Zangardi’s Big Night Sends Dallas Past West Scranton In Playoff Opener
By: Matt Flanagan | SportzWire | May 19, 2026 | Photo courtesy Bob Geatano
The postseason atmosphere was there Tuesday night, and the Mountaineers responded with one of their most complete performances of the season.
Behind a huge night from Dominick Zangardi, Dallas opened the playoffs with a 5-2 victory over the West Scranton Invaders, using timely power, strong pitching, and clean defense to advance.
Zangardi immediately gave the Mountaineers energy in the bottom of the first inning, launching a solo home run to right field that quickly brought life to the Dallas dugout and crowd. In playoff baseball, early momentum matters, and Dallas never really let go of it.
The Mountaineers continued building their lead inning by inning. Michael Viglone added an RBI single in the second before Brady Youngblood ripped a run-scoring double in the third to make it 3-0.
Then Zangardi struck again.
Leading off the fifth inning, the senior crushed his second home run of the night to right field, extending the Dallas lead and giving the Mountaineers even more momentum as the playoff intensity continued to build.
While the offense delivered the big moments, Dallas also looked sharp defensively throughout the game. The Mountaineers played error-free baseball and consistently made the routine plays behind their pitching staff. Luca Pietraccini led the defensive effort with eight chances in the field.
Zangardi was equally effective on the mound, working five strong innings while allowing just one run and keeping West Scranton from generating any sustained offensive momentum. Nick Bednar came on in relief to help finish off the playoff win.
Dallas finished with nine hits overall, while Peyton Vanvalkenburgh created pressure on the bases with two stolen bases.
West Scranton battled throughout the game and got multi-hit performances from Brayden Rodney and Tyler Scotch in the loss.
With the win, Dallas moves on in the postseason looking every bit like a team capable of making a deep playoff run.
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