For The Dialog
MILLTOWN – The second-ranked Appoquinimink Jaguars edged No. 1 St. Mark’s, 2-1, on April 10 for their third straight win over the Spartans in the last three years. Jags senior starter Ryan Steckline outdueled Spartans senior Billy Sullivan in a pitchers’ duel.
The Jags scored a pair of runs in the third, the first on a throwing error. Then Steckline singled home a run to give the Jags a 2-0 lead. The Spartans got a run back in the bottom of the third when catcher Matthew Sinko doubled home Matthew Theodorakis to cut the Jags lead to 2-1.
The Spartans loaded the bases in the bottom of the fourth on three walks. Steckline helped himself by starting a double play. He took a ground ball and threw home, and the relay to first beat the runner for a huge double play.
Steckline threw 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine while scattering 6 hits. Reliever Emir Garret retired all four batters he faced to pick up the save. Sullivan went the distance for the Spartans, striking out six while only giving up five hits. The Jags (7-0) got two hits from Jarrett Weglarz. They will travel to Tatnall on Thursday for a 3:45 p.m. start. The Spartans (6-1) are at Caravel on Wednesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m.
