Fri. S.J. boys: Bednarek pitches Cinnaminson into semifinals

John Bednarek lost his no-hit bid Friday in the fifth inning, but it did not faze him as he guided Cinnaminson to a 3-2 win over visiting Middle Township in the South Jersey Group 2 quarterfinals.

The senior lefthander pitched all seven innings, struck out eight, and allowed just two hits and two walks. He improved to 7-1.

"He was dominant," coach Kevin Merrill said. "His fastball was live. His off-speed pitches were moving very well."

Merrill said Bednarek's fastball hovers around the mid- to high 80s.

Junior first baseman Marty McDonald slapped a go-ahead double in the sixth inning to put the Pirates ahead, 2-1. Cody MacNair, a pinch-runner, scored easily from second as the hit traveled over the centerfielder's head.

In the seventh inning, Zach Bogelei tagged Bednarek for a solo homer. The pitcher had challenged him with a fastball up in the zone.

South Jersey Group 4. Eastern's Steve Priolo went 3 for 4 and was the winning pitcher as the Vikings downed visiting Toms River North, 7-3, in the quarterfinals.

Priolo drove in three runs and struck out five and walked two.

Matt Marella added a pair of RBIs on two hits, and Tom Flacco scored twice and had two hits. Ryan Delaney went 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

South Jersey Group 3. Winning pitcher Nick Listro navigated Kingsway to a 3-2 win at Delsea in the quarterfinals.

Central Jersey Group 2. Top-seeded Bordentown fell at home to Monmouth, 6-2. Austin Chaszar had a homer for the hosts, and Cullen Carter added a double.