Canton still searching for first playoff win after loss to Sliders

Canton’s Angel Christiano was one of three Crushers with a double in the 4-1 loss to CT Sliders in the Tri-State League playoffs.

The Canton Crushers are still looking for their first Tri-State League playoff win.

The visiting Connecticut Sliders used a three-run fifth inning to help eliminate the Crushers, 4-1 in a first round game on Friday at Bowdoin Field in Canton.

Much of the game was played on Tuesday before rain suspended the contest in the top of the sixth inning with the Sliders holding a 4-0 lead.

The No. 10 Sliders (8-13) advance to the best-of-3 first round series against defending champion Bethlehem beginning on Saturday.

The No. 7 Crushers (11-10) had six outs and two innings left to try for a comeback. Canton’s Cole Varano began the bottom of the sixth inning with a double to left field. Varano moved to third base on a ground ball out and scored on Ben Sullivan’s single to center field.

Matt Rose singled to put two runners on base. But Slider relief pitcher Mark Dicrosa coaxed a pair of fly ball outs to get out of the inning.

The Sliders loaded the bases with one out in the seventh after a hit batter, a single and a walk. But Henry Marino hit a ground ball to shortstop Jackson Senecal, who threw out the runner at home. Catcher Danny Petro threw out a runner advancing to second to end the inning.

Canton had two runners on base with one out thanks to a single from Senecal and a walk to Petro. But a double play ended the game and season for the Crushers, who posted the first winning season in team history.

The Sliders’ Josh Dobratz went 3-for-3 in the game with a double and three RBI. Teammate Ben Richardson was 2-for-3 with one RBI.

In the fourth inning, the Sliders’ first three batters all reached base. Ryan Montini led off with a double and moved to third on Kyle Giambra’s single. Montini scored on Ben Richardson’s RBI single. Dobratz’ two-out single gave the Sliders a 4-0 lead.

The Sliders stole six bases and turned two double plays.

Senecal, Ben Sullivan, Varano, Matt Rose, Jeff Mulhall and Angel Christiano each had hits for Canton. Christiano, Varano and Mulhall each had doubles.

CT Sliders 4, Canton 1
At Canton
CT Sliders (8-13)          001  300  0  — 4-10-0
Canton (11-10)              000  001  0  — 1-6-1
Henry Marino, Luke Sokolski (5), Mark Dicrosa (6), Ryan Montini (7) and Jordan Giambra; Jake Bryant, Matt Rose (4), Nate Hiscox (6) and Danny Petro; WP: Marino; LP: Bryant (2-2); Save: Montini; 2B: Angel Christiano (C), Jeff Mulhall (C), Cole Varano (C), Josh Dobratz (S), Ryan Montini (S); Of note: Game was suspended on Tuesday due to rain in the top of the sixth inning and completed on Friday at Bowdoin Field