DC Mustang lead off hitter, Joe Careccia, hit a laser to short that took a bad hop and started a 3-run rally.
The DC Mustang's Ace took the hill in the bottom of the first with that 3 run cushion. The hard-throwing right hander left the inning with a 4-3 deficit and an introduction to the Cubs batting order.
Joe Careccia again proved to be a thorn in the side of the Cubs in the top of the 3rd inning, when he doubled over the left fielder's head to drive in the tying run.
The Cubs again would not allow the Mustangs to feel good about their rally for too long, as they used RBI's from Mike Girard (his second of the game) and Ralph Caputo to take a 6-4 lead. The Cubs would add two more in the bottom of the 4th to up the lead on RBI singles from Tom Maney and Randy Craft. The lead would be expanded to 11-4 in the 5th with Dave Mitchell and Ralph Caputo providing the key hits. The Cubs would score their final run of the game in the 6th inning via a walk and a couple of Mustang errors.
With a 12-4 lead, the Cubs looked to be in cruise control, especially with Phil Gadomski dealing on the hill, shutting down the Mustang's offense completely after the third inning.
But the Mustangs came alive in the top of the seventh, plating 4 runs in the top of the 7th and having a runner on first with two outs. Mike Girard came on to strike out the first batter he faced to end the rally. Girard held the Mustangs scoreless in order in the 8th and Ralph Caputo came on to retire the Mustangs in the 9th in order.
Jim Bonaparte had one plate appearance and earned a walk.
The Cubs advanced to an afternoon quarter final game against the 4th seed, Enola Yankees (Lancaster County Pennsylvania).