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The Islandian Times
Friday, September 28, 2012
2012 Ruthlandian Union Pro Cup Final 4 Series - Game 4
Rovers End Redhawks 7-Game Streak, Win Game 4
Somebody finally put a stop to the Far Mountain 7-game winning streak. 22-game winner Vinnie Rastelli was the man that did it. Rastelli scattered 9 hits over 8 and two-thirds innings to whip the Redhawks 5-3. He had to outpitch Far Mountain's ace Robby Kelly to snap the string and keep the Sligo Rovers alive the RU Final 4. Once more victory by the Redhawks and the season is over for Eddie Keys' crew. The Rovers needed a mild miracle and got it from Rastelli.
Rastelli is only 20 years old and in his third season in the IPA, but he performed like a battle-tested veteran today. Rastelli (2-2 2.56) walked no one and whiffed 9. He carried a 5-1 lead and a 5-hitter into the ninth when Sligo made him sweat a little. LF Phil Stewart led off the inning with a bunt single. Rastelli got the next two batters out, but then gave up a 2-run homer to C Otis Ott (.334) to narrow the score to 5-3. It was his 3rd playoff roundtripper. 1B Fran Grzanka (.200) and RF Julian Zavala (.419) followed with back-to-back singles. At that point Keys made a move and brought in his closer Larry Ciaccio, who got the final out of the game for his 3rd postseason save. Robby Kelly (3-1 2.65) lost his first playoff game this season. He wasn't as sharp as usual, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits in 7 innings. Kelly departed with the score 4-1 in favor of Sligo.
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