Palmerton and Marian posted opening round wins in the PIAA baseball tournament on Monday.

The Bombers did it with an offensive explosion while the Colts relied on another outstanding pitching performance.

In Class AAA action at Parkland, District 11 champ Palmerton sent 11 batters to the plate and scored seven runs in the fourth inning to beat District 3 runner-up Palmyra, 7-6. The win was the first-ever in the state playoffs for the Bombers.

In a Class A game at Pottsville, Marian's Joe Nahas continued his incredible post-season success on the mound. Nahas fired a two-hitter and struck out eight to lead the Colts to an 8-1 victory over District 1 champ Christopher Dock. Nahas has now pitched 23 1/3 postseason innings and allowed just one run.

For stories and photos on both games, check out Tuesday's Times News.