The Charlestown Pirate Baseball team (15-5 and 7-1 MSC) moved within one game of their share of the program’s first Mid-Southern Conference Baseball crown since 1987.  The Pirates are currently tied with Silver Creek with one conference game remaining, a Monday showdown at Salem (1-7 MSC).  Thursday night the Pirates eliminated Brownstown (15-7 & 5-3 MSC) from conference contention by defeating the visiting Braves 7-1, behind solid pitching by Kelly Rider.  Rider stayed perfect from the mound (5-0), pitching the complete seven innings, allowing two hits, one run, one walk and four strikeouts.  “I’m very pleased with our effort tonight. We were focused and ready to play after a couple good days of practice. Kelly threw the ball well and we gave him some good run support early that allowed him to settle in”, commented Charlestown Head Coach Ricky Romans after the game.  Colin Martin (.533) led the Pirates from the plate, finishing two for three, including a double and two RBI’s.  Drew Reich also added a double from the plate for the winning cause.  The Pirates scored seven runs off eight hits and committed two errors; Brownstown committed one error.  Saturday, the Pirates will host their Invitational Tournament; slating Charlestown vs Tell City at 11:00 am and Providence vs Mt. Vernon (Posey) at 1:30 pm. The Invitational Consolation Game is scheduled for 4:00 pm and the Championship Game at 6:30 pm.  Follow Charlestown Pirate Pride Sports Broadcasting for Invitational updates via Twitter and full coverage of Monday’s MSC Showdown at Salem; starting at 4:45 pm.