The Garnets are back in the section semifinals, thanks to a gem from starting pitcher Clayton McCarthy.
The sophomore, who played a large part in Rye baseball’s run to the state semifinals a year ago, pitched a complete game shutout and struck out nine Eastchester batters in a 4-0 quarterfinal win Tuesday.
The top-seeded Garnets (16-5) advance to host No. 4 Horace Greeley (13-6) or No. 12 Carmel (6-14) on Friday.
Rye scored the only two runs it needed in the first inning. Senior Jamie Morris singled, then was driven in on a line drive by junior Luke Ontaneda. Junior Ben Fineberg made it 2-0 with a sac fly to right field.
Senior Harry Ellis led off the fourth inning with a solo home run to left field, giving the Garnets an insurance run.
In the sixth, Ellis led off with a double. Senior Michael Talbott grounded into a fielder’s choice, with Ellis out at third base. But a single by senior Nolan Hutson scored Talbott for Rye’s fourth and final run.
McCarthy limited the Eagles to two hits and three walks.
