Thirteen was a lucky number Thursday for Irwin American Legion pitcher Tom Shirley.
Shirley notched a season-high 13 strikeouts, including one that ended a rally in the third inning, and led Irwin to a 4-3 win over Arnold in Game 1 of a best-of-three series for the District 31 Westmoreland County Northwest Division title.
Irwin improved to 15-8, while Arnold slipped to 16-7.
In the bottom of the third inning, Arnold held a 3-2 lead and was looking for more runs with the bases loaded and two outs.
But Shirley, a 6-foot-2 left-hander, notched one of his Ks to end the threat.
"One hit could have broken the game open," Arnold manager Doug Aftanas said. "Once he escaped the third inning, it was lights out."
Shirley (5-1) tossed a four-hitter with two walks and two hit batters. Arnold had only one runner reach base after the third inning, and that was by error.
"The big thing for Tommy today, was he threw strikes and worked ahead," Irwin manager Randy Funk said. "On very few batters was he behind. He's tough with his fastball and the way he mixes in his curveball and change-up."
Shirley also singled in the tying run in the top of the top of the fourth inning. Josh Haubrich doubled and scored on Shirley's hit.
Irwin got the winning run on a double steal with two outs in the top of the fifth inning. Drew Rutkowski scored from third base after Arnold's catcher attempted to throw out Jordan McCauley at second base.
"I figured I'd take a shot and see what happens," Funk said. "Jordan McCauley gets a pretty good jump. I'm glad I did it. The next guy flew out to center field."
Joe Yurko and Matt Pozzuto also had RBI for Irwin.
Arnold's runs were driven in by Joe Veltri, Brian Marzullo and Zack Chakan.
Like Shirley, Arnold pitcher Kevin Rayburn (8-3) went all seven innings. He struck out eight and did not allow a walk while giving up 11 hits.
Game 2 will be at 5:30 p.m. today at Norwin High School.
Game 3, if necessary, is set for 4 p.m. Saturday at Valley High School.
In its previous playoff series, Arnold lost the first game, but rebounded to win the next two and advance.
The Northwest Division winner will move on to the District 31 Westmoreland County championship series.
