Stephen Bove got out of an early jam, thanks to a pair of first-inning pickoffs, and went the distance. He allowed five hits in a complete-game victory for No. 5 Bishop Ford, which defeated No. 13 Moore Catholic, 6-2, in Game 1 of a best-of-three third round CHSAA Class A intersectional qualifying series at the Parade Grounds in Brooklyn Thursday afternoon.
Game 2 of the series is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Jack Kaiser Stadium on the campus of St. John’s University. If a third and decisive game is necessary, it is also scheduled for St. John’s Sunday afternoon.
“The first one in any series is obviously a big win, but especially in a best-of-three,” Bishop Ford coach Mike Hanrahan said. “The last two years have been one-and-done, so this is a big win for the program if we can advance.”
Moore Catholic (9-8) had its chance right away thanks to a leadoff walk to Matt DiOrio and Frank Smith’s one-out single to center. Bove, though, picked off Smith at first and then DiOrio was nailed leaning off second, ending the Mavericks potential rally.
“That was big because if they scored in the first inning, it changes the feel of the game,” Hanrahan said.
Anthony Foust snapped a scoreless game in the bottom of the fourth with a two-run double off Moore sophomore left-hander John Baggs after Bove walked and Matt Molbury singled. Foust scored on a delayed double steal to give Ford (14-4) a 3-0 lead.
Moore scored twice in the top of the fifth as Joe Acierno had an RBI single and Rob Ortiz was driven in by DiOrio, who grounded out.
In the bottom of the inning, Ford scored two more runs on Molbury’s double off the fence in left. Jonathan Pineiro scored the Falcons final run after a botched rundown.
While Moore struggled in the field, Ford was solid, turning a pair of double plays.
Monsignor Farrell-All Hallows suspended: The opening game of a best-of-three series between No. 6 Monsignor Farrell and No. 13 All Hallows has been suspended because of inclement weather and moved to Friday night at the College of Staten Island.
The game will resume in the top of the first with one out. The Gaels have the bases loaded with one out and starter Irwin Zorilla at the plate. Matt Cascello started for Farrell.