FORESTVILLE >> Isaiah Moore’s two-out, two-run home in the top of the fourth inning proved to be the game-winning hit as the Middletown Mustangs held off the El Molino Lions 6-5 in a non-league varsity baseball game on Monday afternoon in Forestville.
Middletown is off to a 5-0 start under second-year coach Jeff Mielke, a much more enjoyable beginning to the season than last year’s 0-9 opening during his rookie campaign.
“Let’s just say the kids enjoy winning a lot more than losing,” Mielke said.
Moore, who went 2-for-3 and also doubled, drilled a shot to right-center field to score teammate Will Perez.
“Perez doubled with two outs and Isaiah crushed it,” Mielke said. “I don’t think he knew how hard he hit it because he was sprinting down to first base. He was in RBI mode.”
Middletown jumped on top to stay with a four-run top of the first inning. The final two of those runs also scored with two outs.
“When we can drive in two-out runs, we really like our chances,” Mielke said. “But with us it’s still pitching and defense before everything else. The hitting will follow. It’s played out like that for us so far.”
Moore’s blast staked Middletown to a 6-3 lead. El Molino closed to 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh against Mustangs starting pitcher Thomas Cook, who went the distance for the victory. He allowed five hits, struck out five and walked two.
Jack Bliss went 2-for-4 for Middletown and drove in a run. Jordon Hernandez also had a RBI single.
Weather permitting, Middletown hosts El Molino on Thursday at 4 p.m. The Mustangs are also scheduled to play Arcata in a home doubleheader on Saturday.
