By TODD REED

News Leader Sports Editor

Malvern improved to 18-5 overall and 12-3 in league play with a pair of wins last week.

The Hornets were to close out the season hosting Garaway on May 21.

Malvern 6

Newcomerstown 3

Vince Larson pitched a complete game, allowing three earned, while striking out two.

Tyler Tucci and Jesse Locke each scored two runs, Julian Guiao had three singles and Zak Kapron drove in two runs.

"This was a good win for the Hornets," noted Head Coach Dennis Tucci. "We played errorless ball. We didn't kill the ball, but we did have four sacrifice flies to score important runs."

Malvern 4

East Canton 3

In the first game of the Ron Ebner Tournament, it took nine innings to decide the Battle of the Hornets.

With the score tied at 3-3, Locke opened the ninth with a walk and was immediately replaced by pinch-runner Matt Bailey. Adam Wackerly worked a walk and Eric Hain, who was getting a start at third base, put down a sacrifice bunt that went for a single to load the bases.

T. Tucci came through in the clutch with a sacrifice fly, scoring Bailey with the game-winning run.

Larson improved to 8-1 as he went the distance, giving up three runs on four hits. He struck out 10 and did not allow a walk.

T. Tucci had two hits and two RBIs and Sean Kettering and Hain each had two hits.

"What can I say about Vince," commented Coach Tucci. "He's had a tremendous year on the mound. He showed a lot of heart by pitching nine innings. For the year, he is 8-1 with a 2.69 ERA. He has 55 strikeouts and only 14 walks.

"Tyler had a big game as he had two hits and knocked in the game winner with a sacrifice fly. Tyler, Sean and Julian have all hit over .400 for the season."

The second game of the tournament was called due to rain in the third inning with Lake Center leading Minerva 3-2. No makeup dates have been announced.

treed@alliancelink.com