Section 4 Champ.

Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010

Section 4 Baseball Championships

10-11-year-old

Patrone, McLinskey lead Pearl River to Section 4 championship

McLinskey's three hits, Patrone strong pitching performanc difference in 10-2 win over Eastchester

Tony Pinciaro

WALLKILL -- Matt Patrone has had an eventful last two weeks.

In the decisive game of the District 18 10-11-year-old baseball championship, Patrone hit a walk-off two-run single, sending Pearl River to the Section 4 tournament. Yesterday, with his team one win away from the state championships, Patrone was given the ball by Pearl River manager Mark Ocasal, and the 11-year-old responded.

Patrone allowed one run on four hits in four innings and he also homered as Pearl River defeated Eastchester, 10-2 in the Section 4 Little League baseball 10-11-year-old final at the Town of Wallkill Little League complex.

Pearl River moves on to the state championship, beginning Saturday at Twin Town Little League in Troy. Last year, Pearl River reached the state semifinals.

Patrone, who struck out five, gave Pearl River a 1-0 lead in the second inning with a solo rip over the left-field fence and into the woods. Ryan McLinskey led the offense, which amassed 13 hits, going 3 for 3, with a walk, scoring three runs and driving in two. Kevin Scrima had two hits and four RBI and Dolan Ocasal added two hits and a RBI.

"It feels good and it's fun going to states," said Patrone, a seventh-grader-to-be at Pearl River Middle School. "I'm happy that the team is happy."

McLinskey, who doubled twice among his three hits, received a good indicator of how the game would go. In pre-game warm-ups, McLinskey and Patrone had a conversation.

"Matt told me before the game that he felt good and when he feels good, I know Matt will do good," said McLinskey, 11, and a sixth-grader-to-be at Pearl River Middle School.

Patrone, who pitched against Eastchester in Pearl River's 16-8 win, yielded the run in the second inning, on a ground out. Other than that, Patrone tamed the hard-hitting Eastchester.

"Coach wanted me to hit my spots and just throw strikes," Patrone said. "And the kid who hit the home run off of me, coach told me don't be afraid to pitch him inside.

"I was happy that I didn't give up many hits or that many runs and that I was throwing strikes."

The player Patrone was referring to was slugging first baseman Frank Calabro, who hit two home runs and had seven RBI in the teams' first meeting. Patrone limited Calabro to one hit in two at-bats against him.

After Patrone's home run, Eastchester evened the score in the bottom of the second inning. Robert DeBenedictus led off with a single and would score on a Chris Piro ground out.

Pearl River heated up offensively, beginning in the third. McLinskey opened with a single and Ocasal dropped a ball inside the left-field line for a double. Kevin Scrima scorched a ball to the fence in center field, scoring McLinskey and Ocasal, and Conor Buckhout plated Scrima with a long single to center.

Pearl River added three more runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings. McLinskey and Ocasal had RBI in the fourth and Scrima smashed a two-run single in the fifth.

Earlier in the day, Patrone prepared for the game with a rigorous work out at baseball camp.

"My arm and my swing felt good," Patrone said. "Also, yesterday (Tuesday), Ryan and I and the team were hitting good so we thought we'd all hit good."

Pearl River cruised to the title, winning all four games in a commanding way. Pearl River manager Mark Ocasal felt his team was prepared for the Section 4 tournament after playing against a very tough South Orangetown team. He was also pleased with his team's continued fine play.

"The boys carried on what they did in the district tournament, playing solid defense," Ocasal said.

Pearl River 013 330 -- 10-13-0

Eastchester 010 010 -- 2-5-3

RBI -- PR: Kevin Scrima 4, Ryan McLinskey 2, Matt Patrone, Conor Buckhout, Dolan Ocasal; E: Chris Piro, Connor McNamara. 2B -- PR: Ryan McLinskey 2, Dolan Ocasal, Kevin Scrima. HR -- PR: Matt Patrone; E: Connor McNamara. WP -- Matt Patrone. LP -- Connor McNamara.

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Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2010

Section 4 Softball Championships

10-11-year-old

Nanuet beats Cornwall, 5-1 to win Section 4 softball championship

Contreras tossed two-hitter, strikes out seven; state championships being Saturday in Baldwinsville

Tony Pinciaro

TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com

NANUET -- Alana Prosapio recalled that exciting August night in 2008 at Heroes Field in Lake Nanuet like it was yesterday.

The Nanuet 10-11-year-old softball team won the New York State championship in front of an overflow, partisan home crowd. The celebration following the game by that team and the fans lasted well past the post-game ceremony.

"I was here as a fan and I remember how excited the team was when they won and how excited the fans were," said the 12-year-old Prosapio, a seventh-grader-to-be at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School.

Prosapio was hoping that one day she would have the opportunity to win a title on her home field and experience what the 2008 team did. Prosapio would get her chance, and she and her teammates made it a special night once again for Nanuet 10-11-year-old softball.

Behind the excellent pitching of Michaela Contreras, Nanuet defeated Cornwall, 5-1 in the Section 4 Little League softball 10-11-year-old final yesterday.

Nanuet advances to the New York State Championships, beginning Saturday through Wednesday, Aug. 11 at Diane Reeves Memorial Park in Baldwinsville, which is just west of Syracuse. Nanuet will play the Section 5 champion.

Contreras, tossed a two-hitter and struck out seven. Contreras has won all five of Nanuet's game during the all-star season. Contreras helped herself with a two-out, two-run single in the first inning.

Courtney Carbone had two hits and scored a run and Taylor Phelps singled, walked and scored twice.

In the post-game ceremony, five members of the 2008 Nanuet state-title team -- Danielle DiModugno, Jordana Schucker, Theresa Blumenfeld, Alana Calvano and Marisa Calvano -- and its manager -- Joe Calvano -- presented the championship pins to the players.

"This is really exciting," said Phelps, 12, and a seventh-grader-to-be at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School. "This is my first year being an all-star and winning this is amazing."

Nanuet jumped on Cornwall in the first inning as Carbone led off with a bunt base hit and promptly stole second. Cornwall pitcher Nell Pskowski retired Megan Sneeden, but Prosapio got an infield hit, moving Carbone to third. Prosapio then swiped second. Jaclyn Vormittag fouled out to third baseman Rebecca Williams, leaving Pskowski one out away from escaping the inning. However, Contreras would not allow it. After taking a first-pitch strike, Contreras ripped a single to center, scoring Carbone and Prosapio for a 2-0 lead.

"Those two runs in the first inning brought our confidence up," Prosapio said. "Michaela's hit showed us we were going to hit their pitcher and we could win it."

Nanuet increased its lead to 3-0 in the second inning as Phelps walked, stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Pskowski registered two outs, but a throwing error on a Carbone grounder allowed Phelps to score.

Nanuet suffered a major blow in the third inning when its catcher, Sneeden, left the game because she was not feeling well. Prosapio, who caught during her little league season, moved behind the plate to catch Contreras. Prosaopi knew after a few pitches that Contreras was on her game.

"Michaela has that confidence in herself," Prosapio said. "She was very consistent pitching to my glove and I think her confidence kept building up with each pitch."

Even with an approximate 35-minute delay in the game, Contreras was not going to be denied.

Following the first inning, Cornwall manager Andy Pskowski questioned the height of the pitching rubber in the circle and the slight hole in front of it from the pitcher dragging her right foot. The umpires, Nanuet coach Phil Carbone, tournament director Rich Cavera, Nanuet Little League president Rob Schucker and Pskowski met to discuss the question and a solution. Schucker, along with Nanuet Little League boards members Rich Berkery, Brian Condon, Chris Van Schaick and groundskeeper Nick DiBenedetto, worked on the circle, filling in the hole and bringing the pitching rubber even with the dirt.

"Michaela is not easily rattled, especially when she gets in a tempo," Phil Carbone said. "That whole delay could have thrown any pitcher off, but Michaela came right back and did what she wanted to do."

Prosapio can officially forget about last year, when Nanuet was denied a district title by New City.

"After coming so close last year and then to come back this year and win it makes everything 100 times better," Prosapio said.

Phil Carbone has experienced numerous successes as Nanuet's varsity baseball coach and assistant varsity football coach, but this is something special in his eyes.

"This is why you get into coaching and volunteer your time in little league," he said. "This is what the girls dream about and for them to be able to experience this is great."

Nanuet 210 011 -- 5- 7-2

Cornwall 000 100 -- 1-2-2

RBI -- Michaela Contreras 2, Jaclyn Vormittag, Marisa D'Alessandro. WP -- Michaela Contreras. LP -- Nell Pskowski.

Monday, Aug. 2, 2010

Section 4 Softball Championships

10-11-year-olds

Nanuet beats LaGrange, moves to final

Contreras throws four-inning no-hitter

NANUET -- Nanuet erupted for double digits in the first inning and went on to a 13-0 win, in four innings, over LaGrange in a Section 4 Little League softball 10-11-year-old championship game at Lake Nanuet Park.

Nanuet moves on to the Section 4 final tomorrow, 7 p.m. against the LaGrange-Cornwall winner.

Michaela Contreras threw a no-hitter and struck out six. In the second inning Contreras had a put out and two assists.

"Michaela was in a groove today and seemed to get stronger as the game went on," Nanuet manager Phil Carbone said.

Nanuet was patient in the first inning against LaGrange starter Lauren Raylor. As a result, Nanuet coaxed walks and used three hits to score 11 runs. Alexa Amalbert and Mikaela Carey each had RBI singles in the first inning.

"The girls are prepared to attack the strike zone and are smart enough to stay off of pitches out of the zone," Carbone said.

Jaclyn Vormittag drilled a double to the fence in left field in the second inning. Vormittag finished with three RBI and Courtney Carbone scored three runs.

LaGrange 000 0 -- 0-0-0

Nanuet (11)20 x -- 13-5-0

RBI -- Jaclyn Vortmittag 3, Courtney Carbone, Alana Prosapio, Alexa Amalbert, Caroline Wrenn, Mikaela Carey, Michaela Contreras. 2B -- N: Jaclyn Vormittag. WP -- Michaela Contreras.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

Section 4 Baseball Championships

10-11-year-old

DeRubertis, Pearl River shut out Patterson, 6-0

Pearl River to play in Monday final

WALKILL -- Andrew DeRubertis threw shut-out ball and allowed four hits in 5 1/3 innings yesterday as Pearl River beat Patterson, 6-0 in the winners' bracket final of the Section 4 Little League baseball 10-11-year-old championships at Walkill Little League.

Pearl River will await the winner of Patterson-Eastchester in the final, tomorrow, 5:30 p.m.

Pearl River broke from the gate quickly, scoring five runs in the first inning. Ryan McLinskey deposited the second pitch of the game over the fence for a home run. Dolan Ocasal collected the first of his two hits on the day, Kevin Scrima walked and Conor Buckhout singled in Ocasal. Michael LaPoma doubled Pearl River's lead to 4-0 with a double to right field, scoring Scrima and Buckhout. DeRubertis brought home LaPoma with a fielder's choice.

Manager Mark Ocasal credited his Pearl River defense with playing a solid game. He cited rightfielder Mark Russell for making two head-long diving catches and Scrima. The shortstop turned a pair of 6-6-3 double plays.

Pearl River 500 100 -- 6-11-0

Patterson 000 000 -- 0-4-2

RBI -- Michael LaPoma 2, Ryan McLinskey, Kevin Scrima, Conor Buckhout, Andrew DeRubertis. 2B -- PR: Ryan McLinskey, Kevin Scrima, Michael LaPoma, Mark Russell. HR -- PR: Ryan McLinskey. WP -- Andrew DeRubertis.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Section 4 Softball Championships

10-11-year-old

Nanuet to host Section 4 Championships

Play begins tonight with LaGrange-Cornwall

Tony Pinciaro

TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com

Last year, Nanuet was one victory away from winning the District 18 Little League softball 9-10-year-old championship, only to be denied by New City.

Courtney Carbone and her teammates remembered that day, so when the opportunity to win the title presented itself, Nanuet seized it.

Nanuet won the District 18 Little League softball 10-11-year-old title earlier this week, beating Stony Point. Nanuet swept its three games in the tournament by commanding scores.

As a result of its title, Nanuet will be home when the Section 4 Little League softball 10-11-year-old championships begin tomorrow through Wednesday, Aug. 4, at Lake Nanuet Park.

The three-team field is comprised of Nanuet, LaGrange (District 17) and Cornwall (District 19). LaGrange and Cornwall will open tonight, 7:30 p.m. on Heroes Field. Nanuet will play the winner of LaGrange-Cornwall tomorrow, 7:30 p.m.

The Section 4 champion will go to the state championships in Baldwinsville (outside of Syracuse), beginning Saturday, Aug. 7.

Nanuet hosted and won the 2008 New York State Little League softball 10-11-year-old championship, beating Merrick (L.I.), led by Danielle DiModugno and Theresa Blumenfeld.

“We knew what it felt like to be in the other position so we wanted to win it really bad,” said Carbone, a seventh-grader-to-be at A.MacArthur Barr Middle School. “It felt really exciting coming back this season and winning the championship.”

Carbone spearheads an offense that has been giving opposing windmillers headaches. Nanuet scored double-digit runs in its three district games, led by the hard-hitting tandem of Alana Prosapio and Jaclyn Vormittag.

Nanuet is looking forward to playing at home.

“Well we are used to the field and we know what’s going to happen when the ball hits a certain spot,” Carbone said. “Also, we are really excited that we get to play in front of our fans and it’s an advantage because we don't have to travel.”

Nanuet manager Phil Carbone, also the Nanuet varsity baseball coach and Nanuet assistant varsity football and girls’ basketball coaches, likes the team’s commitment.

“Up to this point the girls have worked really hard to get as far as they have,” Carbone said. “They have made many sacrifices with friends, vacations, etc. It is really nice to see them begin to come together as a team and hopefully they get to continue the experience.”

Friday, July 30, 2010

Section 4 Baseball Championships

10-11-year-old

McLinskey, Scrima power Pearl River to 12-0 win

Pearl River advances to winners' bracket final

WALKILL -- Ryan McLinskey had three hits and three RBI and Kevin Scrima belted a two-run homer yesterday as Pearl River beat LaGrange, 12-0, in four innings, of a winners' bracket game in the Section 4 Little League baseball championship at Walkill Little League.

Pearl River will play the winner of Pelham-Patterson in the winners' bracket final tomorrow, 11 a.m.

Pearl River, which has scored 28 runs in its first two games, opened with three runs in the first inning, highlighted by Scrima's home run to left center.

McLinskey doubled twice among his three hits. Andrew Russell added two hits and two RBI and winning pitcher Conor Buckhout had a double among his two hits. Michael LaPoma doubled and drove in a run.

Buckhout (three innings, four strikeouts) and Andrew DeRubertis (one inning) combined on a one-hitter.

Pearl River 302 7 -- 12-13-1
LaGrange 000 0 -- 0-1-3

RBI -- Ryan McLinskey 3, Kevin Scrima 2, Andrew Russell 2, Michael LaPoma, Andrew DeRubertis, C.J. McGee, Tim Urban. 2B -- PR: Ryan McLinskey, Conor Buckhout, Michael LaPoma. HR -- Kevin Scrima. WP -- Conor Buckhout.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Section 4 Baseball Championships

Majors

Wirchansky leads the hit parade as Stony Point wins Section 4 championship

Hits two home runs, drives in six, Pinelli, Greeley homer in 19-5 win over Montgomery

Tony Pinciaro

TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com

ORANGEBURG -- Stony Point came out swinging yesterday against Montgomery, beginning with Dan Wirchansky lacing the first pitch of the game for a single.

That was an omen of what was to come, and that was only in the first inning. When Stony Point was done, with the first inning, it had erupted for eight runs and it would continue.

Wirchansky belted two home runs and Stony Point had four in all as it hammered Montgomery, 19-5 in four innings in the championship game of the Section 4 Little League baseball majors' championship at South Orangetown Little League.

It was the third Section 4 title for this Stony Point team, which won the 10-year-old and 11-year-old divisions the previous two years. Stony Point advances to the New York State championships beginning today through Monday, Aug. 2 at Germonds Park in West Nyack and will open against East Greenbush Castleton (Section 3), 7:45 p.m.

Wirchansky finished 3 for 4, with a pair of three-run blasts, with three runs scored and six RBI as Stony Point amassed 15 hits. Austin Pinelli had a two-run clout in the second inning and finished with three RBI. John Greeley smoked a two-run homer in the third inning. Winning pitcher Frankie Nigro, who allowed two earned runs on four hits in the four innings, had two hits, scored three runs and a RBI and Ben Muller doubled, singled and drove in two runs.

Following the game, Wirchansky was holding his two home-run baseballs as he received congratulations from family and his teammates' parents.

"I was shocked because I never knew I had that much power," said Wirchansky, 13, and an eighth-grader-to-be at Fieldstone Secondary School. "I've barely even had one in a game. Those were only the second and third home runs of my career."

The hit parade continued in the first inning following Wirchansky, with Greeley, Nigro and Tuesday's hero, Billy Rotella, getting hits. Rotella's double to left center scored Wirchansky and Greeley. After Montgomery Ken Cummings got two outs, with Nigro and Rotella scoring, Glen Stila started it up again with a single. Jeff Grosin singled, Muller down the left-field line, scoring pinch runner Rob McFadden, and Wirchansky sent a 2-1 pitch skyward over the right-field fence.

"We have batting practice before every single game and I thought we were ready coming into the game because I saw how good we did in the cage," Wirchansky said.

Greeley felt Stony Point's fast start was a carryover of momentum from its' walk-off 6-4 win Tuesday on Rotella's two-run homer.

"That gave us alot of momentum because we had a great comeback against one of the better teams," said the 13-year-old Greeley, an eighth-grader-to-be at Fieldstone Secondary School. "After we lost to them we thought about what that was like and it made us come out more hungry to win. We came in here today wanting to go to states again."

And Stony Point wanted to hit. Pinelli hit a monstrous two-run homer in the second, clearing the fence in left center by at least 25 feet. Greeley followed in the third with poke over the center-field fence. Pinelli's and Greeley's home runs came with two outs.

"They had their hitting shoes on," Montgomery manager Paul Cummings said. "Every one of their kids stepped to the plate and crushed the ball. And it didn't stop. Hats off to them."

A reserved Stony Point manager Brian Coyle, who missed Tuesday's game because of a death in his family, cited his team for a great effort, especially Wirchansky.

"They knew they had their backs up against the wall and with last night's win, they wanted to keep the momentum going and they did," Coyle said. "This is what we've been waiting for. We've been getting alot of singles, so we worked with them on driving the ball and tonight, everyone was driving the ball.

"Dan is a fantastic kid with a great attitude. He had one of thise magical nights he will never forget."

Stony Point 822 7 -- 19-15-0

Montgomery 302 0 -- 5-3-3

RBI -- SP: Dany Wirchansky 6, Austin Pinelli 3, Billy Rotella 2, John Greeley 2, Frankie Nigro, Ben Muller, Brian Bohlander, Jeff Grosin; M: Brett Jennings 2, Rudy Gervolino 2. 2B -- SP: Billy Rotella, Ben Muller; M:Brett Jennings 2. HR -- SP: Dan Wirchansky 2, Austin Pinelli, John Greeley; M: Rudy Gervolino. WP -- Frankie Nigro. LP -- Ken Cummings.

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Section 4 Baseball Championships

10-11-year-old

Eleven-run first innings gives Pearl River 16-8 win over Eastchester

McLinskey, Buckhout homer in 11-run uprising

WALKILL -- Ryan McLinskey and Conor Buckhout each ripped home runs as Pearl River used a big first-inning surge to beat Eastchester, 16-8 in a New York State Little League baseball 10-11-year-old championships first-round game at Walkill Little League.

Pearl River plays LaGrange (District 17) tonight, 5:30 p.m. in a winners' bracket game.

After Eastchester grabbed a 4-0 lead in its half of the first, thanks to a Frank Calabro grand slam, Pear River answered with a tidal wave of runs.

McLinskey belted a three-run homer and Buckhout added a two-run clout in an 11-run first inning. McLinskey finished with five RBI and Buckhout had three.

Kevin Scrima had three hits, including a solo rip in the sixth, and Michael LaPoma added two hits and two RBI.

RBI --E: Frank Calabro 7; PR: Ryan McLinskey 5, Conor Buckhout 3, Michael LaPoma 2, Kevin Scrima, Matt Patrone, Mark Russell, C.J. McGee, Tim Urban. 2B -- PR: Kevin Scrima, Michael LaPoma. HR -- E: Frank Calabro 2; PR: Ryan McLinskey, Kevin Scrima, Conor Buckhout. WP -- Matt Patrone. LP -- Frank Calabro.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Section 4 Baseball Championships

Majors

Rotella walk-off home run gives Stony Point 6-4 win over Montgomery

Decisive game tonight, 5:30 p.m. at South Orangetown

ORANGEBURG -- Billy Rotella smoked a two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the sixth inning yesterday, giving Stony Point a 6-4 win over Montgomery in the District 18 Little League baseball 10-11-year-old championship series at South Orangetown Little League.

The win forces a decisive game tonight, 5:30 p.m. at South Orangetown Little League. The champion will move on to the New York State Championships beginning Thursday, July 29 at Germonds Park in West Nyack.

Montgomery, which had beaten Stony Point, 5-3 in the winners' bracket final earlier in the week, led 4-0 after two innings before Stony Point stormed back.

With one out in the sixth, Frankie Nigro singled and Rotella followed with the game-winning hit.

Brian Bohlander had a two-run single in the third inning, bringing Stony Point to within two runs at 4-2. Stony Point evened the score in the fourth with two runs.

Dan Wirchansky threw two scoreless innings of relief to earn the win.

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Section 4 Baseball Championships

10-11-year-old

Pearl River opens today in the Section 4 Championships at Walkill

District 18 champs face Harrison in first round

WALKILL -- Pearl River will begin defense of its Section 4 Little League baseball 10-11-year-old championship today when it opens against District 20's Harrison, 5:30 p.m. at Walkill Little League.

The tournament runs today through Tuesday, Aug. 3. The Section 4 champion will advance to the New York State Championships in Troy, commencing Saturday, Aug. 7.

Pearl River won the District 18 title Sunday on a walk-off two-run single by Matt Patrone in the bottom of the sixth inning. This capped a two-out, three-run rally.

The other first-round game, also at 5:30 p.m., will be Patterson (District 33) vs. Newburgh (District 19).

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Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Section 4 Championships-Baseball

Majors

Greeley's four hits help Stony Point win slugfest over Briarcliff, 19-8

Winners to play Montgomery tonight, 7 p.m.

ORANGEBURG -- John Greeley had four hits and Billy Rotella collected three hits and drove in three runs yesterday as Stony Point outslugged Briarcliff, 19-8 in the losers' bracket final of the Section 4 Little League baseball majors' championship at South Orangetown Little League.

Stony Point will play Montgomery in the final tonight, 6 p.m. at South Orangetown. Stony Point must beat Montgomery to force another game, Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

The teams combined for 35 hits, with Stony Point amassing 22.

The score was even at 3-3 after one inning, before Stony Point erupted for six runs in the second inning and three in the third to take a 12-5 lead.

Austin Pinelli drove in three runs and Eric Sandusky went 2 for 2 with two RBI. Reliev pitcher Mike Martinez threw 2 2/3 score-less innings. He entered the game with the bases loaded and no out in the fourth inning.

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Sunday, July 26, 2010

Section 4 Championships-Baseball

Seniors

Briarcliff sends Haverstraw to 15-5 defeat

BRIARCLIFF -- Briarcliff jumped out early and went on to a 15-5 win over Haverstraw in a winners' bracket game yesterday at the Section 4 Little League baseball senior championships at Briarcliff High School.

This was Haverstraw's first loss of the all-star season. Haverstraw will play in the losers' bracket final tonight, 5:15 p.m. against Walkill (District 19). The winner moves on to face Briarcliff for the title tomorrow, 5:15 p.m.

Briarcliff scored three runs in the first inning. Haverstraw manager Matt Iametti said his team closed to within 7-4, but Briarcliff responded.

"We talked after the game and the guys were dejected, but by the end of the talk they all bonded and said they were ready to go again," Iametti said. "One positive that we took away is that we didn't waste alot of our arms. We have the pitchers to come back."

Mike Vigliotti went 3 for 3 with an RBI and Kevin Richardson smacked a two-run triple in the fourth inning for Haverstraw.

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Sunday, July 25, 2010

Section 4 Championships-Baseball

Seniors

Late-inning surge gives Haverstraw a 6-4 win over Walkill

Patel delivers key hit, finished with four RBI, Michelitch scatters six hits

BRIARCLIFF -- Haverstraw scored five runs in the last three innings yesterday, sending it to a 6-4 win over Walkill (District 19) in a Section 4 Little League baseball championship senior division game at Briarcliff High School.

Haverstraw will play today, 11:45 a.m. against an opponent yet-to-be determined.

Rohan Patel had three hits, including a huge two-run double in the sixth inning, and had four RBI. Winning pitcher Bobby Michelitch went the distance, overcoming the oppressive heat to scatter six hits and allow one earned run.

Haverstraw trailed 3-0 after two innings and was down one, 3-2 entering the sixth inning.

"We told the guys that in order for us to win this tournament, we were going to have to face adversity," Haverstraw manager Matt Iametti said. "We were never in this position during the district tournament, but the guys responded big time."

Entering the sixth inning, Danny Urena opened with a single and was replaced by pinch runner Tony Moreno. After an out, Nick Gregoriades walked. Both runners moved up a base on a ground out and with two outs, Patel lined a single over the shortstop's head, bringing in Moreno and Gregoriades.

"Timely hits, especially with two outs, can be the difference between winning and losing a game," Iametti said. "Rohan is the guy we want to be up there in that situation. He already had a couple of hits before that."

Haverstraw added two insurance runs in the seventh. With one out, Jimmy McEntee crushed a single off the center-field fence. Lord Gomez followed with a double down the left-field line scoring Moreno, who was pinch running for McEntee. Justin Matos singled in Gomez with two outs. Iametti pointed out that McEntee, Gomez and Matos were a collective 0 for 9 to that point, but made adjustments and produced in a big spot.

Haverstraw committed two errors in the second inning, leading to the three runs. Michelitch was stingy the remainder of the game though.

"We told Bobby he had to dig a little deeper and he did," Iametti said. "Bobby settled down and was getting the ground outs and pop ups."

Kevin Richardson had two hits and Moreno scored twice for Haverstraw.

Haverstraw 001 012 2 -- 6-10-3

Walkill 030 000 1 -- 4-6-1

RBI -- Hv: Rohan Patel 4, Justin Matos, Lord Gomez; W: Hughes, Bjaelker, Truex. 2B -- Hv: Rohan Patel, Lord Gomez; W: Truex. WP -- Bobby Michelitch. LP -- Thomas.

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Section 4 Championships-Baseball

Majors

Montgomery gives Stony Point its first loss with five-run second inning, 5-3

Stony Point sent to losers' bracket

ORANGEBURG -- Montgomery did something late yesterday that no other team can claim during this all-star season -- beat Stony Point.

Montgomery scored five runs in the second inning and Rudy Gervolino made it stand up in a 5-3 win over Stony Point in the winners' bracket final at South Orangetown Little League.

Stony Point will play the Wappingers American (District 17)-Briarcliff (Disitrct 33) winner in the losers' bracket final tomorrow, 7 p.m.

Donovam Murphy's two-run homer highlighted the five-run second inning. Gervolino also had a run-scoring single in the second.

John Greeley scored on a passed ball in the third inning for Stony Point and later added two-run homer in the fifth inning.

Stony Point 001 020 -- 3-5-1

Montgomery 050 00x -- 5-5-1

RBI -- SP: John Greeley 2; M: Donovan Murphy 2, Rudy Gervolino, Cullen Dana. 3B -- M: Cullen Dana. HR -- SP: John Greeley; M: Donovan Murphy. WP -- Rudy Gervolino.

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Friday, July 23, 2010

Section 4 Championships-Softball

Minors

Stony Points hits its way to 11-5 win over Brewster and Section 4 title

Carey drives in three runs, Stony Point going to state championships

Tony Pinciaro

TonyP@RocklandSportsNews.com

VALHALLA -- Through two innings yesterday, Stony Point's hard-hitting bats were uncharacteristically silent.

Stony Point manager Robert Alonso was not worried though. He knew that his team was going to awaken and, when it did, Stony Point would swing its way right back into the game.

The awakening occured in the third inning and it continued the remainder of the game as Stony Point scored in each of the last four innings for an 11-5 victory over Brewster in the Section 4 Little League softball minors championship game at Pat Henry Field.

Stony Point advances to the New York State Championships beginning tomorrow through Tuesday at Fredonia Little League. Stony Point opens Saturday, 2:30 p.m. against the Section 5 champion.

"It feels really good," said winning pitcher Victoria Alonso, 11, and sixth-grader-to-be at Willow Groove Middle School. "We've never won a championship like this before and no Stony Point girls' team ever got this far."

Alonso initiated the four-run third-inning uprising with a lead-off single. Stony Point collected five hits in the inning, including a double from catcher Danielle Chiorazzi, and took the lead for good at 5-2.

"Coach Paul (Chiorazzi) is our hitting coach and he worked with us," said 10-year-old Rebecca Carey, a sixth-grader-to-be at Farley Middle School. "He told me that I had to open up my stance more. He helped us all and we all hit better."

Carey had two hits and drove in three runs. Second baseman Leann Pulcino had two hits, as did Alonso, who scored four runs.

After Alonso opened the third inning with a single, Brewster pitcher Mikayla Carey registered an out. Celia Santini singled to left and Chiorazzi followed with a double to right center, scoring Alonso to even the score at 2-2. Carey lined a single to center, chasing home Santini and moving Chiorazzi to third. Pulcino beat out a bunt for a base hit, with Chiorazzi going home on the throw to first, and Carey scored the fourth run on a wild pitch.

"That gave us confidence that we knew we could hit," said Carey of the four-run third inning.

Brewster answered back with two runs in the bottom of the inning, but Stony Point rebounded with two runs in the top of the fourth inning on a RBI single from Santini, scoring Alonso, and Carey ground out, bringing in Santini.

In the bottom of the fourth, Brewster had a run in and Julia Borsari was on third, following a double and wild pitch, with two outs. Taylor Riccardi hit a soft fly ball to shallow right field that was on its way toward becoming a hit. Stony Point right fielder Lisa Chizmadia came charging in to her left and made the catch to steal a hit and keep the score, 7-5.

"That was huge," said Robert Alonso of Chizmadia's grab. "Lisa is a talented player and she is our go-to girl in the outfield."

Victoria Alonso, who relieved starter Brianna Williams to start the second inning, earned the win. Alonso allowed three runs, two earned, on four hits and struck out three in five innings. Alonso said she benefitted from the four-plus innings, allowing one run, she threw against Brewster in Tuesday's 8-7 extra-inning loss.

"It helped me because I knew what they had and I knew what I had to do," Alonso said. "In the fourth inning I felt I had my rhythm because I was throwing strikes."

Robert Alonso was impressed with his daughter's approach.

"Victoria had the attitude that she was wanted the ball," he said. "I told her to focus on Bella's (Chiorazzi) glove and that's what she did."

Pulcino closed out the game for Stony Point making a fine play at second base. Pulcino went to her right, fielded a hard-hit Riccardi ground ball and from her knees, just to the Brewster catcher.

"This feels really, really good," said Carey, with a huge smile on her face, about going to the state championships. "This was a huge win for us because Brewster is a great team."

Brewster manager Joe Dovi commended Stony Point and his girls for a fine season.

"Stony Point came to hit and they made the plays in the field," Dovi said. "I think Stony Point was the best team we played all year. We just lost to the better team today.

"Our girls improved leaps and months with each month and I am very, very proud of every girl on this team."

Stony Point 104 222 -- 11-10-2

Brewster 202 100 -- 5-4-0

RBI -- SP: Rebecca Carey 3, Victoria Alonso, Danielle Chiorazzi, Leann Pulcino, Celia Santini; Bw: Mikayla Koehler 2, Jill Pino. 2B -- SP: Danielle Chiorazzi; Bw: Julia Borsari, Taylor Riccardi. WP -- Victoria Alonso.

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Section 4 Championships-Baseball

Majors

Stony Point rallies to 6-4 win over Ardsley, moves on to winners' bracket final

Nigro homers, drives in two, Greeley strikes out 16

ORANGEBURG -- Stony Point was facing its first deficit of the all-star season yesterday, trailing by three runs to Ardsley in the third inning.

This was new territory for Stony Point, which has taken charge of games early since the all-star season began. Stony Point did not panic as it scored five runs in the next three innings for a 6-4 win over the District 20 titlist in a winners' bracket game at the Section 4 Little League baseball majors championship at South Orangetown Little League.

Stony Point will play District 19's Montgomery in the winners' bracket final tomorrow, 8 p.m. Montgomery advanced with an 8-1 win over Wappingers American. Montgomery has allowed one run in its two victories.

Winning pitcher John Greeley struck out 16, including nine consecutive during one stretch, and yielded two hits in 5 2/3 innings. Flame-throwing lefty Dan Wirchansky registered the final out for the save.

Stony Point was down, 4-1 going into the bottom of the third inning, before scoring twice in the third and fourth innings and adding an insurance run in the fifth.

In the fourth inning, Austin Pinelli doubled in Glen Stila with the tieing run and pinch runner Rob McFadden scored the go-ahead run on a Ben Muller ground out.

Frankie Nigro, who smacked a solo home run in the second inning, added the sixth run with a RBI single, plating Billy Rotella, who had singled ahead of him.

"It was a great little league game to watch with two great pitchers on the mound battling it out," Stony Point manager Brian Coyle said. "I'm sure it was enjoyable as a fan, but stressful as a coach. We came back tonight with some clutch hitting and terrfic baserunning."

Ardsley pitcher Dylan Resk had a two-run single in a four-run third inning.

Ardsley 004 000 -- 4-2-2

Stony Point 012 21x -- 6-5-1

RBI -- A: Dylan Resk 2; SP: Frankie Nigro 2, Austin Pinelli, Billy Rotella, Ben Muller. 2B -- SP: Austin Pinelli. HR -- SP: Frankie Nigro

WP -- John Greeley. Save -- Dan Wirchansky.

Section 4 Championships - Baseball

Minors

Five-run sixth inning propels Stony Point to Section 4 championship

Victors defeat New Rochelle, 10-5, advance to state championships

PATTERSON -- Stony Point was facing an unfamiliar situation going into the sixth inning of the Section 4 Little League baseball minors championship against New Rochelle yesterday.

The score was tied, something Stony Point had not experienced in three prior games. In fact, two of the three games never made it to the sixth inning because Stony Point led by 10 or more runs and the mercy rule was enforced.

So, how did Stony Point react to this scare from the District 21 champion, it erupted for five runs in the top of the sixth inning and that was the difference in a 10-5 victory at Peckham Field.

Stony Point, which went 4-0 in the tournament, and advanced to the New York State Championship, beginning Saturday, July 24 through Wednesday, July 28, in West Leyden (Lewis County), N.Y. West Leyden is located north of Rome, N.Y. and east of Watertown, N.Y.

Raymond Pacella opened the inning with a walk and would come around to score. Stephen Greeley and John Freeman had RBI singles and Joshua VonHolt had a run-scoring triple.

Stephen Greeley went 5 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on six hits and he struck out six to earn the win. Greeley also had two hits. Brian Wholey, Chris Cooney, Freeman and VonHolt also had two hits. Pacella had a two-run double in the fourth inning, scoring Kyle Strassburg and Cooney and Wholey doubled in John John Morina in the fifth inning.

Collin Musto had a RBI single in the first inning and Dylan Jones collected a RBI in the second inning.

In other Section 4 tournament action, heavy rains forced the Brewster-Stony Point Little League softball championship game to be suspended in the top of the second inning. The game will resume today, 5:45 at Kenisco Little League (Pat Henry Field) with two outs, a 2-2 count on Stony Point's Brianna Impellittiri and Brewster leading 2-1.

The two winners' bracket games at South Orangetown Little League in the Section 4 Little League baseball majors' were rained out. Montgomery will face Wappingers American at 6 p.m. and Ardsley has Stony Point at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 20, 2010

Section 4 Championships - Softball

Minors

Run in the seventh inning gives Brewster walk-off win, 8-7, over Stony Point

Teams to play for championship, 5:45 p.m. at Kensico Little League field in Valhalla

VALHALLA -- Brewster scored with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning yesterday for an 8-7 win over Stony Point in the Section 4 Little League softball championships at Pat Henry Field.

The teams will play for the Section 4 title tomorrow, 5:45 p.m. at the same site. It was Stony Point's first loss of the tournament, after it beat Brewster, 3-2 last Sunday.

"Sure, we experienced an heartbreak, but we can rebound from this," Stony Point manager Robert Alonso said. "We told the girls that when you suffer defeat, you learn from your mistakes and feed off of it."

Celia Santini went 4 for 4 and drove in two runs for Stony Point. Danielle Chiorazzi had two hits and two RBI and Victoria Alonso and Brianna Williams contributed two hits apiece.

Stony Point scored five runs in the top of the first inning, only to have Brewster answer with five of its' own. Stony Point regained the lead with a run in the top of the second, but Brewster grabbed the lead back with two runs in its half of the inning. Stony Point would even the score at 7-7 in the fourth inning as Santini doubled, stole third and then stole home.

Alonso, who relieved Williams to start the third inning, surrendered one run on three hits and struck out six in 4 1/3 innings.

In baseball, Stony Point will play the winner of Harrison-New Rochelle today, 5:30 in the championship at Peckham Field in Patterson. The losers' bracket final between Harrison and New Rochelle was washed out Monday so it was played yesterday."

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Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Section 4 Championships - Baseball

Majors

Section 4 Majors baseball championship hosted by South Orangetown Little League

Stony Point opens tonight against District 21 champion

The South Orangetown Little League complex will be the host site for the Section 4 Little League majors' baseball championship, opening toinght and running through Monday, July 26.

The Section 4 champion will advance to the New York State Championships, which will be hosted by West Nyack Little League at Germonds Park. The state championships will go from July 29-August 2.

Stony Point is among the six-team field which includes Briarcliff (District 33), Wappingers American (Disrict 17), Montgomery (District 19), Ardsley (District 20) and Pelham (District 21). Montgomery and Briarcliff will open the championships at 6 p.m., followed by Stony Point playing Pelham. Ardsley and Wappingers American received first-round byes.

Along with South Orangetown hosting a championship, Haverstraw Little League will be the site for the Senior softball championships, beginning Saturday, July 24 through Tuesday, July 28. Haverstraw is the defending state champion.

The Stony Point minors softball and baseball teams can take a step toward a state title with wins today. Stony Point will play Brewster, 7 p.m. at Kensico Little League in Valhalla in the Section 4 minors softball championship. Brewster earned a rematch with Stony Point following a 3-1 win over Eastchester yesterday in the losers' bracket final. Stony Point rallied to beat Brewster, 3-2 Sunday on a Celia Santini two-run single in the bottom of the sixth inning. A Stony Point win sends it to the state championship while a Brewster victory would force a deciding game.

The Stony Point minors' baseball team will meet the winner of Harrison-New Rochelle in the final today, 5:30 p.m. at Peckham Field in Patterson. Like the Stony Point softball team, a baseball win earns it a berth in the state championships.

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Section 4 Championships - Softball

Minors

Santini walk-off two-run single lifts Stony Point over Brewster, 3-2

Two-run rally in sixth inning gives Stony Point a berth in the final

VALHALLA -- Twice before during this District 18 all-star season, Stony Point found itself trailing in its last at-bat, and both times it came out of the dugout swinging.

Stony Point rallied to a victory over Haverstraw during the District 18 tournament, then scored twice to even the score with New City and force extra innings in the first game of the championship series. Even though New City beat Stony Point in this game, Stony Poing Robert Alonso stressed that his girls never quit.

Going into its final at-bat yesterday, Stony Point trailed Brewster by one run, but came charging back and Celia Santini capped it with a two-out two-run single, giving Stony Point a 3-2 victory in the winners' bracket final at Kenisco Little League.

Stony Point will play the Brewster-Eastchester winner Tuesday, 7 p.m. at Sherman Park Little League. The Brewster-Eastchester losers' bracket final is tonight, 7 p.m. at Kensico Little League.

"The girls have big-time heart and never say never," Stony Point manager Robert Alonso said. "I gathered the girls up before their at-bat and told them that they did it against Haverstraw and New City so there was no reason why they couldn't do it again, and they sure did it."

With two outs and Victoria Alonso on third and Danielle Chiorazzi on second, Santini ripped a single up the middle to bring home her teammates.

Brianna Williams tossed a one-hitter -- a fifth-inning bunt -- and struck out 10.

"Brianna was just lights out," Alonso said. "She was outstanding."

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Baseball - Minors

Stony Point hits its way into the final with 13-2 win over Harrison

Behind 15 hits, victors advance to Tuesday's final

PATTERSON -- Chris Cooney, Steven Greeley and Raymond Pacella each had two hits yesterday as Stony Point defeated Harrison, 13-2 in five innings of the Section 4 Little League baseball minors winners' bracket game at Peckham Field.

Stony Point will await the losers' bracket representative in the final Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Pacella earned the win, throwing two-hit ball and striking out five in four innings. Stony Point has outscored its three opponents, 37-6.

Trailing 2-1 after the first inning, Stony Point scored five runs in the second inning. Pete Lombardi and Josh VonHolt doubled in the inning and Cooney and Pacella both singled. Michael Bahrs would add a two-run double in the fifth inning.

Stony Point 152 14 -- 13-15-0

Harrison 200 00 -- 2-2-0

RBI -- SP: Michael Bahrs 2. 2B -- SP: Steven Greeley, Collin Musto, Pete Lombardi, Michael Barhs; H: Coppola. WP -- Raymond Pacella.

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