By Mike Rubin

While the Malden Bulldogs may have captured the regular season division title, it’s the Somerville Alibrandis who are enjoying an early playoff lead.

With a pair of victories over the Bulldogs, the Alibrandis are in the driver’s seat and are on the verge of advancing to the semifinal round. After coasting to a 13-3 win over the Bulldogs in last Thursday’s series opener, Alibrandis delivered a 2-0 victory in Friday night’s match-up.

Offensively, Ted Dziuba led the way, recording three hits along with two doubles and four RBIs while Justin Crisafulli also recorded three hits and two RBIs. Also contributing was Bernie Driscoll with three hits while Sal Mendonca scored four runs.

In the top of the first, the Alibrandis grabbed a 1-0 lead before erupting for three in the top of the second. Facing a 4-0 deficit, the Bulldogs closed the gap within 4-3 in the last of the third before the Alibrandis regained momentum. Scoring three runs in the top of the fourth and fifth innings, the Alibrandis executed a commanding 10-3 lead before adding three runs in the final two frames.

Also contributing offensively was Marc DesRoches, who recorded two hits and four RBIs, while David Scioli added two RBIs and a run scored.

Earning the victory on the mound was Chris Foundas, who fired a complete game victory. Scattering seven hits, Foundas allowed just two earned runs while walking two and striking out six.

Locked in a pitcher’s duel, the Alibrandis pulled off a thrilling 2-0 win over the Bulldogs in Friday’s contest. In the top of the second, Tony Tomaro delivered a one out two run single, knocking in Crisafulli and Adjatay Nyadjroh. Offensively Scioli and Crusafilli recorded two hits apiece.

On the mound, Sean Sullivan earned the complete game victory, spinning a five hit shutout while walking five and striking out six. In the last of the seventh, Sullivan escaped a bases loaded two-out jam, retiring Tom Englehart on a fly out to deep right to secure the victory.

Alibrandis is facing Malden after beating the Revere Rockies in the first round of the Yawkey League playoffs.

Despite suffering a tough 3-2 loss to the Rockies last Sunday, the Alibrandis bounced back with a vengeance and cruised to a series clinching 6-0 shutout win last Tuesday night at Trum Field. As a result, the Alibrandis won the best of five series.

“We knew that the (Rockies) were going to not go down without a fight,” said coach Rob McDonough. “They made some adjustments in the third game, but we hung around and regained momentum in the last game and we were able to pull out the series. We’re playing our best baseball at the right time of the season.”

In Sunday’s loss, the Rockies grabbed a 2-0 lead in the top of the first guided by a bases loaded double by Nate LaLiberte. It stayed that way until the top of the third when Sean Glavin recorded an RBI single en route to a 3-0 edge.

On the mound, Mike McCarthy managed to hold the Alibrandis in check, leaving runners in scoring position in the first, fourth and seventh innings.

In the last of the seventh, the Alibrandis executed a two run rally, and nearly pulled off the dramatic victory. Closing the deficit to within 3-2 on Marc DesRoches two run single, the Alibrandis loaded the bases and were within 180 feet of earning the series sweep, but Chad Connoer grounded to second as the Rockies salvaged the win.

Offensively DesRoches recorded two RBIS while Ted Dziuba led the way with two hits. Other key contributors included Justin Crisafulli, Bernie Driscoll, Pat Noble and Connor.

Earning the loss was Dave Fioretti, who fired a complete game while allowing three runs on five hits, striking out six and walking six.

Battling back, the Alibrandis recovered from their heartbreaking defeat and delivered a dominating 6-0 shutout series clinching win over the Rockies.

Delivering an impressive performance was Jon Morse, who fired a complete game three hit shutout. Offensively, David Sciolo set the table, recording a pair of hits, including a double and three RBIs while Driscoll scored two runs along with an RBI. Other key catalysts included Crisafulli (two hits, double) and Chad Connor with a hit and an RBI.

“(Morse) pitched an incredible game, and he threw consistently for strikes,’’ said McDonough. “We had a lot of guys contribute up and down the lineup with some key hits.”

After grabbing a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the second, the Alibrandis exploded for four runs in the fourth en route to a 5-0 edge. Securing the win, the Alibrandis added another run in the last of the sixth.

Morse, who allowed just three hits, walked just three and struck out one en route to the win.