MARIETTA — Mark Talarico put on a hitting clinic at Pioneer Park on Wednesday.
 
Marietta's rocket-armed right fielder went 4-for-6 with five RBI as the Etta Express defeated non-conference foe Walsh 16-1 and 23-1 in the home opener at Pioneer Park. He also scored five runs and stole a base.
 
The Pioneers improved to 15-5.
 
In the first game, Marty Sberna went 3-for-3 with three RBI and a stolen base, while John Hefner had a home run and three RBI. Marietta scored four runs in the first, five in the second, four in the third and three more in the fourth.
 
Steve Riley (2-1) struck out seven and allowed one hit for the win.
 
Todd Rock went 2-for-2 for Walsh.
 
In the second game, left-hander Terry Mulholland (4-0) struck out seven and gave up one hit over five innings for the win.
 
Talarico went 3-for-3 with two RBI, while Bill Varley went 3-for-4 with two RBI, a double and three runs. Riley also chipped in with three hits and Sberna added two hits, including a triple. Catcher Marc Moavero came off the bench and went 2-for-2 with two RBI.
 
Kevin Coffey went 2-for-3 for Walsh.