, Wantagh got the best of Valley Stream North, as they squeaked out a 2-1 victory.
From the get go, Wantagh wasted no time getting out in front. In the top of the first inning, Dylan Scott gave the Warriors an early 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly. From this point forward, Wantagh never surrendered the lead.
Mason McLane got the start in game one of the series and was phenomenal. Entering the game, he had 70 strikeouts through 38.2 innings pitched. It’s safe to say he looked as good as advertised. McLane finished allowing five hits, one earned run, no walks and nine strikeouts.
“Basically I just lived outside with my fastball, trusted my infield to make plays and my outfield to make plays,” said McLane.
With a ton of bats graduating last year, Wantagh has relied on small ball significantly this season. In fact, both runs they scored this game were set up by bunts.
In the top of the 4th, Head Coach Keith Sachs called for a suicide squeeze, and Ricky Russo delivered. This provided McLane with a two-run lead to work with on the mound.
This run was crucial towards the outcome of the game, as Valley Stream North cut the deficit to one run in the bottom of the 4th, courtesy of a Colin McGreevy RBI.
The final innings of the ballgame was when Wantagh executed the most, as they worked out of two jams that included runners in scoring position.
“The 6th and 7th inning got a little close–got in a couple jams, but I trusted my curve ball and my fastball to get me out of it,” said McLane.
With a runner on first and one out, McLane made a full extension diving play on a bunt attempt that shut down Valley Stream North’s hopes of getting the tying run across.
The bottom of the 7th served even more of a scare for Wantagh, as they were able to work out of their largest threat of the game.
With men on first and third and one out, Dylan Scott threw down to third and picked off the runner to earn the first out. McLane was able to get the next two batters fly out and strike out, securing the extremely close victory for Wantagh.
With the win, Wantagh now stands at 9-4 on the year. As for Valley Stream North, they fall back to 7-6 on the season. Game two of the series will be played Tuesday at Wantagh High School.
