The Mint Hill Junior Marines come away with a rain delayed and shortened game against Belmont 3-0 on Monday night in the big ball orchard at Independence High School Stadium in Mint Hill.

The marines led by pitcher Ben Hagan shut down the Belmont offense giving Coach Dan Cooke’s fighting leathernecks an important win as the team prepares to enter the playoffs for the regional and state championships.  Hagan hurled four solid innings giving up no runs, 2 hits, 1 walk, while striking out 2 batters.  Jonathon Todaro pitched the fifth inning allowing no runs before the game was called after thunderstorms hit the area.  The game was interrupted by the umpires when the marines lead-off hitter Ryan Mangum was at bat in the bottom of the fifth on a 3-2 count and pulled the teams off the field for further notification.

The marines struck quickly in the first inning scoring 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks which included 2 throwing errors by the Belmont infielders to provide the home team with all the runs they would need for the shut-out victory.

The marines added another run in the third inning when Brandon Moser walked, took second on a wild pitch and Jacob Haislip singled to drive in Moser for a Mint Hill 3-0 lead going into the fourth inning of play.

Hagan retired the Belmont hitters in order in the fourth.  Mint Hill went down quietly in the home frame keeping the score at 3-0 with the marines maintaining their advantage.  Also, by having completed four full innings of play the contest was now an official game.

In the fifth Jonathon Todaro entered the game for the marines to keep the score and lead in tact before the rains poured down upon the players, fans, and infield.  After another 15 minute delay and the condition of the infield with more storms in the area the umpires met with the coaches at home plate to officially call the game.

The marines playoff schedule will be announced sometime this week and we will continue coverage of home games live at Independence High School Stadium the home of the Patriots.