METRO ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Poland's Hay fires two-hitter at Salem

Jonathan Habuda and Adam Wigley hit RBI doubles in the Bulldogs' 8-0 victory.
By BOB ROTH
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
POLAND -- Poland High spotted starting pitcher John Hay seven runs in the first inning of Monday's Metro Athletic Conference baseball game against Salem.
It was six more than he needed.
Hay tossed a two-hit shutout as the Bulldogs defeated the visiting Quakers, 8-0, to stay unbeaten in league play.
"My concentration was really good and my fastball was moving, but best of all I had good control," said Hay (3-0). "And let's face it, it was nice to have a seven-run lead to work with."
The Bulldogs (15-2, 7-0 MAC) had eight hits, including three doubles, in the first inning and sent 12 batters to the plate.
Leadoff hitter Dan Bertolini led off with a single and advanced to third on an error. Brandon Hardin followed with an RBI single.
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Hay threw just 72 pitches, striking out four and walking one. He allowed two doubles, one each by Brian Schwartz and Jarin Heath.
"John pitched a great game," Poland coach Steve Rohan said. "He was relaxed and in command throughout the seven innings. And we have an experienced team that gave him a good offensive cushion."
Starter Travis Milliron (2-2) lasted just a third of an inning for the Quakers (8-10, 2-5).
"His fastball was tailing back inside and their hitters took advantage of it," Salem coach Sean Kirkland said. "It's the first time this season that [Milliron] has struggled on the mound."
Jonathan Habuda and Adam Wigley each had RBI doubles in the first inning for Poland, and Anthony Fuller, Rick DiMuzio, Chris Aracich and Bertolini added RBI singles. Hardin, who went 3-for-4, added an RBI double in the fifth to complete the scoring.
"I was really seeing the ball well and trying to go the other way really worked for me today," Hardin said.
Grant Sevek relieved Milliron and went the rest of the way, giving up one run on five hits with four strikeouts.