West Hartford Youth Baseball Wrap-Ups for Week Ending May 6

MAJOR LEAGUE – American League

Sunday,  April 29:

Halls Market Beats Connors Insurance 13-1

Halls Market defeated Connors Ins. 13-1 after 5. Halls offense was lead by Nick Gaglioti (2-3, 2 HR's and 5 Rbi's), Charlie Murray (3-4, HR, double and 3 rbi's) and Tommy Costello (3-4, 3 runs).

Nick and Charlie combined for a complete game. Nick only surrendered 1 run while scattering 3 hits and struck out 5 over 3 innings of work. Charlie finished the game striking out 6 allowing only 1 hit.

Connors offense was led by Dominic Niman (2-2 1 run). Connors pitching was led by Max Main who struck out 4 over 2 innings of work.

Home Runs: Nick Gaglioti (2), Charlie Murray (1)

Halls Market Pitching: Gaglioti 3, Murray 2
Connors Insurance Pitching: Niman 2, Main 2, Jones 1

Blue Back Dental Beats Talcott Transmissions 13-4

This game was preceeded by a . Both teams were announced and lined the field as the League honored Connor's memory by presenting his family with a framed #13 Talcott jersey and retiring his number. Abby Garneau then delivered a beautiful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner and Mike Sorensen threw a perfect first pitch strike to Connor McKeown to close the pre-game ceremony.

In the actual game, Ryan DeLutrie led BBD with nine strikeouts in four innings pitched and also added three hits, including two triples, and two RBIs. Jay Falvey contributed to the offense production for Blue Black Dental with an RBI double in the second inning and Max Ryan went 2 for 4 and scored twice.  Naji Middletown sealed the victory by pitching the final two innings, striking out four and not allowing any runs. Talcott Transmission was led by Michael Ciccarello, who went 2 for 3, with a home run, a triple and two RBI’s.  Cooper Swift was 1 for 2 with a triple and Nathan White also went 1 for 2 with one RBI.

Home Runs:  Michael Ciccarello from Talcott Transmission

Blue Black Dental Pitching:  Ryan DeLutrie – 4 IP; Naji Middleton – 2 IP.

Talcott Transmission Pitching: John Kozak – 2 IP; Connor McKeown – 2 IP; Cooper Swift – 2 IP.

Cornelius Beats Lions 11-1

Cornelius combined a well-distributed offensive effort with strong pitching from Luke Carroll (3 K), Ivan Ribeiro (3 K) and Sean James (2 K) to overcome a young but determined Lions team. Cornelius jumped off to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first helped by a Jack Moore (3-3, 4 RBI) single and added another 2 runs in the second, with one due to heads-up base running by Will Hutensky. The Lions mounted a come-back in the top of the third when Matt Lazor drew a walk and Harry Freda followed by crushing a 1-2 fastball that nearly left the yard but rolled under the fence for a ground rule double. Lazor would later score on a wild pitch but Ribeiro pitched out of a jam to keep the damage at 1.

The Cornelius offense exploded with 6 runs in bottom of the third on a double by Carroll and singles by Jimmy Shepard, Ribeiro, Mike Cagnetta and James and added a run in the 4th on a Shepard double and singles by Ribeiro and Moore. The game ended on a strike out by James and a quick throw to first by catcher Shepard that caught a leading runner.

Cornelius Pitching: Carroll (2), Ribeiro (2) and James (2)

Lions Pitching: J. Lazor (2) Ratchford (2) Milhomens (1)and Grady (1)

Mr. Trophy Beats Rotary 12-5

In a close game early, Mr. Trophy broke a 4-4 tie in the 4th inning with a 7 run attack.  The inning started with singles by Brian Flynn (1 for 3) and Bryan Albee (1 for 3). Danny Harris (1 for 4) followed with a triple to score 2 runs and then Casey Shane (2 for 4) hit a single which scored another run. Will Jackson walked and a run scored when Jonathan Perez (2 for 3 and 4 RBI’s) was hit with a pitch. Anthony Mancini (0 for 3) made a great catch in left and Ben Lumbruno was 1 for 3 at the plate. Mateo Maturana was 1 for 3 with a double and an RBI.

Rotary Club was led by Ryan Orlowski who pitched 2 strong innings and had a single and a double and scored 3 times. Timmy Andrews pitched a solid inning for Rotary and was 1 for 3 at the plate and he scored a run. Patrick Baron pitched 2 innings and scored the other Rotary run. Mr. Trophy had strong pitching from Casey Shane with 3 innings pitched and 2 strikeouts. Will Jackson pitched the other 3 innings with 7 strikeouts.    

Home Runs: None 

Mr. Trophy Pitching: Casey Shane (3 IP), Will Jackson (3 IP).

Rotary Pitching: Patrick Baron (2 IP), Alex Lim (2 IP), Adam Glassman (1 IP), Ryan Orlowski (2 IP), Timmy Andrews (1 IP).

Wednesday, May 2:

Blue Black Dental Defeats Connors Insurance 3–2

Blue Black Dental edged Connors Insurance 3-2 in a well played game at Fern Park on Wednesday evening. J.T. Wojciechowski led BBD by pitching four outstanding innings (one run, seven strikeouts). Middleton closed the game by pitching a scoreless inning. Justin Surowiec (2-2, 2 RBI’s) led BBD‘s offense, driving in Tanner Bruttomesso twice and scoring the winning run. Jay Falvey was strong defensively and made an outstanding catch in foul territory to end the game. Connors Insurance also played well. Drew Booth had a solo home run in the bottom of the second inning.  Dominic Niman and Andrew Ferrucci also contributed on offense, both going 1-2. Colby Jones, Niman, and Max Main each pitched two solid innings for Connors.

Home Runs: Caelan Booth (Connors)

Blue Black Dental Pitchers: J.T. Wojciechowski (4 IP); Tanner Bruttomesso (1 IP); Naji Middleton (1 IP).

Connors Insurance Pitchers: Colby Jones (2 IP); Dominic Niman (2 IP); Max Main  (2 IP).

Rotary 15 - Talcott Transmission 3

Rotary evened its record at 1-1 with a 15-3 victory over Talcott Transmission, Talcott falls to 0-2. 

Rotary lead the attack at the plate with 13 hits. Rotary got on the board first with 2 runs in the top of the 2nd on a base hit and walk from Jeffrey Beach and Josh Fernandes. Rotary added a run in the 3rd to make it 3-0 when Beach drove in Ryan Orlowski. Talcott made it 3-1 in the bottom of the 3rd when Cooper Swift tripled in Declan Kiley. Rotary plated 10 hitters in the 4th and extended the lead out to 9-1 highlighted by Orlowski’s first home run of the season to center field. Talcott added a run in the 4th when Nicholas Klingman tripled in Ryan Farley. Rotary added 3 more runs in the 5th and another 3 runs in the 6th to put the game out of reach with a double and single from Patrick Baron, a double from Timmy Andrews, triple from Orlowski and single from Alex Lim. Orlowski (4-5, double, triple, HR, 3 Runs, 4 RBI), Baron (3-5, double, 3 Runs, 3 RBI), Beach (2-3, 2 Runs, 1 RBI) and Lim (2-5, 1 Run, 1 RBI) highlighted the Rotary hitters for the game.  Michael Ciccarello also had a hit for Talcott.
  
On the mound for Rotary, Adam Glassman started the game going 4 innings allowing 2 runs on 5 hits with 7 K’s. Baron relieved Glassman pitching the last 2 innings allowing 1 run on no hits with 5 K’s. For Talcott, John Kozak started and pitched 2 innings allowing 2 runs on 3 hits with 2 K’s. Swift threw the middle 2 innings allowing 7 runs on 5 hits with 1 K. Ciccarello pitched the last 2 innings allowing 6 runs on 5 hits with 3 K’s.
 
Rotary Pitching: Glassman 4 innings, Baron 2 innings
 
Talcott Pitching: Kozak 2 innings, Cooper 2 innings, Ciccarello 2 innings

Home Runs: Orlowski (1)

Mr. Trophy Beats Cornelius 5-3

In an extremely well-played game by both teams, Mr. Trophy edged Cornelius 5-3. The game was scoreless until the 3rd when Cornelius took a 1-0 lead when Ivan Ribeiro (1 for 2) led off with a double to right field. Ribeiro scored on a single by Sean James (1 for 2). Mr. Trophy fought back in the bottom of the inning with 1 out singles by Bryan Albee (1 for 2) and Danny Harris (1 for 2) followed by a 2 out single by Will Jackson (2 for 3) that scored Albee. Cornelius then took a 2-1 lead in the 5th when Jimmy Shepard (1 for 2) doubled and later scored on a wild pitch. Mr. Trophy answered the Cornelius run with 4 runs in the bottom of the inning. Albee reached on a nicely placed bunt down the first base line and advanced to second on a throwing error. Harris walked and both runners advanced on a wild pitch and then later scored on a single by Casey Shane (1 for 3). Jackson followed with a double that scored Shane and Jackson later scored on a wild pitch.

Cornelius loaded the bases to start the 6th inning on walks to Michael Cagnetta (0 for 1), James and Will Hutensky (0 for 2). Jack Moore (2 for 3) then hit a single which scored Cagnetta. Jonathan Perez (0 for 3) pitching for Mr. Trophy got out of the inning with a pop out, strikeout and a foul pop to first base caught by Mateo Maturana (0 for 3) who also pitched 4 solid innings for Mr. Trophy. Cornelius also had solid pitching performances from James, Luke Carroll (2IP, 1 run and 1 strikeout) and Moore. Anthony Mancini was 1 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Ben Lumbruno called a solid game behind the plate and Brian Flynn played a flawless 3rd base for Mr. Trophy.

Mr. Trophy Pitching: Mateo Muturana (4 IP), Jonathan Perez (2 IP).

Cornelius Pitching: Sean James (2 IP), Luke Carroll (2 IP), Jack Moore (1 IP).

Lions Club Beats Hall's Market 10-3

10-year-old Matt Lazor pitched 4 strong innings giving up only 1 run, a home run to Nick Gaglioti, for a great start to the second game of the season. The Lions worked well together with Roger Lin supporting the teams victory by going 2 for 3 with a single and a double. Roger also saved 2 runs from scoring with strong defensive plays in the outfield.  Carter Fradette continued his solid performance behind the plate keeping 2 runs from scoring during the game with his aggressive plays at home. Kyle Milhomens pitched 1 and 2/3rd innings followed by Tom Grady completing the game pitching 1/3 of an inning. Matt, Kyle and Tom allowed only 3 runs to score during this tough outing.
 
Nick Gaglioti came out swinging in the first inning with a long home run to put Hall's out in front early in the game. Nick continued his strong offense going 3 for 3, hitting a single and a double during the game. Jake Patterson pitched 2 good innings for Hall's and continued to support the team with strong offense going 3 for 4 with 2 singles and a double. Michael Giungi had a good day behind the plate, keeping runs from scoring throughout the game.

Home Runs: Nick Gaglioti (Hall's)
 
Hall's Pitching: Tommy Costello (3 IP); Jake Patterson (2 IP).

Lions Pitching: Matt Lazor (4 IP); Kyle Milhomens (2 IP); Tom Grady (1 IP).

Friday, May 4:

Rotary Pitchers Stop Connors 4 - 1. 

In a well-played game by both teams that took only 75 minutes to play, Rotary combined great pitching with pair of home runs from Ryan Orlowski to defeat Connors Insurance by the score of 4-1. The game went to the bottom of the 3rd before Rotary put up the first run of the game on Orlowski’s first HR, a solo shot to deep left-center field. Rotary scratched another run across in the 4th after a walk to Jonathon Sanchez and a 2 out base hit by Josh Fernandes driving in Sanchez for a 2-0 lead. Rotary added a pair of runs in the 5th inning after Patrick Baron singled, Ryan Orolowski went deep again for the second time in the game, this time to the opposite field for a 2 run HR driving in Baron for a 4-0 advantage. Connors put a run up in the 6th to make it 4-1 and finish the scoring after a double by Dominic Niman and a single from Colby Jones that drove in Niman.
 
Rotary was lead at the plate by Ryan Orlowski (2-3, 2 HRs, 2 Runs, 3 RBI), Patrick Baron (2-3, 1 Run) and Josh Fernandes (1-2, 1 RBI).  Timmy Andrews, Jeffrey Beach, Mario Volpe all had hits as well. Adam Glassman made a great play at shortstop handling a hard smash on the ground taking away what most likely would have been a double by Niman. At the plate Connors was led by Niman with a double. Colby Jones, Angus McDonald and Spencer Bavaro all had base hits. Niman also did a nice job in centerfield for Connors with 2 running catches. 
 
Rotary pitchers were in control defensively, holding Connors to 4 hits. Orlowski pitched the first 4 innings allowing no runs on 1 hit with 8 K’s. Patrick Baron picked up the save pitching the last 2 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 2 K’s. Connors pitchers also were effective with Jones going the first 2 innings allowing no runs on 3 hits with 1 K. Niman pitched the middle 2 innings allowing 2 runs on  2 hits with 3 K’s and Max Main pitched the final inning allowing 2 runs on 3 hits with 1 K.
 
Rotary Pitching: Orlowski 4 innings, Baron 2 innings
 
Connors Pitching: Jones 2 innings, Niman 2 innings, Main 2 innings
 
Home Runs: Orlowski 2 (2nd & 3rd of the season)

Mr. Trophy Beats Hall's Market 12-6 in 7 Innings.

In an exciting extra-inning game Mr. Trophy beat Hall’s Market 12-6. Mr. Trophy started the scoring in the top of the first when Danny Harris (0 for 3) was hit with the first pitch of the game and he later scored on a wild pitch. Will Jackson (2 for 3) also singled and scored in the first. Hall’s scored their first run in the bottom of the second after Michael Giungi (1 for 3) reached on an error and later scored on a single by Jake Patterson (3 for 4). Hall’s took a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the 3rd when Tommy Costello (0 for 3) walked and scored on a single by Nick Gaglioti (1 for 3) and  Gaglioti later scored on a triple by Charlie Murray (2 for 4).  Murray scored on an error and Giungi later scored on a wild pitch. Mr. Trophy got one run back in the top of the 4th inning when Jackson hit a double and scored on a single by Anthony Mancini (1 for 3). 

Mr. Trophy tied the game up in the top of the 5th inning when Brian Flynn hit a single moved to third on a single by Casey Shane (2 for 5). Both Flynn and Shane scored on a single by Jonathan Perez (1 for 3). After a scoreless 6th, Mr. Trophy broke the 5-5 tie with 7 runs in the 7th inning. Bryan Albee (0 for 2) led off the inning with a walk and went to third on a single by Flynn. Albee scored on a wild pitch and Mr. Trophy loaded the bases with a walk to Harris and a single by Shane.  Perez grounded out second to first to score Flynn. Jackson and Mancini walked which allowed Harris to score. Mr. Trophy scored 2 runs on a single by Mateo Maturana (1 for 4). Ben Lumbruno (1 for 4) singled to load the bases and Mr. Trophy scored their last 2 runs when Albee and Flynn walked. Hall’s scored a run in bottom of the inning when Murray doubled went to 3rd on a single by Giungi and later scored on a single by Patterson.

Mr. Trophy Pitching: Casey Shane (3 IP), Will Jackson (3 IP), Jonathan Perez (1 IP).

Hall’s Market Pitching: Nick Gaglioti (2 IP), Charlie Murray (4 IP), Jake Patterson (1 IP).

Lions Beat Blue Back Dental 11-7.

Harry Freda pitched 5 strong innings allowing only 4 runs to score. Ryan Delutrie, starting pitcher for Blue Back, also pitched well striking out 6 of the 13 batters he faced. 

The Lion's Kyle Milhomens 4th inning Home Run scored 2 of the Lions 11 runs.  Offense was strong throughout the game for the Lions with Trevor Rachford and Nick DeMichele working the counts late in the game resulting in 2 sacrifices with RBI's earned for each. Roger Lin went 3 for 3 and had 2 outstanding catches in left field.

For Blue Back Dental, Ryan Delutrie's strong offense supported the team as he went 2 for 4 with a triple and scored 2 of Blue Backs runs.  Brendan Moore and Michael Costello both went 1 for 2. Justin Surowiec was 3 for 4.

Home Run: Kyle Milhomens (Lions)

Blue Back Dental Pitching: Delutrie - 2, Bruttomesso - 3, Yancce - 1.

Lions Pitching: Freda - 5, Ratchford - 1, Cullen - 1.

Talcott 9 - Cornelius 6

Talcott got their first win of the season with a 9-6 victory over Cornelius. Talcott took an early 3-0 lead after scoring one run in the first inning and adding two more in the second inning on hits from Nicholas Klingman, Ryan Farley and Declan Kiley. Cornelius got on the board in the bottom of the second inning on hits from Luke Carroll and Bryant Caron. Talcott extended the lead by scoring 3 more runs in the top of the third on hits from Michael Ciccarello and another from Klingman to take a 6-1 lead after 3 innings. Cornelius scored 3 runs in the 4th inning on a hit from Jack Moore, a Jimmy Shepard walk and a double by Ivan Ribeiro to cut the lead to 6-4. Talcott got 2 runs in the top of the 5th after a 2 out rally. Jack Livingstone walked then Ciccarello doubled and John Kozak singled Ciccarello home to take an 8-4 lead. Cornelius answered in the bottom of the inning scoring 2 runs on hits from Moore, a Shepard walk and a Max Leyland double to keep the game close at 8-6 at the end of 5 innings. Ryan Farley led off the 6th inning with a triple and a Milo Kashey single to add another run and take a 9-6 lead. Talcott held Cornelius scoreless in the bottom of the 6th inning for the 9-6 win. Talcott was lead offensively by Michael Ciccarello (2 for 3, double), John Kozak (2 for 2, walk), Nicholas Klingman (2 for 3), Ryan Farley (2 for 3, triple), Milo Kashey and Declan Kiley had a hit. Cornelius was led by Jack Moore (3 for 3, double), Sean James, Luke Carroll, Bryant Caron had singles and Max Leyland and Ivan Ribeiro had doubles.

Talcott Pitching: Michael Ciccarello (2 IP); John Kozak (2 IP), Connor McKeown (2 IP) Cornelius Pitching: Jack Moore (2 IP); Will Hutensky (1 IP); Luke Carroll (2 IP), Sean James (1 IP) 

MAJORS – National League

Thursday, May 3:

K of C Beats Venora Electric 6-1.

Chase Jeter showed why he is one of the best pitchers in Connecticut in this one. Taking the mound for the first time this season, Jeter dazzled the crowd allowing just one hit and one walk with 14 K's for the complete game win over a good Venora team.

This one was close early as Venora ace Sean Langan matched Jeter through two innings allowing just one unearned run. K of C then got its offense going against Dan Fitzsimmons in the 3rd with a walk  from Drew Hungerford, an RBI triple from Luke Fox, and a 2 run home run from Nick Becker. They added two more in the 4th on a solo home run from Paul Wilson, a single from Fox, and double from Becker to take a 6-0 lead. Venora got its lone hit and run in the 4th on a solo home run from Langan. Jeter would allow only a walk the rest of the way.

The K of C offense was led by Wilson (2 for 4, home run), Fox (2 for 4, triple), Becker (2 for 3, home run, double) and Joseph Morganthaler (who had a 12 pitch at bat to work a walk against Langan in the 2nd). Avi Ehrlich did a great job at catcher. Venora was led by Langan at the plate and on the mound. Venora outfielders Josh Kennedy, Gabe Salomons, and Archie Southgate kept it close with some great catches in the outfield. Ryan Smith pitched two scoreless innings for Venora.

Home Runs: Wilson (K of C), Becker (K of C), Langan (Venora).

K of C Pitching: Jeter (6 IP).

Venora Pitching: Langan (2 IP), Fitzsimmons (2 IP), Smith (2 IP).

Exchange 7 - Keating 3

Exchange used good pitching and excellent defense to defeat Keating 7-3. Exchange scored one in the 1st and 6 runs in the 4th helped by timely hits and some miscues by the Keating defense. Exchange pitchers Matt Beazoglou, Sean O’Meara, and Brendan Begley scattered 5 hits while striking out 8. Beazoglou was also stellar playing short, making several key defensive stops to hold the Keating attack. Kyle Armstrong had a key catch in right and also contributed with a leadoff single in the 4th to start the Exchange charge. Patrick Mahon scored twice and Aidan Shea once to round out the Exchange contributors in a solid team victory.
 
Keating was led by the outstanding pitching of James Gadue who held Exchange to one run through 3 innings. Alex Kim (2 for 4) and Sean Hurley(1 for 3) as well as Gadue paced the Keating bats. Chris Pang also pitched two solid innings.
 
Exchange Pitching: Matt Beazoglou (2 IP); Sean O’Meara (2 IP); Brendan Begley (2 IP).
 
Keating Pitching: James Gadue (3 IP); Jace Meyer (1 IP) Chris Pang (2 IP).

Modern Tire Beats Berry Insurance 10-4

Behind the strong pitching efforts of Gus Murchie (4 IP, 8 K's, 2 BB, 2 H, 3 R) and Colby Lytle (2 IP, 4 K's, 2 BB, 2 H, 1 R) the visiting Modern Tire team rolled over Berry Insurance for their first win of the season.

MT responded to a first inning solo bomb by Drew Nemirow with a perfectly placed bunt-hit by Andrew Skwiot (3 for 4, 3 hits, 2 runs) scoring his older brother Patrick (3 for 3, double, 3 runs) to tie the game. Murchie then held Berry scoreless for the next 2 frames. Tire’s bats struck back in the 3rd with a 2-bag shot to center from Lytle then Patrick Skwiot laced a single to bring his teammate home. Patrick scored on a passed ball after reaching 3rd off a hard single from brother Andrew. Andrew then executed a straight steal of home while Murchie was preparing for his next swing that was to be his career first home run.

Berry struck back again with another Nemirow bomb, this time for 2 runs. They scored again in the 6th with a scorching RBI double from Ben Martin. MT’s bats continued in the 5th and 6th against Berry’s hard throwing Nemirow, with Lytle and Griffin Van Rye lacing singles and Murchie and Patrick Skwiot each taking Berry’s ace for doubles. This tirade tacked on 3 insurance runs to seal the win for Modern Tire.

Also contributing for Modern Tire are Christopher LaMarco going 1 for 3 with a single and Ryan Venora drawing a walk off of Nemirow and scoring on a Lytle single to the fence.

Home Runs: Murchie (Modern Tire) 1; Nemirow (Berry) 2.

Modern Tire Pitching: Gus Murchie (4 IP); Colby Lytle (2 IP).
 
Berry Pitching: Ned Blanchard (2 IP); Ben Martin (2 IP); Drew Nemirow (2 IP).  

Police Beats A.C. Petersen 8-7.

The game was every bit as tight as the score indicates. Offense for Police was led by Zander Boehm, who had the first run of the game, and was 2 for 3 with 3 RBI's. Trent Wechsler led off the game by sending a first inning pitch to deep left field for a double. Matthew Marino also contributed with two screaming doubles to deep left field (2 for 3 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI). Chase Maxwell and Devin Mahoney laid down perfect bunts to bring runners into scoring position.  Matt Langevin pitched two strong innings and Patrick Gustafson had another great high-pressure close. Heads up fielding from Ryan Cova and Will Carpenter also contributed to key outs. 

Police Pitching: Matt Langevin 2 IP, Ryan Cova 2 IP, Patrick Gustafson 2 IP.

A.C. Petersen Pitching: Colin Fitzsimonds 2 IP, Elias Heinen 2 IP, Tyler Correia 2 IP.

Saturday, May 5:

Knights of Columbus 10 - AC Petersen Farms 0

Luke Fox (4IP, 9K, 1hit) and Drew Hungerford (2IP, 6K, 0hit) combined on a 1 hit shutout, striking out a combined 15 batters, to lead the Knights to victory over AC Petersen Farms. K of C jumped ahead 4-0 in the 2nd on a walk to Nick Becker, single by Avi Ehrlich (2 for 3) and a 2 run single by Sean Macary (2 for 3, 2RBI). In the 4th, the Knights erupted for 5 runs, keyed by a 2 run double by Drew Hungerford (1 for 3, 2B, 2RBI). Luke Fox (1 for 2, RBI) then doubled home a run, followed by Becker's (1 for 2, 2B, RBI) RB double. Ehrlich then slammed another double to plate the final run of the inning.

Tyler Correia singled for ACP, and Elias Heinen hit the ball hard and walked. Tim Simplicio was outstanding behind the plate for ACP, making several nice stops in the dirt, and throwing out a batter on a bunt. Jack Tapia recorded 2 strikeouts in his 1 inning of work on the hill.

K of C Pitching: Fox (4IP), Hungerford (2IP)

ACP Pitching: Fitzsimonds (4IP), Renker (1IP), Tapia (1IP)

Venora Electric Beats Modern Tire 19-5 (5 Innings)

Venora Electric brought the bats in this one as it pounded out 22 hits from 9 different players. The Venora offense was hot early as it sent 16 players to the plate in the top of the 1st inning and scored 11 runs. The inning was highlighted by by two hits each from Dan Fitzsimmons (including a 3 run home run), Josh Wolmer, and Ryan Smith, and a double from Archie Southgate.  For the game, the offense was led by Smith (5 for 5, 2 runs), Fitzsimmons (3 for 5, 2 runs, home run), Wolmer (3 for 6, 3 runs), Sean Langan (2 for 3, 3 runs), Javy Jerez (1 for 3, 3 runs), Gabe Salomons (2 for 3), Chase Rancourt (3 for 5, 2 runs) and Karstian Lang (single).  

Langan was dominant on the mound for Venora over two innings mixing his fastball and knuckleball for six straight strikeouts on just 24 pitches to pick up the win. Rancourt (3B) and Langan (SS) made several nice plays in the field.

Modern Tire never quit scoring 5 runs over the last three innings highlighted by a booming 2 RBI double from Griffin Van Rye in the 3rd and a two run home run from Van Rye in the 5th. Chris LaMarco (single) and Colby Lytle (single) also hit well.

Home Runs: Fitzsimmons (Venora); Van Rye (Modern Tire).

Venora Pitching: Langan (2 IP), Smith (2 IP), Jerez (1 IP).

Modern Tire Pitching: Aaron Ort (1 IP), Lytle (2 IP), Van Rye (1 IP), Skwiot (1 IP).

Exchange 7 - Police 6 (7 innings)

Exchange outlasted Police 7-6 in a seven inning game that featured pitching and defense. Exchange took a 2 run lead in the 1st when Brendan Begley (1 for 3, HR, 2 RBI’s) hit a bomb to left to bring home Matt Beazoglou (1 for 3) who had singled just before Begley took the plate.  Police came right back in the bottom half of the inning when Jared Reisner (1 for 2, 2 RBI’s) plated Trent Wechsler and Will Carpenter. In the 2nd,  Exchange added a run when Michael Farley took 3rd on Brendan O’Meara’s (1 for 3, triple) sacrifice bunt and then scored on a wild pitch. The Exchange club added an insurance run in the 5th off a  Patrick Mahon walk who later scored on a passed ball. In the bottom of the 5th Police fought back with 2 runs to tie the game, taking advantage of walks, wild pitches and passed balls. The 6th inning showed some more resilience by the Police squad when Brendan O’Meara’s one out triple was negated when he tried to score on a passed ball with two out. The scored remained tied at 4 a piece with some masterful pitching from Begley who worked out of a jam aided with a caught stealing throw from Exchange catcher Ethan Pinkes.  Exchange scored 3 in the 7th bringing home Aiden Shea (2 for 3), Begley and Sean O’Meara who scored the winner on a mad dash to the plate on a passed ball, to just beat the throw. Police matched the Exchange scrappiness with 2 in the 7th when Michael Woods (3 BB’s) and Patrick Gustafson both scored. The game ended in dramatic fashion, with Reisner on third Police’s Ryan Cova hit a line shot to center with two out and forced Exchange’s  centerfielder Sean O’Meara all the way to the warning track to make the game winning grab. A very fitting end to a very exciting ball game!!
 
Exchange Pitching: Matt Beazoglou (2 IP), Sean O’Meara (2 IP), Brendan Begley (2 IP), Patrick Mahon (1 IP).
 
Police Pitching: Matt Langevin (2 IP), Ryan Cova (1 IP), Will Carpenter (1 IP), Michael Woods (1 IP), Patrick Gustafson(1 IP), Jared Reisner (1 IP).
 
Home Runs: Exchange- Brendan Begley (1)

Keating Edges Berry 3-2

Keating hung on to beat Berry, 3-2,  in a well played contest at Beachland on Saturday morning. Berry was powered by Drew Nemirow who was 2 for 3 on the day with a triple and a double, driving in 2 runs. Nathan Gonzalez and Sam Musto also made strong contributions to the Berry offense, each going 1 for 3 with singles. Keating got on the board early, with James Gadue (3 for 3, double) driving in lead off man Hugh Wells (2 for 3) to take a 1-0 lead in the first. Keating picked up its second run in the second inning, when Tim Cotter blasted a solo home run well over the centerfield fence. Keating's 3rd and final run came in the 4th, when Gadue drove in Sean Hurley. Berry closer, Nemirow, came on in the 5th and silenced the Keating bats. Berry then threatened in the top of the 6th, but Keating closer, Cotter, was able to pick up 2 key strikeouts before catcher, Wells, picked off a runner to end the game. Both teams displayed great pitching. In addition to Nemirow, Berry pitchers Ned Blanchard and Ben Martin combined for 9 strikeouts. Keating benefitted from an excellent performance from Jace Meyer, who pitched 4 scoreless innings, picking up 8 strikeouts, before handing the ball over to Cotter (4 K's) for the final 2 innings.

Home Runs: Cotter (Keating).

Berry Pitching: Ned Blanchard 2 innings, Ben Martin 2 innings, Drew Nemirow 2 innings

Keating Pitching: Meyer - 4 innings, Cotter - 2 innings.

MINOR LEAGUE

Sunday, April 29:

Bandits 12 - Sand Gnats 10

On a cold and windy evening at Eisenhower Park, Scott Labranch's two out double down the right field line scored John Murphy from second base to break a 10-10 tie in the bottom of the fifth inning and lifting the Bandits to an opening day win over the Sand Gnats. After a lead off walk by the Sand Gnats' Noah Hurt in the top of the sixth, LaBranch made a strong throw to Alex Jakubowski to throw out Hurt attempting to steal. Owen McGoldrick was able to shut down the Sand Gnats with two final strikeouts to close out the game. McGoldrick finished with two innings pitched, 4 strikeouts and no runs allowed. The game was a back and forth affair, with the Bandits striking first as Tyler Remigino lead off the game with a single, followed by another single by Aidan Bradley. John Murphy drove in both for a 2-0 lead for the Bandits. In the top of the second, the Sand Gnats came right back. After a strong first inning on the mound by Jakubowski, the Sand Gnats were able to break through with four runs of their own on hits by Gared Bard, Carlos Kerrigan and Eric Stiber in between 2 walks and a hit batter. Jakubowski was pulled after reaching the 50 pitch limit (4Rs, 4Ks)  in favor of Murphy who also struggled to find the plate. Bradley finally came on to close out the inning on one pitch inducing a ground ball to Garrett Brown at third base where he stepped on third to end the inning. The Bandits were able to push one run across in the bottom of the second when Braden Flowers who had singled to lead off the inning scored on a Remigino single. The Sand Gnats followed in the top of third scoring a run of their own when Noah Prybek scored on a Brandon Barnett single off the Bandits LaBranch. The Bandits took the lead again in the bottom of the third as they scored the inning maximum five runs on hits by Brown, McGoldrick, LaBranch and Jacob Caron.  The Sand Gnats pushed one more across in the top of the fourth on hits by Fernando Kerrigan and Hurt. LaBranch finished his two innings of work allowing two runs and striking out four and the Bandits leading 8-6. In the bottom of the fourth, hits by Charlie Gardner and Remigino lead to two more Bandits runs, one by Camden Hebert who walked to lead off the inning. Remigino was brought onto pitch the fifth inning but could not command the strike zone. The Sand Gnats scored four runs in the top of the 5th to tie the game up without registering a hit as Desmond Nigol, Justin Albee, Pryzbek and Ryan Gothers all scored after being walked or hit by a pitch. McGoldrick was able to come in and stem the tide with 2 strikeouts to end the inning before LaBranch's heroics in the bottom of the fifth.
 
Bandits Pitchers:  Jakubowski (2), Murphy (1), Bradley (1), LaBranch (2), Remigino (1), McGoldrick (2)

CowParade Bulls Defeat Bats 14-7

In a game that was far closer than the score would indicate, the CowParade Bulls defeated the Harry's Pizza Bats 14-7. Through the first five innings the game was a back and forth affair, resulting in a six all tie heading into the sixth. Then, in the top of the sixth the Bulls were able to plate eight runs for the final margin.

The Bulls were led at the plate by Will Fox with two doubles, and singles from Kobe Dominguez, Joseph Shuey, and huge hit from Eric Guyette to break the game open.

On the hill, the Bulls combined for sixteen strikeouts from Cooper Silver (5), Brady Tober (1), and Will Fox (5), who pitched the final three innings to preserve the victory.

The Bats were led by Dan Hussey (2 hits, 2RBI), Brian Namnoum (3 hits, 2 RBI) and Alex Sarkisian (2 hits, 2 RBI). On the mound, the Bats recorded sixteen strikeouts of their own, coming from Brian Namnoum, Christian Pedro, Dan Hussey, and Devan Barnum.

Congratulations to both teams for an intense battle to open the season.

Bulls Pitching: Cooper Silver (2), Brady Tober (1), Will Fox (3)
Bats Pitching: Brian Namnoum (2), Christian Pedro (2), Dan Hussey (3), Devan Barnum (1)

Rivercats 10 - Rattlers 8

On a cold Sunday opening evening, the Rivercats outlasted the Rattlers 10-8.  In a game loaded with high winds and several walks from both teams, the Rivercats scored 4 in the third inning to put the game out of reach. Jack Russo had a solid smack for the Rattlers and Jason Hoopes pitched two very strong innings for the Rattlers. Erick Resto  had a bases empty round tripper while Connor Ferguson and C.J. Baldini made spectacular defensive plays for the Rivercats. 

Starting pitcher for the Rivercats was Teddy Keegan who struck out 4 in an innning and a half.  Cohl D'Addabbo took the ball for the next 2 innnings and while allowing 4 Rattler runs, stopped the rally one run short of a tie game.  Connor Ferguson threw 2 innings facing only 7 batters and Erick Resto finished the game pitching the 6th inning for the RiverCats.

On the mound for the Rattlers, Leo Mulready started and pitch the first 1 and a half while Jason Hoopes came on for the next 2. Sam Wilder set the "Cats" down in order in the  4th and struck out 2 in the 5th. 

Rivercats Pitching: Keegan 2/ D'Addabbo 2/ Ferguson 2/ Resto 1 
Rattlers Pitching: Mulready 2/ Hoopes 2/ Wilder 2

Threshers Edge the Pigs, 3-2

The Threshers and the Iron Pigs opened their seasons with an intense, well-executed ball game that had the feel of a late-season game. The Threshers rode strong pitching and outstanding defense to a 3-2 win. The Iron Pigs opened up the scoring in the first inning when Matt Glassman (1-3, 1 run) ripped a shot to the fence in right center field. One bit of indecision in the outfield allowed Glassman to circle the bases and put the Pigs up 1-0. The Threshers answered in their half of the first. Dylan Heinen (1-1, 2 walks, 2 runs) started things off with a line drive single and later scored on a hit by Drew Seidman (2-3, 1 RBI). The Pigs and Threshers traded runs again in the third with key hits from Zach Berkowitz (1-3, RBI) for the Pigs and Seidman for the Threshers. The Threshers pushed across the difference maker in the fourth when Brooks McConnell (1-2, 1 run) led off the inning with a single and eventually came around to score. After that, Threshers' pitcher Robert Schunder closed the door throwing 2 innings of shutout baseball while striking out 4. The game ended when Threshers' catcher McConnell gunned down a would-be base stealer for the final out. McConnell threw out 3 Pigs attempting to steal during the game, which went a long way to making life easier on his pitchers.

Iron Pigs Pitching: Seth Ehrlich (2 IP), Brandon Wolmer (2 IP), Matthew Glassman (1 IP)

Threshers Pitching: Drew Seidman (2 IP), Dylan Heinen (2 IP), Robert Schunder (2 IP)

Dick’s Sporting Goods Grasshoppers defeats VFW Post #9929 Mud Hens 11-0

The Grasshoppers opened the season with an 11-0 victory over the Mud Hens. The Grasshoppers were lead by the pitching of John Cashman (8 strikeouts) and the hitting of George Andrews (2–2, 2 doubles, walk). Cashman, Griffin Macary and Jonathan Morrey each reached base 3 times, and Jaedan Carrero had a hit.
Dan Monyak pitched well for Mud Hens and Drew Lacasse made a spectacular catch on a line drive to short to rob a hit.

Mud Hens Pitching: Mason Chabot (2), Luke Struthers (1), Dan Monyak (3)
Grasshoppers Pitching: John Cashman (3), Matthew DeLutrie (1), George Andrews (2)

Saturday, May 5:

Bats Beat Owlz 18-6

Joe Hussey pitched the Bats to a flying start with two solid innings and four strikeouts. Offensively, the Bats grabbed the lead in the first with a clutch double by Devan Barnum. The Bats increased the lead in the the next innings with contributions from Patrick McGann (3 hits, 3 RBI), Dan Hussey (2 hits), and Brian Namnoum (2 hits, 1 RBI). Jack Kuhnly of the Bats made two defensive plays at third to stop the Owlz' spirited rally. The Owlz were led by Michael Neff (3 walks, 2 runs), Luke Hache (1 hit, 2 walks) and Jovani Owen ( 3 walks). Also, Jake Scheinblum pitched an impressive 4th with two strikeouts.

Bats Pitching: Joe Hussey (2) Brian Namnoum (2) Jackson Muskrat (1).
Owlz Pitching: Luke Hache (2), Michael Neff (1), Jake Scheinblum (2) , Eden Nenshati (1).

Threshers get past the Gnats, 11-2

The Threshers combined consistent hitting with strong pitching on Saturday to defeat the Sand Gnats, 11-2. The Gnats jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first behind RBI singles from Justin Albee (1-2, 1 RBI, 1 run) and Noah Pryzbek (1-2, 1 RBI). The Threshers added one in the first before scoring five in the second to take the lead. In that second inning, Brian Chelli (1-2, 2 runs) followed a lead-off walk with his first hit of the young season. That was followed by an RBI hit from Brooks McConnell (2-2, 3 RBI, 2 runs) and a 2-run smash double from Ethan Raisner (2-2, 4 RBI, 1 run). Dylan Heinen (1-3, 2 RBI) finished off the inning with a 2-run single. The Thresher bats were still hot in the third as key hits from Robert Schunder (2-2, 1 run) and McConnell keyed another 5 run inning. Przbyk retired the side in order in the fourth for the Sand Gnats before Albee came on to throw a scoreless fifth to quiet the Thresher bats. Meanwhile, the Threshers' went to pitchers by committee to finish the game strong holding the Gnats scoreless the rest of the way. Drew Seidman came back in the second to strike out the side followed by Heinen who threw a scoreless third. Josh Liebman struck out four batters over two innings before Chelli came on in the sixth to retire the side in order and secure the win for the Threshers.

Threshers pitchers: Drew Seidman (2 IP), Dylan Heinen (1 IP), Josh Liebman (2 IP), Brian Chelli (1 IP)

Sand Gnats pitchers: Michael Barnett (1 IP), Desmond Nigol (1 IP), Noah Przbyk (2 IP), Justin Albee (1 IP)

CowParade Bulls Defeat Dick's Sporting Goods Grasshoppers 14-2.

Bulls pitchers Cooper Silver (5), Brady Tober (6), and Will Fox (2) combined for thirteen strikeouts while holding the Hoppers to two George Andrews hits.

The Bulls hitting attack was led by Fox with two singles and a double, and Tober with a single and a double.  Chipping in with singles were Ben Wechsler, Harry Stevenson, and Kobe Dominquez.

For the Grasshoppers, John Cashman and Matthew DeLutrie each had three strikeouts on the mound.

Bulls Pitching: Cooper Silver (2), Brady Tober (2), Will Fox (1)
Grasshoppers Pitching: John Cashman (2), Matthew DeLutrie (2), Jonathan Morrey (1), Jack Correia (1)

INSTRUCTIONAL LEAGUE

Saturday, May 5:

Blue Jays Beat Twins 13-4.

The Blue Jays earned a hard fought victory over the Twins Saturday in the regular season home opener at Sterling Field. The Blue Jay win was driven by outstanding pitching performances by Charlie Blanchard, Finn McHugh and Walker Beverly, with Beverly throwing a sharp no run, three strikeout 4th inning. The Blanchard-McHugh tandem was also solid in the field with 4 put outs in the game. The offensive production was led by Matty Ganey, Henry Benshoff and Jonny Robinson each with multi hit, multi RBI games. Eli Salomons was solid for the Twins in the losing effort both from the mound and at the plate.

Orioles dominated the White Sox Sunday in the season opener with a 21-3 Oriole victory 

First RBI of the game went to Griffin Paulus knocking in Landon Lagana. The offense explosion included doubles by Sam Heller, Griffin Paulus, and Oliver Held. Brayden Hendsey, Griffin Paulus and Keegan Bankoff all pitched for the Orioles with Paulus and Bankoff both striking out two batters. Some fine defense plays were executed as well including second baseman Oliver Held throwing out a White Sox batter to first baseman Sam Heller.

Damon’s Tavern Phillies 8 - Mathnasium Diamondbacks 7

The Phillies and Diamondbacks played an exhilarating first game of the year, with the Phillies scoring 5 times in the bottom of the 6th to storm back and win by a run.

The Phillies were paced at the plate by Big Game James O’Connor, who banged out 3 hits and knocked in 4 runs, including the game winning, bases clearing single. Matt Santoro added 2 hits, 2 runs and 2 RBI’s, while Tommy Parker added 2 hits and 2 runs, including the game winning mad dash from first.

The Diamondbacks came to hit as well, as Dylan Jackson had 3 hits and 2 runs scored, Jackson Shaughnessy had 3 hits, 1 run and 1 RBI  and Landon Traverse added 2 hits, 1 run and 3 RBI’s.  

This game was dominated by the the player pitchers on both sides of the house. The Diamonbacks arms were in post-season form, with shutout innings each from Kyle Barnum (2 K’s), Dylan Jackson (2 K’s) and Landon Traverse (3 K’s).  The Phillies pitchers were up to the task as well, as Matt Santoro and Declan “Randy Johnson” McCann each threw shutout frames with 2 K’s, and Tommy Parker and James O’Connor combined to hold the D’Backs to one run. 

Clutch hitting, strong pitching, aggressive base running, what else could this game offer?  How about solid defense? The Phillies got strong plays from many different players, including Tyler Atwood’s unassisted force out from left center field and the 2-headed attack of the Connor’s, as Smith and Lafferty each had assists. The Diamondbacks got stellar play from their first baseman Landon Traverse, who recorded all 3 outs in the 5th, including a rally-ending unassisted double play.

Cubs Beat Cardinals 20-19

In a slugfest, these two second grade teams battled back and forth until the final out.  The Cubs jumped out to an early 10-3 lead after two innings as the Cubs Jack Kennedy pitched a scoreless 1-2-3 2nd inning with 2 K's. The Cardinals then mounted a comeback against the Cubs next two pitchers scoring the maximum five runs in each inning while Cardinals hurlers Cody Brew and Ryan Murphy each threw a scoreless inning to take a 13-10 lead after 4 innings.  

The Cardinals tacked on two runs in the top of the 5th to take a 15-10 lead, but the Cubs roared back off the pitching machine to tie it 15-15.  

The dramatic 6th inning followed where the Cardinals scored four to take a 19-15 lead. However, a great relay throw from the Cubs outfield to Walker Disque at 2B ended the inning just before Jake Samela could score the Cardinals fifth run. That run would prove critical in the bottom of the 6th when the Cubs rallied back for the walk-off win. Will Tousignant led off the inning with a groundout, followed by back-to-back hits from Will Tonkinson and Andrew Savage.  The Cardinals then got their second out, but Cubs sluggers Disque, Kennedy, Peter Langevin, and Tyler Cavo smacked four straight hits and Langevin raced hom with the winning run on a hit by a Cavo.

A great first game for both teams as all 22 players reached base. Hitting stars for the Cubs were Disque (4 for 4, 2 runs), Kennedy (3 for 4, 4 runs, 2 doubles), Jack Gustafson (3 for 4, 3 runs), Langevin (3 for 4, 2 runs), and Cavo (3 for 4, 2 runs). Will Tonkinson and Andrew Savage played well at catcher.  

The Cardinals were led by Cody Brew (4 for 5, 3 runs, triple, double), Murphy (3 for 4, 2 runs), Samela (3 for 5, 2 runs), and Nick Kane (3 for 3, with 2 runs).