A six-run second inning proved decisive as St. Francis defeated the Broncos 9–2 on Thursday at Montini.
St. Francis opened the scoring in the top of the first inning when Gainer doubled on an 0–2 count to bring home a run. Montini answered quickly in the bottom of the inning, as Nick Sheeran delivered an RBI double to right field after an eight-pitch at-bat to tie the game at one.
The Spartans seized control in the top of the second, erupting for six runs on two hits to take a 7–1 lead. The biggest swing of the inning came on a Montini error that allowed two runs to score. St. Francis added another run in the third on a groundout by Maduzia.
Montini showed resilience in the bottom of the fourth when Julio Ayala launched a solo home run to right field. St. Francis answered again in the sixth, getting a solo home run from Carroll to extend the lead.
Galla earned the win for St. Francis, allowing two runs on three hits over five innings while striking out two and walking five. Blake Heyer took the loss for Montini after working two and one-third innings and giving up eight runs (five earned) on six hits. Robert Sansone provided steady relief for the Broncos, pitching four and two-thirds innings and surrendering one run on four hits with one strikeout.
At the plate for Montini, Sheeran, Drew Church, Ayala, Nick Mandra, and Kameron Cox each recorded a hit. Defensively, Montini turned two double plays.
St. Francis finished with 10 hits, led by Hobein, who went 3-for-3, and Galla, who added two hits and stole two bases. Carroll drove in three runs from the nine spot in the lineup. The Spartans played error-free defense, with Armbrust handling a team-high eight chances in the field.
Montini will look to bounce back Saturday when the Broncos travel to St. Francis in a rematch of today’s contest.