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Gallagher powers Mooney to victory
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Cardinal Mooney’s Ryan Gallagher (24) pitches in the top of the fi fth inning during the Cardinals’ 8-2 win against the Struthers Wildcats on Thursday at Cene Park in Struthers. Gallagher (4-1) carried a no-hitter into the fi fth and a one-hitter into the seventh before the Wildcats (9-7) tagged him for their only runs.
By TOM WILLIAMS
STRUTHERS
Al Franceschelli says this year’s Mooney High baseball team might be the hardest-working squad he’s coached in his more than 30 years in the dugout.
In Thursday’s 8-2 victory over Struthers at Cene Park, Cardinals pitcher Ryan Gallagher displayed the work ethic that has made Mooney (14-3) a contender for a top seed in the Division II district tournament.
Gallagher (4-1) carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning and a one-hitter into the seventh before the Wildcats (9-7) tagged him for two runs.
“Ryan has been a very dominant pitcher for us,” said Franceschelli of Gallagher who struck out 10 batters and walked two. “He’s got an outstanding fastball and he works very, very hard.”
“He’s a leader by example and he’s got a very live arm.”
Gallagher was in command from the start, striking out the first five Wildcats he faced.
“It just makes the game a lot easier when he’s striking guys out like he does,” said Cardinals second baseman Dan Reese of how Gallagher retired 14 of the first 15 Struthers batters. “It just makes our jobs a lot easier.
Gallagher said he enjoyed the game-time temperature.
“Earlier in the day, it was a lot warmer,” Gallagher said. “I think the heat helped me with my pitching, helped me to get my fastball down and my curveball was breaking a lot.”
A third-inning walk to Anthony Lariccia produced the Wildcats’ only baserunner in their first four at-bats.
“The top part of the lineup has the key players we’re trying to get out, so to strike them out is a great morale booster for our team,” Gallagher said.
The Cardinals returned the favor to their pitcher by scoring four runs in the second inning and three in the third.
“Some of our hits were filling in gaps,” said Reese who drove in three runs with his two hits. “Gallagher’s hit really got us going.”
Gallagher ignited the Cardinals’ offense with the game’s first hit. With one out in the second inning, Gallagher singled to left field then scored on a three-base error.
With two outs, Mark Warchol reached base on another Wildcats error. Consecutive singles by Taylor Callahan, Reese, Pat Markovich and Ed Reese produced a 4-0 lead.
“As a pitcher, it’s nice to be able throw a couple of balls or walk a batter without having to worry too much if he scores,” Gallagher said.
Two more errors in the third inning and a two-run double by Dan Reese gave Gallagher a 7-0 cushion.
Franceschelli recently moved Reese from the sixth spot to the ninth.
“We need some production from the bottom of the order and he’s got outstanding speed,” Franceschelli said.
Ryan Young broke up Gallagher’s no-hit bid with a fifth-inning double. In the seventh inning, the Wildcats’ Anthony Lucas tripled and scored.
Franceschelli said Gallagher sometimes can throw more than 85 mph.
“He’s got two pitches he can rely on for a strike and he’s still a junior,” Franceschelli said. “He has plenty of upside.”
Gallagher and Franceschelli say Mooney has exceeded expectations.
“This is a lot better than I expected,” said Gallagher of being 11 games over .500. “Hopefully, we can get a top seed.”
Francheschelli said, “The team has done more than I expected. Half the time, I’ve got to chase them out of the facility because they want to keep on working.
“This team is young, but they’ve really stood up to the challenge.”