Will Madairy pitches Providence Day past East Meck

Providence Day coach Jim Cerbie is the first to admit that he’s fielding a young team this season, with more sophomores than juniors and seniors combined.

That’s led to some inconsistent play at times, but the Chargers got a big confidence boost by beating East Mecklenburg 5-2 on Monday in the opening day of the Jack Sink Spring Break Classic tournament.

Providence Day (5-6) took advantage of some mistakes by the Eagles (3-10) to take the early lead, then rode its defense and a season-best game by starting pitcher Will Madairy in snapping a three-game losing streak.

Madairy (1-3), one of nine sophomores on the Chargers’ roster, allowed eight hits and struck out eight in getting his first win of the season.

“Strikeouts are really not his forte,” Cerbie said of Madairy. “He doesn’t have that kind of velocity, but he’s generally around the plate and changes speeds pretty well, and keeps us in ballgames. This is the first time we’ve gotten him a few runs.”

While East Mecklenburg had just as strong a game from starter Griffin Zetterberg and its batters, mistakes wound up costing the Eagles.

Zetterberg (1-5), a junior righthander, also scattered eight hits and struck out eight for the Eagles. But five errors led to three unearned runs.

Quote

“We’re coming along. This has been a learning experience for us, and this game will be a big confidence booster for the kids. We held these guys to two runs, so this was a good day for us.” – Cerbie.

Worth mentioning

Both pitchers combined for 16 hits, 16 strikeouts – and zero walks. … East Meck second baseman Montana Worrell had the defensive play of the game, stretching out to snag a line drive by Max Lahn in the top of the second inning. … Providence Day stranded five runners – all in scoring position – while East Mecklenburg left four on base, three in scoring position. … Derrick Rabb and Michael Ruth had two hits each for the Eagles. … Seven players had at least one hit for the Chargers, with Ryan Burgoyne going 2-for-3 with an RBI.

What’s next?

East Mecklenburg hosts Charlotte Latin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at East Meck’s Jones Field. … Providence Day faces North Mecklenburg at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, also at East Meck.

This story was originally published April 6, 2015 at 5:06 PM with the headline "Will Madairy pitches Providence Day past East Meck."