Mariners top Mavs, come in second at Lethbridge

Craig Moore

Leader Staff

POLSON — The Mariners crushed the Missoula Mavs on Tuesday, 20-8, in seven innings, after wrapping up a successful tourney up in Lethbridge last weekend.

Steven Larson started things out for the Mariners in the first inning by hitting a RBI single to right field that scored Joe Locke from third.

Mac Gordon smacked the ball to right field in the second inning and scored Terry Lundeen and Locke, tying the game at four all. Then Brandon 'Moose' Thompson scored Gordon from third on a fielder's choice, giving the Mariners a 5-4 lead.

Tim Gauthier came in to relieve starting pitcher Brandon Ray in the third inning with bases load. Gauthier got the strikeout to end the top of the inning without giving up a run.

In the bottom of the third the Mariners took advantage of an overthrown ball to first when the Mavs catcher was trying to pick off the runner at first. Mission cleared the bases after a series of errors by the Mavs and took the 9-4 advantage.

Gauthier hooked up with first basemen Shane Perry to pick-off a Mavs runner at first base for the final out of the fourth.

In the bottom of the fifth Lundeen took off early to steal second and the pitcher stepped off the rubber to throw to second while Gauthier on third headed home.

Shane Perry knocked a two-run RBI stand up double in the sixth to give Mission the 15-6 lead.

"I just wanted to hit the ball soft," said Perry.

The Mariners cleaned house against the Mavs, finishing the game in seven innings.

"We came out aggressive on the base paths and took advantage of some of the walks," said coach Joe Locke.

Gauthier picked up the win against the Mavs, pitching three innings and not giving up a run when he stepped in the game with bases loaded.

"I knew we just needed to get one out. I try to keep a clear head and stay relaxed," said Gauthier.

The Mariners (15-10) spent last weekend at the Lethbridge tourney and went 3-1, finishing second.

Mission's only loss came in the championship game that was cut short because of rain. The game only went 5 innings and the Mariners lost, 3-1.

Lundeen pitched a no-hitter against Lethbridge over the weekend. It was Lundeen's first career no-hitter.

"I didn't know I was throwing one until I found out after the game," said Lundeen.

The Mariners next action will be in the Dillon tourney that starts today (Thursday) and runs to Sunday. Their next home game is next Tuesday against the Kalispell Lakers. Game time is 4 p.m.