West Hartford Youth Baseball Wrap-Ups for Week Ending May 26

Major League standings can be found on the West Hartford Youth Baseball website.

MAJORS – INTERLEAGUE PLAY

Sunday May 20:

Knights of Columbus  11  Mr. Trophy   1
 
Luke Fox (3IP, 0R, 5K), Drew Hungerford (2IP, 0R, 5K) and Nick Becker (1IP, 1R) combined to limit Mr. Trophy to 4 hits en route to a K of C victory in this interleague clash between division leaders.  The trio of pitchers got immediate help from the batting lineup, as the Knights scored 4 in the 1st, on hits by Paul Wilson (3 for 4, 2B, 3B), Chase Jeter (1 for 4, 2B) and some nifty base running.  Avi Ehrlich (3 for 3, RBI) slammed a single to CF in the inning.  In the 2nd, K of C came right back with 2 more runs on a leadoff triple by Wilson and a RBI double by Drew Hungerford (1 for 3, 2B, RBI), followed by a double from Fox (2 for 4, 2B, 2RBI) to plate Hungerford.  K of C kept the pressure on in the 3rd, scoring 4 more to push its lead to 10-0.  Ehrlich, Andrew Mitchell (1 for 2) and Will Layden (1 for 3) keyed the rally in the 3rd.  Meanwhile, Fox and Hungerford kept the vaunted Mr. Trophy bats off balance, cruising through 5 innings of work.  Trophy did not go silently in the 6th however, and mounted a nice rally on a booming triple by Brian Flynn (2 for 2, 3B) and a RBI ground out by Bryan Albee. Jonathan Perez pitched a scoreless 4th inning for Trophy, and Anthony Mancini played well at 1st base.

Venora Electric Beats Blue Back Dental 9-5

Venora Electric won a back-and-forth game in this great interleague matchup of the two 2nd place teams.  Blue Back Dental's offense was hot early denting the plate on a passed ball in the 2nd to take a 1-0 lead with heads up base running from Miguel Yancce.  BBD expanded its lead in the 3rd with four runs on back-to-back RBI hits from J.T. Wojciechowski (double) and Yancce (single) to take a 5-0 lead.  Venora's offense roared right back in the bottom of the 3rd with 4 runs of their own on four straight hits from Josh Kennedy, Dan Fitzsimmons, Sean Langan (double), and Josh Wolmer (double).  Wolmer then entered the game at pitcher and held the BBD offense scoreless the rest of the way pitching in and out of trouble in all three innings, including a bases loaded jam in the 5th.  The Venora offense picked up 2 runs in the 4th and 3 in the 5th to pull ahead and away from BBD.

Venora's offense was led by Fitzsimmons (2 for 4, 2 runs), Langan (3 for 4, 3 runs, 2 doubles), Wolmer (3 for 4, run, 2 doubles, 5 RBI's) and Kennedy (1 for 2, 2 runs).  Wolmer picked up the win in relief of Langan and Fitzsimmons.  Javi Jerez made a diving stop at 1B.  The BBD offense was led by Yancce (2 for 2, 2 runs, RBI), Wojciechowski (1 for 2, BB, double, 2 RBI's), Alejandro Serrano (double) and Ryan DeLutrie (1 for 3, BB, run).  DeLutrie was strong on the mound for BBD with 3 K's in 3 innings.  Justin Surowiec made several nice catches in centerfield and Michael Costello played well at 2B.

A.C Petersen Farms Beats Connors 8-7

Connors & AC Petersen's could not have asked for a better day to have their Interleague Contest. Both teams came out hard, scoring 2 each in the First with hits from Max Main & John Kirkland of Connors and Andrew Nicklas, Tim Simplicio & Jack Tapia of ACP. The second inning saw ACP leading 3-2, following a double and great base running by Bryan Renker. ACP maintained their 1 run lead, 4-3, after three, following a crushing triple to right by Colin Fitzsimonds. Connors took the lead at 7-6 in the Fourth after capitalized on two lead-off walks and three base hits. ACP managed to tie the contest at 7 in the Fifth. Now the fans are biting their nails and anxiety peaked. ACP's Tyler Correia returned to the mound in the top of the Sixth. Five batters and three Ks later, it was left to the ACP bats. In the bottom of the Sixth, Correia singles, Andrew Nicklas walks setting the stage for Tapia who slaps a single to score the walk-off winning run. Outstanding pitching from Conners' Colby James, Dom Niman and Max Main and ACP's Colin Fitzsimonds, Jack Tapia, Brian Renker & Tyler Correia.

Berry Beats Lions 15-5

Berry continues their hot streak as they win their 3rd straight game this week by beating Lions Club 15 - 5 in this inter-league matchup.  Lions took an early lead in the 1st as Harry Freda (2 for 3) and Kyle Milhomens (1 for 2, double) led the offensive charge.  Lions Club then extended the lead as they were able to score two more runs on timely hits by Matt Lazor (1 for 4), Harry Freda and Roger Lin (1 for 3).  Berry tied the score at 5 in the 3rd inning.  The inning started with at base hit by Noah Matalon (3 for 4), Ned Blanchard (1 for 3) and a walk to Drew Nemirow (2 for 2, 3 RBIs).  Andrew Wendorff (1 for 4, 3 RBIs) then cleared the bases with a laser shot that drilled the fence in left center.  The inning was capped off by an RBI single by Nathan Gonzalez (2 for 3, 2 RBIs).  Berry's bats did not stop there as they added 5 runs in the 4th and 5th, highlighted by a 2 RBI double by Sam Musto (1 for 3, 3 RBIs).  Drew Nemirow was outstanding on the mound as he pitched 3 scoreless innings with 8 K's.

Ben Martin also contributed to Berry charge as he went 1 for 3 with an RBI.  Berry defensively was led by their middle infielders Andrew Wendorff (SS) and Nathan Gonzalez (2B), highlighted by Gonzalez throwing out a runner at the plate.  Lions’ defense was led by Harry Freda as he made an amazing one bounce stop at SS and threw the runner out at 1st base.

Modern Tire Beats Hall’s Market 12-8

Modern Tire’s bats, defense, and pitching put an immediate end to their current 3-game skid.

Throwing off the hill, Gus Murchie shut down the Market’s 1st in 4 batters.  Then with 2-out Griffin Van Rye launched a solo shot to start a 4 run rally, with Christopher LaMarco stroking a hot 2 rbi 3-bagger then scoring.  Colby Lytle banged one out in the second to start things off, then Van Rye singled and Andrew Skwiot doubled to bring his teammate home.  The Tire third had Ryan Venora smoke a hot double; he then stole home to get it going for another 4 run inning for MT.

Hall’s Market put it on the board in the 4th when Jake Patterson and Charlie Murray teamed up on singles then with Cole Berko putting up an RBI sacrifice to give the Market 2.  In the fifth, Hall’s Nick Gaglioti’s home-run brought ‘mate Tommy Costello in with Murray also plating that frame.  With keeping Tire scoring in all innings, Venora sacrificed an RBI, to Josh Ort who was on after Ort had smoked a warning-track double, to bring the score to 12-5 advantage Tire.  For the Tire’s fifth, Patrick Skwiot pounded a single eventually making his way around to score.

Hall’s Market did not want to go away quietly as they threatened again with 3 runs in on 3 hits and a walk in the 6th, but not enough to win.

Notable defense:  MT; Christopher LaMarco laid it out Bat-Man style at 2nd to stop a laser from Nick Gaglioti, HM; Charlie Murray turned 2 6u-3 double plays against his opponent.

Rotary stops Exchange 8-0
 
Rotary used great pitching and middle of the game hitting to defeat Exchange 8-0.  There was no score until the top of the third when Rotary plated 5 runs on 2 singles from Jeffrey Beach, Patrick Baron and a double from Ryan Orlowski.  Rotary added 2 more runs in the 4th to make it 7-0 highlighted by a single from Josh Fernandes and a triple from Jonathan Sanchez.  Rotary added its last run of the game in the 5th on another double from Orlowski.
 
Rotary was led at the plate by Ryan Orlowski (2-3, 2 doubles, 2 Runs).  Johnathon Sanchez (1-3, triple, 2 Runs), Patrick Baron (1-3, double, 1 Run, 1 RBI),  Jeffrey Beach (1-3, 1 Run, 2 RBI) and Josh Fernandes (1-2, 1 Run, 1 RBI) all had a hit a piece.  For Exchange, they were led by Matt Beazoglou, (2-3, double).  Brendan Begley and Michael Farley both had one hit.
 
On the mound Rotary started Ryan Orlowski.  He went 2 innings, allowing no runs on no hits with 2 Ks.  Adam Glassman pitched the next 3 innings, allowing no runs on 1 hit with 3 Ks.  Patrick Baron finished the game pitching 1 inning, allowing no runs on no hits with 1 K.  For Exchange, Matt Beazoglou started and went 3 innings allowing 5 runs on 3 hits with 5 Ks.  Brendan Begley pitched 2 innings allowing 3 runs on 3 hits with 1 K and Michael Farley pitched an inning allowing no runs on no hits with 1 K. 

Police 10 Talcott 8

Today Police prevailed over a tough Talcott team 10 - 8, by breaking out of their 6 game losing streak.  The Police bats woke up today, with our offensive leaders Matt Langevin (3/3 at the plate, 5RBI's), and Brian Rodriguez, who was 2/3 with 3RBI's.  The offense was also led by Chase Maxwell, with a great bunt single to start off the game.  The game started with Talcott taking an early 4 - 0 lead in the first inning, putting Police in an early hole.  When Police came up to bat, the offense scored five runs, to take an early lead into the second inning.  Talcott battled back in the 6th inning, with a 3 run home run by Michael Ciccarello (his second of the game), which closed the gap to 10 - 8.  Will Carpenter pitched a great game well into the sixth inning, using up his entire pitch count, holding the Talcott bats to only five runs.  When Ryan Cova came in to close out the game, he got the final batter to pop up to first, where Michael Woods made the final out. 

Talcott's offense was led by Ryan Farley (2/3 with 3 put outs and 2 RBIs), Milo Kashey (2/3), Michael Ciccarello (2 Home Runs (5RBI).

MAJORS - AMERICAN LEAGUE

Wednesday, May 23:

Rotary Rallies Late to Defeat Conners 5-4
 
Rotary scores twice in the top of the 6th to come from behind to beat Conners 5-4.  Rotary got on the board first with 2 runs in the top of the 3rd with RBI singles from Alex Lim and Adam Glassman.  Conners picked up a run in the bottom of the 3rd to make it 2-1 after Dominic Niman singled and was driven in with an RBI single from Colby Jones.  Conners took the lead in the 4th with 3 runs to make it 4-2 on an RBI single from Niman and RBI double from Max Main.  Rotary squeezed a run across in the 5th to get closer at 4-3 when Ryan Olowski walked and scored from 3rd on a wild pitch.  The drama was set for the top of the 6th for Rotary when Michael Bevilacqua walked to lead off the inning and Jeffrey Beach was hit by a pitch.  With 1 out, Patrick Baron doubled to the centerfield fence to tie the game scoring Bevilacqua and with 2 outs Beach scored on a bang-bang play at the plate on a wild pitch to give Rotary the lead at 5-4.  Patrick Baron, in the game to pitch in the 5th worked around a lead off error to strike out Niman and get Main to popup to short and Jones who hit a hard groundball to Orlowski  at shortstop who threw over to first for the final out of the game.
 
For Rotary at the plate, Patrick Baron led the way (1-4, double, 1 Run, 1 RBI).  Ryan Orlowski (1-2, 2 Runs), Alex Lim (1-4, 1 RBI) and Adam Glassman (1-2, 1 RBI) all had one hit.  For Conners, Dominic Niman had 2 hits (2-3, 2 Runs, 1 RBI).  Max Main (1-4, double, 1 Run, 1 RBI) and Colby Jones (1-3, 1 RBI) both had 1 hit.
 
On the mound for Rotary, Ryan Orlowski pitched the first 4 innings allowing 3 runs on 4 hits with 9 Ks.  Adam Glassman pitched to 2 batters in the 4th and Patrick Baron closed and got the win in relief pitching 2 innings allowing no runs on no hits with 3 Ks.  For Conners, Colby Jones started and went 2 innings allowing no runs on 1 hit with 4 Ks.  Dominic Niman pitched the middle 2 innings allowing 2 runs on 2 hits with 4 Ks and Max Main pitched the final 2 innings allowing 3 runs on 1 hits with 4 Ks.

Thursday, May 24:

Cornelius Beats Connors 8-7 in 7 Innings.

Cornelius edged Connors Insurance in a well-played 7-inning game. Connors jumped to a 6-1 lead through 5 innings on hits by Dominic Niman (2-3), Max Main (3-4, triple), and Drew Booth (1-4, triple). Cornelius came back to notch 5 runs in the bottom of the 5th  on hits by Sean James (2-4), Jimmy  Shepard (2-4, 2 doubles), Ivan Ribeiro (1-4) and a Cole Johnson double (2-4). Neither team scored in the 6th  and Connors plated a run in the 7th  when Andrew Ferrucci (2-3) led off with a double and later scored on a Booth ground ball giving Connors the lead at 7-6. Cornelius fought back in the bottom of the 7th with a Luke Carroll (2-3) single and a double by Shepard. Johnson’s single scored Carroll to tie the game and Mike Cagnetta’s walk-off fly to right field scored Shepard with the winning run.  

Strong pitching performances from Colby Jones (2 inning shut out), Dominic Niman (1 run in 2 innings) for Connors and Jack Moore (3 runs, 6ks in 4 innings) for Cornelius. Carroll pitched 3 innings for the win. Fine defensive plays from Joe Stern with a great catch in center for Connors and Johnson with a key catch in center and Tom Dowd a well-fielded ground ball for Cornelius in the 7th inning . Will Hutensky (1-2) had several key plays at 2nd and played several gutsy innings after getting hit in the ankle earlier. 

Hall's Market Beats Talcott Transmissions 4-2.

Talcott jumped out on top in the 1st plating a run by Cooper Swift (2-2, 1 run).  Hall's responded in the bottom of 1st with a run by Michael Baldini's heads up base running.

Halls struck again in the bottom half of the 3rd and went up for good 3-1 when Tommy Costello reached on a single and scored when Nick Gaglioti (1-3, HR 3 RBIs) hit a blast over the left center field fence.

Nathan White led off the 4th inning with a line drive single and came around to score on a single by Connor McKeown.  Hall's responded with a run in the bottom of the 4th with Matthew Shea (1-2 dbl) coming around to score after reaching on a smash line drive double.

Hall's made 3 great defensive plays at the plate to thwart any Talcott attempted rallies.  Matthew Shea, Tommy Costello, Sam Patterson and Christian Paredes made great defensive plays to keep the game close.

Jack Livingstone and Michael Ciccarello pitched well for Talcott and Charlie Murray (5 K's) came in to pitch well for Hall's.

Home Runs: Hall's Nick Gaglioti

MAJORS - NATIONAL LEAGUE 

Wednesday, May 23:

Knights of Columbus Beats Venora Electric 4-0

Chase Jeter (6IP, 0R, 2H, 10K) pitched a complete game shutout to lead K of C to victory over Venora Electric in a closely matched contest between two evenly matched teams.  Jeter helped himself in the bottom of the 1st as K of C scored 2 runs on a double by Jeter (1 for 3, 2B), who then scored on a single by Drew Hungerford (2 for 2, 2B, RBI).  Hungerford later scored in the inning on a passed ball.  K of C plated 2 more runs in the 3rd, courtesy of a walk to Paul Wilson, a double by Hungerford and a single by Luke Fox (2 for 3).  After the 3rd, pitching and defense was the name of the game in this one, as the National League's two best teams flashed some leather.  Gabe Salomons had the catch of the night in CF for Venora, racing down a screaming line drive in left center.  Chase Rancourt and Dan Fitzsimmons made sparkling plays in the infield for Venora, with Fitzsimmons making an over the shoulder catch in short right field to take away a sure hit.  Sean Macary had 2 catches in RF for the Knights.

A.C. Petersen Farms Beats Police 6 - 5
 
On a beautiful early summer evening at Fern Park, AC Petersens and Police met for the second showdown of the season. Police got off to a strong First Inning scoring 2 behind the bats of Trent Wechsler, Michael Woods, and Ryan Cova. The Second Inning was scoreless with tremendous pitching from Tyler Correia (AC Petersens) and Ryan Cova (Police). Police produced another big inning in the Third, scoring 3 with some early walks and hits by Matt Langevin and Will Carpenter. The Fourth Inning saw big changes as AC Petersens' bats came alive scoring three with the help of Tyler Correia, Tim Simplicio, and Colin Fitzsimonds (3 for 3). Police were held scoreless in the bottom of the Fourth behind the pitching of Brian Renker. In the Fifth Inning, AC Petersens tied up the game at 5 apiece. In the top of the Sixth, ACP stuck again to take the lead 6-5. The game was closed out by the overpowering pitching of Fitzsimonds, three strike outs. Great Fielding on the part of AC Petersen fielders Eli Heinen, Sam Kurzman, Josh Kurzman (ACP) and Police fielders Brian Rodriguez, Chase Maxwell and Mike Wood.

Berry Insurance Beats Modern Tire 16-1 (5 Innings).

Berry's offense continued their hot streak as they beat Modern Tire 16 - 1 in 5 innings.  Berry was able to take an early 1-0 lead as Drew Nemirow (3 for 3, 2 HRs, triple, 7 RBIs) was able to score on an over throw to 1st base.  Gus Murchie gave Modern Tire great pitching as he pitched 2 IP allowing 1 run with 7 K's.  However, Berry's bats caught fire as they were able to score 11 runs on 10 hits in the 3rd inning to put the game out of reach.  The inning was highlighted by hits from David Regan (3 for 4, single, double, 1 RBI), Noah Matalon (2 for 5), Jake Morris (1 for 2, 2 RBIs) and two 3 run HRs by Drew Nemirow.  Colby Lytle (2 for 3, HR) provided the only run for Modern Tire as he drilled one out of the park in the 3rd inning.  Ned Blanchard (3IP), Drew Nemirow (1IP)and Ben Martin (1IP) showed dominance on the mound as they allowed 5 hits and 1 run in 5 innings of work.

Defensive standouts for Berry were David Regan (SS) and Andrew Wendorff (CF).  Other contributors to Berry's offense were Ned Blanchard (2 for 3, RBI), Nathan Gonzalez (1 for 3, 2 runs), Ben Martin (1 for 2, 3 RBIs) and Sam Musto (1 for 2, RBI).

Home Runs - Colby Lytle (1) and Drew Nemirow (2)

Friday, May 25:

Knights of Columbus  10  Berry Insurance  1

K of C scored 1 run in the 1st, 6 runs in the 2nd inning and 3 more in the 4th to defeat Berry Insurance.  Paul Wilson (1 for 2, 2 BB, 3RS) led off the game with a sharp single, and scored 1 pitch later on a Chase Jeter (2 for 4, 3B, RBI) triple.  In the 2nd, K of C unloaded for 6 runs.  Nick Becker (2 for 3, RBI) doubled to start the inning, and scored on a Sean Macary (1 for 4, RBI) single.  After consecutive walks to Will Layden, Wilson and Jeter, Drew Hungerford (2 for 4, 2B, 3B, 4RBI) tripled to clear the bases.  The 4th inning scoring was highlighted by a RBI double from Hungerford and RBI singles from Becker and Avi Ehrlich (1 for 4, RBI).  K of C starting pitcher Hungerford (3IP, 0H, 0R, 6K) cruised through 3 innings of work, and got relief help from Wilson (1IP, 1H, 1R, 1K) and Becker (2IP, 0R, 1H, 4K).  Berry's Ben Martin (1 for 2), Ned Blanchard (1 for 3) and Noah Matalon (3 hard hit at bats) each excelled at the plate.  David Regan pitched 4 solid innings for Berry, including a scoreless 5th and 6th. 

Venora Electric Beats Police 7-3

Venora Electric jumped out to an early lead and then held on in the final two innings to beat a determined Police team.  Venora struck first in the 1st inning when Sean Langan launched his 7th home run into the Wolcott Pond for a 2-0 lead.  Venora scored a single run in the 2nd on a two errors, and two more runs in the 4th on a single from Gabe Salmons and a triple from Langan.  Meanwhile, Langan and Dan Fitzsimmons were perfect through four innings for Venora allowing only two baserunners, both of which were erased on inning ending double plays.  Police rallied in the 5th off Fitzsimmons and reliever Josh Wolmer sending 8 batters to the plate to cut the deficit to 5-3 on big hits from Ryan Cova, Brian Rodriguez, and Matt Marino, but Wolmer got a key strikeout with the bases loaded to prevent further damage.  Venora then rallied right back with two runs of their own led by hits from 10 year olds Salomons and Chase Rancourt.  Wolmer then slammed the door in the 6th for Venora's 10th win.

Venora's offense was led by Langan (2 for 3, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, home run, triple), Salomons (2 for 3, run, RBI), and Rancourt (2 for 2, run).  Ryan Smith at catcher and Javy Jerez at 1B played well in the field.  Police's offense was led by Rodriguez (2 for 2, double), Cova (1 for 2, run), Marino (1 for 1, RBI), and Trent Wechsler (1 for 3).  Matt Langevin turned in a gritty pitching performance with 4.2 innings and 6 K's before reaching his pitch limit.

Keating Beats A.C. Petersen Farms 9-2

Keating beat A.C. Petersen's 9-2 on Friday evening at Fern. Keating got on the board quickly in the top of the 1st, with hits from Hugh Wells (2 for 4), Sean Hurley (1 for 3), and James Gadue (3 for 3), producing 2 runs. Keating was able to push 3 more runs across in the 2nd before A.C. Petersen began to answer back in the bottom half of the inning with consecutive hits from Colin Fitzsimonds, Elias Heinen, and Bryan Renker--picking up 2 runs.   That was all the Keating defense would allow, however, with 3 Keating pitchers and a solid fielding effort keeping runs from crossing the plate in the last 4 innings. Offensive standouts for A.C. Petersen were Tim Simplicio (1 for 3, 2B), Fitzsimonds (1 for 3, R), Heinen (2 for 3, R), and Renker (1 for 3, RBI). The Keating offense was led by Wells, Gadue, Chris Pang (2 for 4, R), Jack Ledwith (1 for 3, R), and Jack Tousignant (1 for 3, R). Keating got a great pitching effort from Gadue, who went 4 innings, with Jace Meyer and Pang closing out the game.

Modern Tire Beats Exchange Club 9-8

Visiting Modern Tire jumped on a lead in the first and held it for entire game.  Colby Lytle scored on a passed ball after getting plunked to reach base by Exchange ace Brendan Begley.  The Tire came back in the next inning to take Begley for 4 more runs on 4 hard hit balls, including a smoking 2-rbi double by Spencer Goulet.  Modern Tire’s next at bat started with Andrew Skwiot punching a shot up the middle to get 2-bags.  After making his way to third, Josh Ort’s sacrifice-rbi brought his teammate home.  The next inning had, elder, Patrick Skwiot punching a single through, to be sacrificed in by a well-placed rbi-grounder from Lytle.  The next 2 frames saw the Tire tack on 1 in each.  First Trevor Dease patiently reached on a walk from hard throwing Matt Beazoglou with Skwiot P. then singling to bring Dease around to third with Dease then scoring on passed ball.  Modern Tire’s last frame had a line shot from Griffin Van Rye, who then scored off of another Goulet hit RBI.

Exchange Club got on the board in the second off walk/pass ball.  Held scoreless in the third the Club launched an attack with 3-run and 4-run at bats for their fourth and fifth frames.  Highlights include Patrick Mahon and O’Meara S. starting the fourth with hard back-to-back singles, both scoring and Aidan Shea smoking a long double to put the game within one.  That was not enough however, when Lytle held Exchange Club scoreless in the sixth to finish for a Modern Tire win.

Great defensive plays by Modern Tire’s Christopher LaMarco at second and Gus Murchie at short.

MINOR LEAGUE

Sunday, May 20:

Taylor Modeen Funeral Home Threshers Sock Their Way Past the VFW Post #9929 Mud Hens

Hitting stars Robert Schunder (3-4, 3B, 2B, 2 runs, 4 RBI), Dylan Romano (2-2, 3 runs, 2 RBI) and Jack Brown (2-3, 2 runs, 3 RBI) led the way as the Threshers beat the Mud Hens 13-1 on Sunday.  Romano's 2-run single highlighted a first inning that saw the Threshers score 5 runs.  In the bottom of the first, the Mud Hens got two runners aboard, but two spectacular defensive plays by Ethan Raisner ended the threat.  With one out, Raisner sprinted in from third base to make a diving catch of a pop foul.  On the next batter, the runner attempted to steal third, but catcher Jude Sargent threw a bullet to Raisner causing the runner to pause and head back to second.  Raisner, showing he listens in practice, ran the runner down and tagged him out to end the inning.  The Threshers tacked on 3 more runs in the second as Sargent doubled, and then Schunder and Drew Seidman (1-3, 2 runs) hit consecutive triples.  Dylan Heinen (2-3, 2 runs, 1 RBI) singled in the last run of the inning.  The Mud Hens scored once in the fifth as Quinn Spada (1-2, 1 run) singled and scored.  The Mud Hens were held in check the rest of the way behind strong pitching from Josh Liebman, Jude Sargent, Brian Chelli and Jack Brown.  The Mud Hens got two strong innings from Mason Chabot on the mound.

Harry’s Pizza Bats Beat Knights of Columbus Rattlers 8-4

The Bats grabbed the early lead with consecutive hits by Patrick McGann, Joe Hussey, Dan Hussey and Brian Namnoum. The Bats never relinquished the lead because of the stellar pitching of Dan Hussey (4 K's), Stonewall Jackson Muskrat (7 K's), and Christian Pedro (6 K's) . The Bats increased the lead in the fifth when Devon Barnum ripped a two RBI double.

The Rattlers' pitchers had an impressive 14 strikeouts. Defensively, the Rattlers' Jack Russo at third and John Taylor at first were outstanding.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Grasshoppers 15 West Hartford Fence Co. Sand Gnats 1

The Grasshoppers offense was as hot as the weather on this hot Sunday afternoon game, producing 14 hits. Matthew DeLutrie (3-3, inside park grand slam HR, 2 R), George Andrews (3-3, 2 2B, 3 R), Jaedan Carrero (3-3, 2B, R), Avery Theriault (2-3, 2 R), Jack Correia (2-2, BB, 3B, R) and Justin Goldstein (1-3) led the Grasshoppers offense. Shibe Couchman reached base twice and scored 2 runs. Carrero (6 K’s) and DeLutrie (4 K’s) handled the pitching duties for the Grasshoppers and both pitched well. For the Sand Gnats: Desmond Nigol had a hit and Michael Barnett, Bandon Barnett Ryan Gothers and Eric Steiber each reached based.

WH Health and Rehab Owlz 14 Gent Financial Group Rivercats 11

In a hard fought game at Eisenhower Park on Sunday night, the WH Health and Rehab Owlz earned their first victory of the season with a 14-11 win over the visiting Gent Financial Group Rivercats.  The Owlz were anchored by sterling 2 inning pitching performances by Mike Neff, Jake Scheinblum and Luke Hache.  

The Owlz offense scored 14 runs, led by Jovani Owen (1-2 with 3 walks and 3 runs), Myles Sierra (1-3 with a double, walk and 3 RBIs), Jake Scheinblum (2-3 with 2 walks), Luke Hache (1-2 with 3 walks) and Mike Neff (0-0 with 5 walks and 4 runs scored).  

The Rivercats were paced offensively by Cohl D'Addabbo (2-3 with a walk), Teddy Keegan (3-4) and Jackson McDonald (1-1 with 2 walks).

Wednesday, May 23:

Cricket Press Iron Pigs- 8 Gent Financial Group Rivercats- 2

The Iron Pigs and Rivercats faced off Wednesday night in a well played and highly competitive game. The Rivercats jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the first with singles from Connor Ferguson and an RBI single from Cohl D’Addabbo. Cohl D’Addabbo kept the Iron Pig bats silent for the first 3 innings recording 7 K’s. The Iron Pigs exploded for 4 runs in the 4th inning behind a Brandon Wolmer hit and some patient hitting. The Pigs picked up another run in the 5th inning paced by hits from Brandon Wolmer and Mitch Baboff.  The Pigs extended their lead in the 6th scoring 3 more runs. After Sam Waterman reached on an error and walks to Jimmy Gaston and Seth Ehrlich, Column Flaherty laced a 2 run single to center.  Matthew Glassman followed that with an RBI single.

Thursday, May 24:

Pro Courier Bandits 13 West Hartford Health and Rehab Owlz 3

A short-staffed Bandits squad topped the Owlz 13-4 in five innings Thursday night in Minor League action at Eisenhower Park.
 
The visiting Bandits jumped out to an early 3-0 lead with first-inning hits from Owen McGoldrick (2-for-3, 2R, 2RBI), Alex Jakubowski (1-for-3, 2R, 1RBI) and Aidan Bradley (2-for-4, 1R, 1RBI). Jakubowski then shut the Owlz down from the mound, giving up no runs, no hits and fanning six over 2IP.
 
The Bandits scored four runs in the top of the third inning off hits from Charlie Gardner (2R, 1RBI), John Murphy (2R, 3RBI) and Tyler Remigino (2RBI); but the Owlz threatened in the bottom of the third with Remigino on the mound. Myles Sierra broke-up the no-hitter while Jake Scheinblum plated the Owlz’s first run.
 
The Bandits scored the maximum five runs in the fourth inning with hits from Scott LaBranch (1-for-1, 3BB, 2R), Bradley, McGoldrick and Remigino. Brody McCarthy and Lexus Laureta both walked and eventually scored for the Owlz in the bottom of the fourth, but the Owlz were stopped by a great defensive play from Braden Flowers at second base.
 
Bandits closer LaBranch closed things out in the bottom of the fifth. Luke Hache singled, but LaBranch fanned the other three Owlz he faced to seal the victory.

Saturday, May 26:

Taylor Modeen Funeral Home Threshers Knock Off West Hartford Health & Rehab Owlz

The Threshers and Owlz battled the heat and each other on a 90 degree day at Wolcott Park where the Threshers prevailed, 13-1.  Owlz pitcher Luke Hache shut out the Threshers in the first inning and Myles Sierra singled in a run as the Owlz jumped out to the 1-0 lead.  The Threshers tied it in the second behind a beautiful line drive RBI hit by Dylan Romano (2-2, 2 RBI, 1 run).  They then put up 5 runs in the third and fourth innings to take the lead.  Dylan Heinen (2-4, 2 RBI, 1 run), Robert Schunder (2-3, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 runs), Drew Seidman (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI, 1 run) and Ethan Raisner (2-3, 1 RBI, 1 run) led the way for the Threshers on offense.   Jude Sargent also added two hits and Jacob Newbury an RBI single despite the two of them splitting catching duties in the sweltering heat.  Seidman, Josh Liebman and Brian Chelli threw shutout innings to close out the game.  The game ended when Hache hit a towering fly ball to right center, but Schunder got to it to make the catch and then doubled off the Owl runner from second.

Cricket Press Iron Pigs - 14 Harry's Pizza Bats- 7

On a hot Saturday morning the Iron Pigs defeated the Bats 14-6 in a very intense well played game. The bats jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first.  Patrick McGann (2-3) led off the game with a single. After a walk to Joe Hussey (1-2), Dan Hussey lined a single of his own scoring a run. With 2 outs and one run in, Christian Pedro (2-3) lined a triple over the right fielder's head to plate 2 runs. However the Iron Pigs answered the Bats with five runs in the first. The Pigs loaded the bases in the first on walks to Seth Ehrlich (1-3) and Brandon Wolmer (1-4) and a single by Matthew Glassman(1-1). After a run scored on a fielders choice, consecutive singles by Reilly Cabral (2-3), a clutch single by Zachary Berkowitz (1-3), scored the 4th and 5th run of the inning.

Iron Pig pitcher Matthew Glassman (6 K's) settled down in the 2nd and 3rd to keep the Bats off the scoreboard. Meanwhile the Iron Pigs extended their lead. Singles by Jason Aviles and Elias Echevarria got the inning started in the 2nd. After a walk to Jimmy Gaston to load the bases, Colum Flaherty laced a 2 run single to right. The Pigs extended the lead in the 3rd with 3 more runs.

The Bats scored 3 runs in the fourth paced by hits from Brian Namnoum, Christian Pedro and Jackson Muskrat. In the inning after a Jack Kuhnly single to center, Pig centerfielder Jason Aviles threw a perfect cutoff to shortstop Matthew Glassman who nailed the baserunner at third to prevent more runs from scoring.  Iron Pig pitcher Brandon Wolmer pitched the final 2 innings giving up no runs with 5 K's.

Rivercats 5 Pro Courier Bandits 2

In a game decided by defense, Gent Financial Rivercats out dueled the Pro Courier Bandits 5-2. For the Rivercats, Brad Blanchard threw 2 innnings (3k's 2 R's) and was 1-2 at the plate when Cohl D'Addabbo came in and threw 2 scoreless innings (6K's). Teddy Keegan threw the last 2 striking out 3 allowing 2R's. Jackson McDonald and Connor Ferguson had 2 hits apiece to lead the Cat's at the plate.

The Bandits took the lead in the 2nd on a hits by Tyler Remigino,Aidan Bradley and Brandon Flowers. The Bandits left 2 on in the 6th when D'Addabbo snared a shot down the line from Bradley to defuse the rally.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE

Saturday, May 26:

Lollipop Tree Blue Jays Beat Fire Union Cubs 11-8.

The Blue Jays beat the Cubs in an Instructional League game with a Major League feel as the last two unbeaten teams in the IL battled it out for 1st place.  

The Blue Jays bats were hot early in the top of the 1st with singles from 5 of their first 6 batters for a 2-0 lead, but stranded the bases loaded.  The Cubs roared back with 6 straight hits and 5 runs in the bottom of the inning for a 5-2 lead.  Pitchers Jack Kennedy for the Cubs and Finn McHugh for the Blue Jays then each pitched a scoreless inning in the 3rd.  In the 4th, the Blue Jays tied the game at 5-5 and Bobby LaChance blanked the Cubs.  In the 5th, both teams hit well of the kid pitchers as the Blue Jays took a 9-5 lead and then the Cubs rallied for three runs of their own to cut the score to 9-8.  Defense mostly took over from there as the Blue Jays added single runs in the 5th and 6th while the Cubs were held scoreless thanks to flawless Blue Jay defense.

The Blue Jays offense was led by Chuck Blanchard (3 for 4, 3 runs), Finn McHugh (2 runs), Matthew Ganey (3 for 3, 3 runs), LaChance (3 for 3, 2 runs, double), and Connor Schulken (2 for 3).  The Cubs were led by Nathan Gallo (3 for 4, run), Walker Disque (3 for 4, 1 run), Jack Kennedy (2 for 4, double, run), Jack Redmond (2 for 3, 1 run), and Charlie Lewis (2 for 3, run).  Peter Langevin made several great plays at second base, Tyler Cavo turned an unassisted double play, and Gallo caught well behind the plate.