The Mustangs, behind a complete-game three-hitter by Kevin Murillo, defeated the PALS, 5-0, to advance to the Revere Babe Ruth League playoff finals.
Centerfielder Mike Morgan and shortstop Chris Cassidy played excellent defense in support of Murillo’s splendid seven-strikeout effort on the mound.
Chris Cassidy, Patrick Keefe, Gianni Bellia, and Giancarlo Miro all had key, run-producing hits for the Mustangs.
The Mustangs were set to play the Riders in Game 1 of the championship series Tuesday. The Riders defeated the Colts, 5-2, to advance to the finals.
The Mustangs and Riders both finished with 10-4 records during the regular season while sharing first place in the four-team league.
Mustangs Manager Patrick Keefe Jr., who also serves as the City Council President, was expecting an exciting and perhaps, low-scoring championship series.
“Baseball always comes down to pitching,†said Keefe, who in addition to the Mustangs’ ace Kevin Murillo, has capable hurlers in Giancarlo Miro and Patrick Keefe III on his staff.
The Riders will rely on pitchers Doug McGrath, Michael Popp, Sal DeAngelis to lead the way against the defending champion Mustangs.
Game 2 of the best-of-three championship series will be played Wednesday at 5 p.m. Game 3 (if necessary) will be played Friday at 5 p.m. All games will be played at Al Blasi Field at Revere High School.
