Martella’s Pharmacy collected 12 hits and had two effective performances by relief pitchers in an 11-4 victory over Youngstown Creekside Crocodiles in the single-elimination bracket of the 74th annual AAABA Tournament on Thursday night at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point.
The win put Johnstown’s representative into the semifinal round against rival Altoona Johnston Realty at 7 p.m. at the Point on Friday night.
The other semifinal will pair defending champion New Orleans Boosters and New Brunswick Matrix at 1 p.m. at Sargent’s Stadium at the Point on Friday.
Johnstown third baseman George Coyle had three hits, scored four runs and drove in a pair in Thursday’s win. Coyle, who is part of the Seton Hill University program, retired all eight Youngstown hitters he faced to close the game.
Middle reliever Ray Watt also was effective in 3 2/3 innings, retiring eight consecutive batters at one point before leaving with the bases loaded and one out in the seventh inning.
Johnstown center fielder Andrew Walker had three hits and two RBIs. Shortstop Jake Swank and DH Boston Bradley each drove in a pair.
Youngstown’s Nick Patrolla hit a towering home run over the brick wall in left-center field and onto Johns Street.