Shank's two triples help M's beat Royals

Zach Shank led the way for the Mariners offensively, as they beat the Royals, 5-2. Shank hit a pair of RBI triples and added another run with a safety squeeze in the ninth to help Pulaski defeat Burlington for the first time in five meetings this year. The win evened the series at hand, one game apiece.

Shank got the M's started in the third inning. After Franklin Diaz reached first on a bunt single, Shank hit a triple to center field to give Pulaski a 1-0 lead. Shank came home to score on an Ian Miller single and Joe DeCarlo tacked on another M's run with an RBI single that plated Miller.

Tyler Chism put Burlington on the board with a solo home run in the bottom of the third, but Pulaski returned the favor in the fourth. Once again, Shank came to the plate with a runner on first. And, once again, Shank tripled home a run to expand the Pulaski lead to 4-1.

The Royals pulled closer with back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the fourth. Alex Newman (pictured) led off the inning with a two-bagger and Chad Johnson followed up with a double to bring him home. But, two runs were all the Royals' offense could muster thanks to the Mariners' pitching staff.

Noel De La Cruz started on the mound for Pulaski and held Burlington in check. He allowed the only two Burlington runs, but struck out nine batters in six innings and came away with the victory.

The Mariners' bullpen was also very effective. Wander Marte entered behind De La Cruz and pitched a scoreless seventh inning. The left-hander still has not allowed a hit through his first seven innings pitched this year. After Marte, Leoncio Munoz pitched a perfect eighth. Munoz began the ninth, but gave up a leadoff single and was relieved by Emilio Pagan, who recorded the final three outs to earn his sixth save of the season.

Pulaski's win turns Monday's contest into the rubber match of the series. First pitch between the Royals and Mariners is scheduled for 7 p.m. Gates at Burlington Athletic Stadium will open at 6 p.m.