Mariners claim Mustang Major title

The Mariners won four consecutive playoff games, topped by a 9-5

victory over the Dodgers, to win the Mustang Major Division

championship at Fountain Valley Pony Baseball.

In the title game against the Dodgers, Mariners leadoff hitter

Jonathan Marriott scored three runs, Matt Thomas singled and scored,

and the trio of Scotty Weaver, Joey De Marco and Wyatt Christensen

threw a solid game.

De Marco also made a diving backhand catch of a ball hit over his

head at shortstop to help seal the victory.

The Mariners’ road to the championship final included a semifinal

showdown against the same Dodgers squad. In that game, the Mariners

prevailed, 3-2.

Matt Hughes went two-for-two and provided the winning hit, which

scored AJ Rello for the winning run. The Mariners were near perfect

defensively with just one error.

The playoff run began with a 9-5 win over the Cubs. Aaron Vargas,

Ryan Peffers and Matt Kelly each doubled and scored in the contest.

They followed that opening round win with a 7-6 win over the

Angels. Eric Bumb scored twice, and Jason Baker hit a hard single up

the middle and also made a few game-saving catches at first base to

preserve the one-run victory.

“These boys played well throughout the playoffs,” Mariners manager

Jim De Marco said. “They worked hard at practice all year and the

results show. The competitive Mustang Division is the real game of

baseball, with leadoffs, pickoffs, balks and dropped third strikes,

so there is a lot to learn.

“Everyone on this team really contributed on defense and no one

was an easy out at the plate. I am proud to be a part of this

championship team.”

The Mariners are also coached by Mike Weaver, Dave Marriott and

Rick Christensen.