Jamie McMahon allowed just one earned run and struck out nine in six innings of work and Tyler Teare went 3-for-3 and knocked in two runs to lead Independence to a 7-2 win over Cardinal on Thursday.
The Blue Devils improved to 7-9 overall after beginning the year with a 1-6 record.
“It was really good to see us put together another solid game,” said Independence coach Mark Echstenkamper. “Jamie threw six solid innings giving up only four hits. I would’ve liked to have seen a higher strike percentage and fewer walks but he battled. Teare strung together some good at-bats for the second straight game, which is good to see. It was a solid win.”
McMahon allowed two runs on two hits in the fifth but otherwise limited Cardinal’s offense.
“All of my pitches were working today,” McMahon said. “I was confident with my stuff so I was looking to attack each hitter early in the count.”
Independence scored three runs in the second when Andrew Teribery led off the inning with a single and McMahon walked. Teare then singled home Teribery and Tim Marcinko and Kevin Mooney followed with RBI singles.
Teribery and Marcinko both finished with a pair of hits for the Blue Devils and Teare continued to hit the ball well. He now has seven hits in his last four games.
“I’ve been swinging the bat pretty well lately,” Teare said. “It’s nice to finally get into the swing of things and start helping the team get going offensively. I’d love to brag and say it’s all me getting these hits, but I have to credit my teammates with their chatter from the dugout. It helps with getting inside the pitcher’s head and forces him to throw me strikes. That is where I take advantage.”
Jordan Mallernee, who knocked in a pair of runs, pitched a scoreless seventh for the Blue Devils.
Brice Hogue led Cardinal with two hits and he also pitched a complete game for the Huskies. Matt Carney doubled and Justin Byler also had a hit.
“Defensively we played better,” said Cardinal coach Seth Klepper. “Brice did a good job getting us out of jams. Indy is one heck of a team. They play solid defense and hit to all parts of the field. We have to put this behind us and focus on one game at a time.”
