Ambler takes Game 1 of finals

UPPER GWYNEDD » After tallying just two hits through the first five innings Wednesday night, Ambler exploded for three runs on four hits in the bottom of the sixth.

With Pete Moore on the mound, that was all the Brewers needed.

No. 3 Ambler topped No. 4 NorGwyn 3-1 in Game 1 of the Perkiomen Valley Twilight League championship series at Hostelley Field.

Nick Fasano led off the bottom of the sixth with a single and Sam Plaugher came on to pinch run. Chris Hens sacrificed Plaugher to second and the pinch runner scored when an outfielder mishandled Matt Altieri’s single to tie the game at one.

Jason Kelmer entered the game as a pinch hitter and ripped a double down the left field line, scoring Altieri and giving Ambler the lead for good.

“We were off for over a week,” Moore said. “The more at-bats we got, second and third times through the lineup, I had a real good feeling that we were going to be able to start stringing some stuff together. You tip your cap to (Nor-Gwyn starter) Chuck (Delagol), he threw a great game, didn’t give up a run. Then (relief pitcher Jason) Mills is one of the best players in the league. Our guys just did a great job of having good at-bats, being patient and getting pitches they needed to to put a good swing on it.”

Nobel Unger followed with a bloop single to score Kelmer and make it 3-1.

Moore threw a complete game for the Brewers. Over seven innings he struck out five batters to one walk and allowed one run on five hits.

“It keeps you focused,” Moore said of being in a pitcher’s duel. “There is no time to let your mind wander. All the focus is on the game. While I’m a player-manager, I’m lucky to have a lot of guys who think the game and allow me to just pitch on days when I’m pitching. Andy Noga especially steps up and takes charge

and makes a lot of the decisions so I can focus on throwing the ball. I was locked in.”

The Packers lone run came in the top of the fifth inning. Michael Knipe led off with a single and Andrew Beshench sacrificed him to second. Ben Lipincott singled and Knipe scored when the outfielder bobbled the

ball to give Nor-Gwyn a 1-0 lead.

Delagol started for the Packers and threw 4 2/3 shutout innings. He struck out three batters to four walks and allowed two hits.

The teams played Game

2 as the second half of a doubleheader. The game did not end in time for this edition.

Game 3 is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday night back at Hostelley Field with Game 4 immediately after if necessary.