Audubon's Scott Lynch threw a perfect 2.1 innings of relief in a 6-2 win over Pennsville in the semifinal round of the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs at Hank Greenberg Field at Audubon High School in Audubon, New Jersey on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Chris Baker/D2 Sports Network
AUDUBON (N.J.) - It's been a long six years for the Audubon High School baseball since its last South Jersey Group 1 final appearance.
A 6-2 victory over Pennsville on Tuesday ended the drought as the Green Wave punched their ticket to the sectional final. Audubon also beat Pennsville, 4-3, to capture their most recent S.J. Group 1 crown six years ago.
Starting pitcher Gabe McCracken experienced a rollercoaster ride on the mound, but settled in to get the job done for his team. McCracken pitched 4.2 innings and allowed four hits, two earned runs, and three walks while striking out six batters.
"This clearly wasn't my best game," McCracken said. "I didn't have my stuff today, but my defense really backed me up when I needed it and I have to give credit to them for having my back."
Audubon starting pitcher Gabe McCracken allowed four hits, two earned runs, three walks, and fanned six batters in a 6-2 win over Pennsville in the semifinal round of the South Jersey Group 1 playoffs at Hank Greenberg Field at Audubon High School in Audubon, New Jersey on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Chris Baker/D2 Sports Network
Sacred Heart football commit Scott Lynch was perfect in his relief outing as he pitched two and a third innings without allowing a baserunner. Lynch also picked up two strikeouts.
Audubon racked up nine hits. Charlie Grady led the way with two hits for the Green Wave. Nick Kalogiros and Ryan Zimmer drove in two runs apiece, and Rutgers commit Tyler Wiltsey crossed the plate three times.
Effective pitching has been a big part of Audubon's current five-game winning streak heading into its upcoming sectional final matchup with top-seeded Buena. The Green Wave pitchers blanked two out of their five opponents in a 14-0 win over Sterling and a 3-0 win over Salem in the first round of the playoffs.
"Our pitching and hitting have really been key pieces to our success not just as of recent, but all season," Audubon coach Rich Horan said. "Today our pitching was keen, and the lineup came through and gave our pitchers room to breathe."