AUBURN — The NAPA Auto Parts men’s softball team opened its 2012 season with a nailbiting 2-1 win over Emerson Toyota at Pettingill Park.

Both teams’ bats were slow out of the gate. NAPA scored its only runs in the bottom of the second inning. Emerson’s threat in the fifth was shut down by an amazing  diving catch by shortstop Kevin Pontbriand.

NAPA entered the top of the seventh without giving up a run, but stubborn Emerson scored a run with two outs in the frame and put a man on third base before NAPA finally shut the door.

Kasey Clark went 1-for-1 with a walk and a run scored to lead NAPA. Clay Phillips scored the second run and went 1-for-2. Brent Farrell had a sacrifice fly and logged the RBIs. Kevin Pontbriand, Craig Turcotte, John Alexander and Alec Collins all went 1-for-2 to help the cause.