Sixth seed Catty Connie Mack hosted number seven Stroudsburg in the opening round of the Lehigh Valley Connie Mack Baseball League playoffs in the first game of a three-game series on Monday night at Opportunity Field.

The Diamond Jaxx have depth at pitching with nine players on their squad who are able to take to the mound.

While that could benefit the in the playoffs, it was the bats that struck first as Stroudsburg jumped out to a 6-3 lead over Catty and starting pitcher Jordan Madaya. The Diamond Jaxx would add their final runs in the top of the sixth for valuable insurance as Ed Merli led off with a single. Joe Rothrock made an unassisted play at first base for out number one, but the next batter was walked on four-straight balls before a fly out was caught by Matt Rodger. Cory Nace singled to put Stroudsburg up 7-5 before walks led to their eighth run and finally an 8-5 advantage.

Nate Pontician went 2-for-3 with three RBIs for Catty and Dakota Schiffer was 2-for-3. Matt Rodger had an opposite field hit and Joe Harakal doubled to left center. Jacob Schneck had a sacrifice bunt. Mikey Shutta hit a drive to left field that scored Harakal. Kober grounded out to short stop. Madaya had a hit.

Catty's at Stroudsburg on Wednesday night in a must-win situation. If they do win the game, which takes place after Press deadlines, they would host the Diamond Jaxx at Opportunity Field on Friday night with the winner advancing to states.