Evan Tardugno pitches Malden to victory

Evan Tardugno (above) led Malden to victory

Malden, MA - Evan Tardguno pitched a complete game as he helped lead Malden to it's 21st victory of the 2010 YBL season.

Tardungo (5-1) allowed the Beacon Hill Dodgers to score just one run on six hits while striking out, a season high, eight batters.

Malden got on the board quickly as lead off batter Joey Eugenio laced a single into right center to begin the game. With two outs, Tom Englehardt delivered a clutch base hit through the right side which allowed Eugenio to score from second.

The Bulldogs would tack on two more runs in the second inning. Rookie Hunter Caron began things with a single and Anthony Perry was hit by the pitch to set up a first and second situation. After the first pitch was dealt to Ken Olisky, the Beacon Hill catcher attempted to pick off Perry at first. His throw eluded the first baseman and allowed Caron to score from second and Perry to move to third. Olisky then knocked in Perry when he hit a high chopper to the right side.

Beacon Hill would score their only run in the fifth inning. With one away, Jay Shatto reached on a walk and scored two batters later when Nick Tapper singled to right field. Shatto was able to get around the tag at the plate and make it a 3-1 ball game.

The Dodgers threatened to tie the game in the sixth when Bryan Duffy reached on a walk and was moved to third on Jerrad Ryan's double to center. Tardugno settled down and was able to induce Shatto to fly out to right to end the inning.

The Bulldogs pushed across their fourth and final run of the game in the seventh. Back to back singles with one out by Perry and Paul Covelle brought Eugenio to the dish. Eugenio hit a ground ball up the middle to the second baseman who stepped on second, to force out Covelle, and then threw wide of first. With the throw taking Tapper off the base, Perry rounded third and took home.

"It was a great team win." said Malden coach Pat Spellman. "After a tough loss last night to Somerville, we were able to rebound and beat a good team in Beacon Hill. It just goes to show the type of players that we have this season."

 With a record of 21-5, the Malden Bulldogs have the best record in the Yawkey League and currently sit atop the standings in the Ted Williams Division. Malden has seven more games left in the regular season, including a regular season ending showdown against rival West Roxbury Bluefish.

Malden will return to action on Thursday night when they host the Brighton Braves. Game time is set for 8 pm at Maplewood Park. In their previous meeting this season, Malden exploded and beat the Braves by a 23-0 final. Evan Tardugno was the winning pitcher as he struck out eight in his seven innings of work.