LOCH SHELDRAKE - Two first-team all-star pitchers went head-to-head in the Western Sullivan League championship tiebreaker Friday at Sullivan County Community College and Danny Taggart of Livingston Manor came out the winner, 5-1, over Brian Rosenberger and Delaware Valley. Relief pitcher Gary Taggart was credited with the save.

Both teams ended the regular WSL season with 10-2 records but were delayed in playing the championship tie-breaker because of the Section 9 baseball tournament schedule.

“My players really wanted this one,” Andy Taggart, coach of Livingston Manor, said. “They had a week off since they played last and were really looking forward to this game.”

Manor took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Leadoff hitter Rich Ramos hit a fly ball to right field that was dropped, and after a sacrifice bunt by Gary Taggart, John Johanneman singled to left field to score Ramos.

Manor increased its lead to 3-0 in the third inning. Ramos again started things off, reaching on an infield error, and went to second on a wild throw. Gary Taggart then doubled to deep left field to score Ramos and Johanneman followed with a single to score Taggart.

“I heard the Delaware Valley players saying before the game that the team that scored the first run would have a big advantage,” Taggart said. “I’m glad it was us.”

“We’ve had three tough games with DV this season and I was really worried when they started their rally in the sixth,” he said.

Ramos scored his third run of the day in the fifth inning when he reached on a fielder’s choice, stole second and scored on a double by Gary Taggart.

Manor added another run in the top of the fifth. Ken Fisk singled and went to second on an error. Rich Benci then hit into a fielder’s choice and Fisk was out at third. Rosenberger then walked two batters to force in Benci.

Manor then led, 5-0.

But Delaware came back to deny Danny Taggart the shut-out in the bottom of the sixth. Morgan Mitterwager led off with a single, Lou Rhodes then singled to put men on first and second. Scott Haberli’s double scored Mitterwager, but relief pitcher Gary Taggart then came in and retired the next three batters. Manor finished the WSL season at 11-2 and DV dropped to 10-3.