MDI Beats PI 2-1 In 9 Innings

MDI defeated Presque Isle on a beautiful Monday afternoon, June 9th in Bar Harbor, in a pitcher's duel that pitted the two aces of the teams MDI's Steven Hanscom and Presque Isle's Saul Nunez, and the game lived up to it's expectations. In the end, Hanscom outdueled Nunez, in 9 innings, and Hanscom helped himself at the plate, driving in both runs, including the walk-off in the bottom of the 9th inning.

Presque Isle loaded the bases in the top of the 1st inning. Josh Gordon struck out swinging, and then Ben Buckley doubled to right field. Saul Nunez reached on an error by the MDI shortstop, and then Tyler Seeley reached on an error by the MDI first baseman, loading the bases with one out. Andrew Paterson flew out to center, and Boomer Carroll threw a strike from center field to Dylan Collins the MDI catcher preventing Buckley from tagging up and scoring. Hanscom then got Karson Wilson on a called third strike and MDI was out of the inning.

Meanwhile, Saul Nunez mowed down the first nine Trojan batters he faced, striking out four, three of them on called 3rd strikes.

Hanscom was matching Nunez, as he retired the next nine batters he faced, striking out 2.

MDI scored in the bottom of the 4th inning. Jon Phelps led off the inning grounding out to 2nd base. Jack Sasner singled, and then went to 3rd base when Nunez threw over to first, and his pick off attempt got by Tyler Seeley, going into right field. Tom Paola bunted, and Nunez fielded the ball, checked Sasner back to third base and threw to first for the second out of the inning. Steven Hanscom then singled, and Sasner scored. MDI led 1-0 at the end of 4 innings.

In the top of the 5th inning, Presque Isle scored to tie the game. Aaron Kofstad singled, and then Kyle Rider the designated hitter struck out. Sam Gray sacrificed to third base, and Kofstad went to 2nd. Josh Gordon singled, and then Kofstad scored on an error by the MDI centerfielder, The score was tied 1-1.

Presque Isle's Nunez then retired the next 10 Trojan batters, around singles from Dylan Collins and Ryan Littlefield.  After 8 innings the score was still 1-1.

In the top of the 9th inning, Hanscom retired the three Presque Isle batters 1-2-3, and that meant he had retired the last seven batters in a row.

In the bottom of the 9th inning, Jack Sasner singled for his second hit of the game, and then Tom Paola laid down a beautiful bunt that the Presque Isle catcher had to field and throw to first base, advancing Sasner to second. Hanscom then came up, and with the outfield pulled in, laced a single, that scored Sasner, to give MDI the walk off win.

Hanscom pitched 9 innings for the win, allowing 1 unearned run, 5 hits, striking out 8 and didn't walk anyone. Nunez pitched 9 innings for the tough luck loss, allowing 2 runs, 1 of which was earned, he struck out 8 and allowed 7 hits, and didn't walk anyone.

MDI is now 10-7, and will face the winner of the Belfast at Camden Hills game on Wednesday afternoon, either in Camden Hills or at home against Belfast. Presque Isle finished their season at 7-10.

Join us Tuesday afternoon when we broadcast the prelim softball game between the MDI Girls and Camden Hills in Bar Harbor starting at 4:30