Published: July 10, 2009 10:54 am      

Mariners stun Rays

PRINCETON — The Pulaski Mariners shocked the Princeton Rays 3-0 on Wednesday night at Hunnicutt Field.

The previous evening, the Mariners sustained a 23-7 mauling by Danville at Pulaski. In that game, the home team surrendered 22 hits and committed six errors. Pulaski had struggled all season to win games. They were giving up a staggering eight runs a game, but a different team appeared at Princeton.

Princeton was coming off a series against the mighty Elizabethton squad, where they played brilliantly and battled the Twins toe to toe. The Rays featured the most efficient pitching staff in the league. Unfortunately, for Princeton, a different team faced Pulaski.

Pulaski dominated all aspects of the game. They outhit the Rays 10-6 and committed one error to three for the Rays.

In the top of the third inning, Pulaski combined three consecutive hits, a stolen base, and a fielding error to score two runs.

Princeton had an opportunity in the bottom of the third inning. The Rays had two base runners in the inning, but they were both erased because of base running mistakes.

Pulaski added an insurance run in the seventh inning. The Mariners converted a base hit, a sacrifice, and a fielding error into the score.

Daniel Rhault with a double and a single and Ryan Wiegand with two singles paced Princeton at the plate. Geno Glynn and Jason contributed singles.

The Rays did not advance a base runner as far as third base until there were two outs in the ninth inning.

Princeton starter Joey Dettrich pitched well giving up two runs in five innings while striking out four and walking two. He received little offensive support. Dettrich's pitching adversary, Nolan Diaz, had a strong game for the Mariners working seven innings, yielding six hits, allowing no runs, striking out five, and walking none.