Pitching, defense and timely hitting have helped Robinson (12-5) all year long. Thursday night was no different as the Knights shut out Sickles (7-9) by a score of 4-0 at Lou Garcia Field.

Michael Tini (’16) got the start on the mound for Robinson, picking up his third win of the season. He threw six shutout innings, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out six.

“He wasn’t as sharp as he can be, but he was plenty sharp to go compete,” Knights head coach Kevin McCray said. “He gives us a chance when he takes the mound and that’s all you can ask for.”

The Robinson offense got going early, delivering three straight hits in the first. The third, a single by Matthew Steckel (’16), gave the Knights a 1-0 lead. Steckel finished the night two-for-two with two RBIs.

The Knights added two runs in the third on a wild pitch and an RBI single by Kris Terry (’17) before a sacrifice fly by Steckel pushed the lead to 4-0 in the fifth.

With the Gryphons threatening in the fourth inning, what looked to be a sacrifice bunt by Gabe Montagna (’18) turned into a 1-5-4-5 triple play. Tini fielded the bunt, threw it to third baseman Joey Scionti (’17), who then fired across the field to Killian McCray (’17) at first before McCray threw back over to Scionti for the third out.

Luis Feliciano (’16) replaced Tini in the seventh inning, getting the final three outs to clinch Robinson’s second straight victory.

“We’ve just got to keep getting better every day,” McCray said. “As long as we keep competing on the mound and making our plays, we’ll be in the game with a chance.”

The Knights will wrap up their three-game homestand on Tuesday night against Blake. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m at Lou Garcia Field (6311 S. Lois Ave, 33616).