Sports

West Hartford Little League Wrap-Ups for Week Ending May 6

Game highlights and scores as reported by West Hartford Little League.

MAJORS:

Keller Maintenance Braves: 7 - New Britain Rock Cats Twins: 3

The Keller Maintenance Braves got their first win of the 2012 season with a 7-3 win over the New Britain Rock Cats Twins.

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The game was paced by Ethan Wilkins on the mound who after a rough first couple of batters settled in to pitch a solid 3 innings (3IP, 3K, 2ER, 2BB). Solid shutout relief was provided by Dom Fuentes (2IP, 4K, 0R, 1BB) and Mateo Webster-Ramirez (1IP, 3K, 0ER, 0BB). At the plate, the Braves posted 5 of their 7 runs in a breakout 4th. Paced by a lead-off laser up the middle by Ryan Druckenmiller, the Braves followed with hits by Jordan Mogel, Brendan Horan, Dylan Farrell and Ethan Wilkins to set the stage for the comeback. Great plays in the field by Michael Driscoll, Brendan Horan and Dylan Farrell. 

The Twins received great pitching from Paul Van Doren (2IP, 6K, 0ER, 4BB). At the plate, the Twins were led by Shamus Biggs and Sam Harrington who both got hits. Dom Mongillo provided solid relief in the 5th.

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World Series Club Marlins 8 - New Britain Rock Cats Twins 5

The Marlins escaped an early 5-0 threat in a come from behind victory against the Twins.  A well-fought game, pitching stood out for both teams.

For the Marlins, Spencer Altman (1 2/3 IP, 5 K's) provided some initial relief.  Next up and making his Major League debut with a win, was Jack Brennan (2 IP, 5 K's). With his second save in as many attempts, Jeff LaRosa (2 IP, 5 K's) closed out the game. The fish were hitting hard with Nate Skuba, Jack Brennan, Jeff LaRosa, Zach Ellovich and a double by Spencer Altman. Steven Olechna made impressive stab in right field to prevent a would-be double.

For the Twins, pitchers Patrick Cassidy and Hunter Polce combined to fan 9 Marlins.  Seamus Biggs hit a big double in the first and Dominic Mongillo had a solid single. 

Joey's Pizza Pie Pirates 7 - Keller Maintenance Braves 2

The Joey's Pizza Pie Pirates topped the Keller Maintenance Braves 7-2 on Thursday (5/3) evening at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park.

The Braves received fine pitching from Ryan Druckenmiller, who was making his first Majors start, Dominic Fuentes and Mateo Ramirez-Webster. Druckenmiller ripped a big double to left field that plated two runs in the first inning and Brendan Horan had a solid single up the middle in the fifth inning. Dylan Farrell also made a fine catch in center field in the second inning.  

The Pirates had great pitching from the trio of Patrick O'Keefe (1 1/3 IP, 4K, 2R, 1H, 2BB), Noah Fox (3 2/3 IP, 5K, 0R, 1H, 1BB) and Grady Brockway (1IP, 2K, 0R, 0H, 0BB). The Pirates offense was led by Matthew Patchen (2-2 single, double, walk 2RS), Patrick O'Keefe (2-3, single, double) and Noah Sobel-Pressman (1-2, single)- who also had two great baserunning plays. The Pirates also had some nice defensive plays with Patrick O'Keefe making a great "over-the-shoulder" catch at SS in the second inning and Matthew Patchen making a nice catch at 1B in the fifth inning.

Brothers Associates Phillies 8 - Keller Maintenance Braves 1

The season began well for the Brothers Associates Phillies with a 8-1 win over the Keller Maintenance Braves on a sunny, but chilly day at Kennedy Memorial Park. The Braves were paced by a very strong pitching performance by Sam Fiske who allowed no hits, no runs and struck out 10 in 4 innings of work. Fiske was supported by strong hitting of Michael Mavredakis with a hit and a run scored and head's up base running by Andy Moise with 2 SB's and 2 runs scored. In addition, the Phillies turned out a few defensive gems with Mavredakis picking off a runner at 2nd while playing catcher and Brennan George making a clutch throw from his knees in RF to nab a runner at 2nd.  Colin Kuzia closed the game out with 2 innings of solid relief work including 1 K. The Phillies also had runs scored by Kuzia, Fiske, Kory Powell,  Emery Burke and "Big" Mack Reynolds.

The Braves were led by a very good pitching performance by Mateo Webster-Ramirez who allowed 1 hit and 1 run with 8 K's in 3 innings of work. The Braves offense was led by hits from Webster-Ramirez, Dom Fuentes, Ryan Druckenmiller and Jordan Mogel, who also drove in the Braves' run.

World Series Club Marlins 5 - Totalvision Eyecare Center A's 0

Play Ball! As in, remember, don't coach (too much) and just let them play. Former basketball teammates of one month ago, former baseball teammates from last year and many others had banded together or matched up, no matter. The Marlins and A's looked solid and were ready to go on this chilly, bright and perfect afternoon of opening day.

A fast-paced game featuring strong pitching from both sides, the Marlins helped their starting pitcher, Spencer Altman (4 K's), with strong defensive plays by Danny Dashefsky at short and Zack Ellovich at first. The Fish jumped ahead in the bottom of 1st with a homer by Altman to the new pool, bringing home Jeffrey LaRosa who had reached on a double. They struck again in the third with another double by LaRosa bringing home Matteo Carrabba and again in the fifth with a lead-off double by Elliot Duprey who together with Ziyan Sears, later scored on heads-up base-running. With just enough run support, the Marlins' Anglers combined for 14 K's, including relievers Duprey and LaRosa and reliable behind the plate performances by LaRosa, Jack Brennan and Ellovich.  

For the A's, starter Dan Alpert had a strong outing with 4K's, followed by relievers Matt Brucell and Dylan Mallinson who combined for 5K's. 

Cardinals Edge Pirates 4-2

The Feigenbaum and Nair Cardinals took advantage of strong pitching and timely hitting to defeat the Joeys Pizza Pie Pirates 4-2 at the WHLL Complex on Opening Day. The Pirates got off to a quick 1-0 lead in the 1st inning with no outs before starting pitcher Michael Mack (2IP, 5ks) settled down to strike out the side. The Cards scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 1st when Mack (2 -2, 3RBI's) tripled to plate Seth Meisler (1-2, HBP, 2RS) and was driven in by a single by Cory Wolski (2-2, 2B, 1RBI). The Cards added 2 runs in the 3rd when Ben Giroux (1-3, 1RS) doubled, Meisler was hit by a pitch and both scored on a single by Mack. Meisler pitched the middle innings, surrendering only 1 run on 1 hit with 2k's, while Wolski went 2 strong innings, allowing no runs on 1 hit and 6ks. Ben and Adam Giroux played great behind the plate, while Robert Seecharran made a great catch in the outfield and a nice play a second. Danny Harris (1-2) hit a rope double while Jimmy Sabia (1-2) and Adam Giroux (1-2) also got hits. The Pirates Grady Brockway pitched a good game, going 4 strong innings and striking out 4 with no walks using mix of fastballs and his new "wrinkle" pitch. Noah Sobel-Pressman was 2-2 with two bunt singles and Brendan Battiston stole 2 bases.

Companion For Living Angels 7 - Dodgers 6

The Companion For Living Angels won their first game of the season 7-6 against the Dodgers in dramatic fashion. Down 1 run in the bottom of the 6, the Angels 9th and 10th hitters did a great job of being patient at the plate and drew walks. On a pass ball, those runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd. Then, the Angels 1st. hitter (Marcos Massa Jr.) hit his 3rd hit of the day to score the tying and winning run.

Marcos Massa Jr. Started the 2012 campaign by hitting a double to left Center and went 3 for 4. Ben Castro got walked a few times and got a base hit. (Our Captain) Michael Lee got a base hit and did great behind the plate preventing numerous runs from scoring. Joe Morrissey pitched three great innings and got a triple. John Doar made good contact on the plate and played great defense. Jorge Delgado, Omair Hussain, Erik Jones, Collin Crowshaw and Charlie Steinberg played good defense. Charlie Steinberg earned the game ball by being very patient at the plate and scored the winning run.  

The Dodgers had great effort from all players. Joe Kitz had good control and pitched 2 1/3 innings with 5ks and went 1 for 3 at the plate. Miles McCarthy Reynolds went 1 for 3 with a smashed double to right center and Brian Kenna made a great catch in center field. Kyle Bridgman had a solid defensive 5th inning with 3 pit outs and Blake Deresienski pitched well going 2 2/3 innings with 5ks.

New Britain Rock Cats Twins 17 - Hartford Symphony Orchestra Orioles 6

On a windy opening day game, the Twins topped the Orioloes behind a strong pitching perfomance by Paul Van Doren  and the 4 for 4 batting of Shamus Biggs. Paul pitched 3 shutout innings, striking out 7. Dan Falkovich followed with 2 innings, striking out 4, and he helped his own cause with two hits and scoring 3 runs. Alec Rodman also scored 3 runs.

The Orioles were led by Burke Martindale who had 3 hits and scored a run. Chase Meyers and Dexter McCann also had hits, Dexter scoring a run.

 

AAA:

2-4-1 Sports Twins 19 - California Pizza Kitchen Angels 6

The 2-4-1 Sports Twins put together some timely hitting and strong pitching on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Jason Farrell had four hits on four trips to the plate including a double which reached the fence in left-center. John Gabanelli also had two hits as he reached base on all four of his at-bats. Key hits from the Angels were made by Brian Puleo, Mike Pechenuk, Gilberto Rodriguez, and Brian Brewer. Vincent Nemergut pitched 3+ innings in relief for the Twins, allowing just one run to close out the well-played game by both teams.

2-4-1 Sports Twins 13 - Mandell JCC Dodgers 12

On an early Saturday morning, the 2-4-1 Sports Twins battled the Mandell JCC Dodgers through a light drizzle. The Dodgers jumped out to a 8-0 lead behind three strong innings of pitching by Steven Liu. The Twins pitching of Jack Wisalowski, Colin Horan, Jackson Grady, Brendan Marshall, and Jason Farrell kept the Twins close as they rallied to score three runs in the bottom of the final inning to win a hard-fought game. Defensive play of the game was made by JP Berrettini with a spectacular catch of a hard-hit ball at third base in the second inning.

Orioles 12 – Dodgers 11

Tied after five and a half, the Orioles squeaked a guy home in the bottom of the sixth to defeat the Dodgers 12-11. Keeping the game so close for the Dodgers were two stellar pitchers, Liam Wilson and Conlan Wilson. For the Orioles, Scott Steinmetz had a great glove and arm at third base and managed a clever distracting moonwalk at first base that allowed the winning run (Jake Zweifler) to cross in the bottom of the sixth. Patrick Sullivan came in as a great middle reliever in the third and went almost two full innings to help keep the Orioles in the game. Patrick Sullivan and Josh Leshem each had three hits. Shaun McNamara's bat was on fire whacking a home run in the first and other shots to the outfield. Tommy Sullivan brought the gun in to close the game. I always feel sorry for the catchers when Tommy is pitching - not to mention the batters.

Orioles 11 – Marlins 10

The Orioles and Marlins spent a cold and damp Thursday evening battling to the finish, when the Orioles finally squeaked out a one-run victory. The defense for the Marlins was strong with Mason Dupont catching a line drive bullet and Evan Smart putting a tag on at the plate to stop an Orioles run. On offence for the Marlins, Seamus O'Connell got a strong hit to center, Mitchell Fanning was on base twice and scored a run and Bobby Gerity, with smart base running, scored a tying run. For the Orioles, Beau Adams had a great middle relief pitching performance helping to keep the scoring down and earning him the game ball.  Patrick Sullivan and Shawn McNamara each reached base 3 times and Patrick Sullivan, Josh Leshem, Nick Udell and Jake Zweifler each had two hits. Michael Ocasio added to the run total by scoring twice.

Tax & Accounting Services A's 13 - Retirement Visions LLC Cardinals 12

In a thrilling Monday night matchup at UCONN, the A’s came back from a 12-7 deficit in the bottom of the sixth inning to win 13-12.

The Cardinals grabbed control of the game early behind strong pitching by Zach Martin and Ryan Howe. At the plate, the Cardinals were led by Clay Courtmanche with a 2 RBI double, Harry Lewis chipping in a RBI single, and Spencer Martindale, who added a double and two runs scored in addition to his great work behind the plate.

The A’s got good pitching outings from Emmett Coco, who also reached base 3 times, and by Brock Pizzoferrato who shut down the Cards in the  top of the sixth and also had  two key hits. On defense, A’s first basemen Spencer Wimpe and Chris Maglio made sparkling plays.

Down five runs, the A’s bats came alive in the bottom of the sixth with hits by Julian DeCampos, John Zehr, Jack Zapata, and finally Maglio whose hit plated Reed Burdick with the winning run.

Pirates 15 - Athletics 8

Following an inspiring Opening Day Ceremony the Pirates and the A's enjoyed a well-played first contest of the season. The A's were led by the strong starting pitching performance of Chris Maglio. Max Hasan and Emett Coco impressed fans on both sides of the diamond as each lad put on a virtual clinic at catcher. Jack Zapata wowed the crowd with his dare we say "Athletic" grab of a scorching liner off the bat of Pirate Ari Blechner. Ari crushed the pitch and was amazed it had not sailed into left field, but could only tip his hat in acknowledging Jack's fine catch. The Pirates were led by the pitching performances of Luis Vargas, Jack Cote, Leo Dionicio and Jack Kinney. Luis Vargas earned kudos for the defensive gem of the game getting all three outs in the 3rd inning when he managed to strike out one batter, catch a fly ball on another and then secure the final out stabbing a hard hit grounder that he flipped to first with time to spare. Luis helped the Pirates at the plate as well stinging a triple and was joined in the Pirates hitting attack by Leo and Giovanna Dionicio along with solid double courtesy of Little League newcomer Ellison Garcia. Pirate and Athletic fans alike left the diamond knowing they had seen some really good baseball to start the season.

Retirement Visions LLC Cardinals 11 - Mandell JCC Dodgers 5

On a brisk opening day the Cardinals and Dodgers played a competitive game with the Cardinals coming out on top 11-5. The Cardinals were ahead 3-2 after three innings and then broke it open with four runs in the fourth and four more in the fifth. The Dodgers fought back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth. The Dodgers had strong outings from their pitching crew which included Liam Wilson, Steven Liu and Dillon Lindberg. Liu also had a triple and two runs scored. C. Wilson chipped in with an RBI single. The Cardinals were led by Korey Dinowitz who pitched extremely well and had two hits(a double and triple) with 1 RBI and two runs scored. Spencer Martindale had three hits and two runs scored. Ryan Howe chipped in with an RBI and two hits. Other Cardinals contributing with RBI hits were Zach Martin, Chanjoo Kim, Andrew Mazzatto and Harry Lewis.

TOPS, PC Marlins 10 - 2-4-1 Twins 9

Under bright skies and a cool breeze, the Marlins topped the Twins 10-9 in the season opener for both teams. The Twins struck first, in the top of the first, as Colin H. turned an infield hit and good base running into a 1-0 lead. The Marlins stabbed back for 2 in the bottom of the 1st, with CJ Francois (3-3, 2 RBI) scoring on a passed ball after tripling home Eric West. After exchanging scoreless second innings, the Twins went ahead with 2 runs by Jackson and Colin H., but the Marlins answered with 1 in the bottom of the third on aggressive base running by Garrett Elliott to tie the game up. The offenses for both teams continued to grind out runs in the 4th and the 5th. For the Twins, the lower half of the order delivered 4 in the 4th on runs by Jason, Jack, Meisha and John, and another 2 in the 5th by Vincent Nemergut (3-3) and Jonah. The Marlins offense capped off a 6-run 4th with a shot to center by Seamus O’Connell, and scratched out what turned out to be the winning run in the bottom of the 5th on a 2-out rally when West singled home David Malugen (2-3, 2R) who had himself kept the inning alive with an earlier single, and earned the win.

It wasn’t all offense on opening day. The tight battle was ultimately saved and won on defense late in the game.  In the bottom of the 5th with the Marlins threatening to extend their 1-run lead, the Twins turned in a AAA defensive gem. On a double to center by Francois, centerfielder Meisha Goldstein cleanly hit the cut-off, shortstop Jack Wizalewski, who in turn fired a strike home to catcher J.P. Berrettini to nail the Marlins runner on a bang-bang play at the plate and end the inning. The Twins tried, but were unable to find new life in the 6th, when a perfect throw from Francois to second erased the lone Twins base runner, and Bobby Gerity closed out a 9-pitch relief appearance with his second strikeout to save the game. An outstanding start to the season for both teams!!

Orioles 25 – Angels 15

The Angels fought hard against the Orioles in a 25-15 defeat. Brian Puleo put in a strong starting performance for the Angels with Andrew Lamanski showing some real strength in relief. Michael Pechenuk and Cam Davidson are noted for their strong hitting. For the Orioles, Tommy Sullivan had a great few innings as starting pitcher, followed by Josh Leshem, Shaun McNamara, Jake Zweifler and Michael Ocasio (closer), who combined, managed to hold the Angels to only 15 runs. Nick Udell demonstrated some excellent fielding (earning the game ball) and along with Tommy Sullivan, Jack Krugman and Josh Leshem, each had 3 hits. Jack Krugman scored the most at 4 times. Jake Zweifler vowed never to be in a 25 run game again without crossing the plate once, a distinction he held proudly but alone - his father, the author hereof, also very proud.


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