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Mulligan K’s 10 As Massapequa Takes Game 1 Over Port Washington

by Tucker Terranova

Looking to take the first step toward continuing its reign as Nassau County Class AAA champion, No. 1 Massapequa turned to sophomore Jack Mulligan on the mound, who rewarded the Chiefs with five scoreless innings in a 7-4 win over No. 5 Port Washington in Game 1 of the best-of-three series.

The win moves Massapequa one game away from a second consecutive county title and the 19th championship in program history.

“Being able to land my offspeed pitches helped me a ton today,” said Mulligan, who allowed one hit and struck out 10 on 89 pitches. “I felt like I commanded both sides of the plate well today.”

Port Washington worked consecutive two-out walks in the top of the first inning, but Mulligan regrouped by striking out Leo Schindler to escape the frame without allowing a run.

Massapequa rewarded its starter in the bottom of the second with a two-out rally of its own. After consecutive singles put runners on first and second, John Neary cleared the bases with a triple to right field and later scored on an error to give Massapequa a 3-0 lead heading into the third inning.

“It’s a lot easier going out there knowing my offense can give me runs,” Mulligan said. “I just wanted to keep attacking and making guys miss.”

Massapequa’s hot hitting carried into the fourth inning as it quickly put runners on second and third with no outs. The Chiefs added a run on a balk, but Port Washington starter Alex Milner limited the damage and stranded a runner.

Mulligan continued his strong outing in the fourth, working through trouble to strand two runners and remain scoreless through four innings.

Massapequa again rewarded its sophomore right-hander with insurance runs in the bottom half of the frame. With the bases loaded and one out, pinch-hitter Mike Diaz hit a ground ball that forced an error, and Anthony DiNello followed with a sacrifice fly to center field to give Massapequa a 6-0 lead.

Facing Massapequa’s bullpen, Port Washington cut into the deficit in the sixth inning by scoring on a wild pitch before Luke Maute delivered an RBI double to left-center field to make it 6-2.

Massapequa responded in the bottom half of the inning when Diaz lined an RBI double to right-center field.

In the seventh, Koki Maewaza and Schindler each recorded RBI hits before James Alonso shut the door to secure the win.

For a group experienced in county championship games, Mulligan said the approach will remain the same heading into the next matchup.

“We have a lot of guys who have been in this moment before,” Mulligan said. “We just want to play the way we have been and keep this up.”

Massapequa will look to close out the series Friday at 6 p.m. at Farmingdale State College. If necessary, a decisive Game 3 will be played Sunday, May 31.