The Modell’s Lions defeated the Greg’s Tire and Auto Mets in extra innings this past Thursday, 14-11, and won the best-of-three series for the championship of the Glen Oaks Little League Majors division.
With Joey Caraballo on base, Anthony Meo hit a home run to right center that gave the Lions a 12-10 lead. Those two runs decided the game for the Lions.
The Lions came to this game with a one-game-to-none advantage and sent Steven Trummer to the mound in search of the victory and the championship. Trummer pitched a scoreless two first innings and had plenty of support from his offense after they had already scored six runs in the three innings of the game.
But the Mets were strong during their turn in the fourth when they scored five times. The scoring was highlighted by a two-run triple off the bat of Mike Costanzo, who had a superb evening, going 4-for-4 with a homer and four RBIs.
It was a back-and-forth battle until the extra seventh inning, when the Lions scored four times. Joey Caraballo led off with a single to left and, followed by Meo’s homer, the Lions scored two more times on consecutive singles by Stephen Leccese, Michael Levy, Joe Feisel and Randeep Singh, who earlier made a leaping catch that probably saved the game for the Lions.
Stephen Leccese was called to finish the game, but things continued to be difficult for the Lions. Tyler Brodney reached base on a catcher’s interference, Eddy Dillon struck out for the first out of the inning, and Anthony LoGuidice hit a hard line to the middle for a single.
With two runners on base, Tommy Clarkson hit another hard drive to the middle, but a diving Joey Caraballo snagged the ball in the air and simultaneously flipped the ball to second baseman Meo for a game-ending double play. This play gave the Modell’s Lions the game and a hard-earned championship.
Everyone on both teams deserved a standing ovation for putting on a great show to the delight of all in attendance. These young players played like pros, all agreed. Also a lot of credit to the managers and coaches, manager Bob Kruczowy, coaches Tony Costanzo, Brodney and Mandrin for the Mets and manager Hector Caraballo, coaches Tony Meo, John Leccese and score-keeper Theresa Caraballo for the Lions. They all did an outstanding job with the kids.
Congratulations to the Modell’s Lions 2003 Glen Oaks Little League Majors Division champions!
Senator Frank Padavan BlueJays take first-round playoff at New Hyde Park
The Senator Frank Padavan BlueJays held off New Hyde Park 1, 13-10, in first-round playoff action Tuesday, June 17, at New Hyde Park. Pitchers Nicole Epstein and Alexis Namit allowed only five hits and struck out 13 in seven innings.
Namit struck out the side in the fourth inning and held New Hyde Park scoreless in three of four innings. The BlueJays took a 7-4 lead going into their last at-bat, scoring six runs. But New Hyde Park answered back in its last at-bat, matching the BlueJays top half of the inning output, apparently benefiting from a tighter strike zone in its final at-bat.
Lorey Giblin added another fine catch in center field to go with a run scored, one knocked home and two steals. Shortstop Kaitlyn Smith stroked three hits, scored twice, stole two bases and drove in two runs. Cynthia Johnson played steady at first base and blasted three hits, scoring once and knocking two home. Catcher Marisa Bearak, leftfielder Jenifer Johnson and Tara McCullagh, who played third base, each had a hit, a run scored and a run batted in.
Ellen Moskowitz laid down two nice bunts and scored once. Outfielder Jessica Gauthier was all deuces, adding two hits, two steals, two runs scored and two RBIs. Alexis Namit again stole home, part of four steals on two hits, and had two RBIs. Nicole Epstein’s three hits included a double, a run scored and one run batted in with three steals.
Managers Corey Bearak and Glen Johnson and coach Ira Epstein praised the aggressive play of The Senator Padavan BlueJays, who blasted 17 hits in 26 at-bats, walked on four times and stole 15 bases. The BlueJays advance to a second-round game against Merillon 1 at Merillon Field in New Hyde Park.
Hunan Cafe Twins batte McDonald’s Royals
On June 20, the McDonald’s Royals faced the Hunan Cafe Twins at the Oval in Glen Oaks. The game was a four-inning contest shortened due to darkness. The Royals offense was potent once again, with Josh Persaud and Conall Ryan getting three hits and scoring three runs apiece.
Conor Maher and Mark Spano each had three RBIs. Devon Brenner and Jimmy Curran also contributed to the scoring with key hits throughout the game. The defense was awesome, as usual, shutting out the Twins for three of the four innings. Christopher Behr, Ryan Perez, Sean Brodersen, Michael Ciminera, Robert Groth and Billy Burkart made great plays.
Paul Benoit sparked the defense with a terrific play at second. The Twins defense was stupendous, making great plays one after the other that were worthy of the highlight reel on ESPN. These two teams really enjoy playing one another, complimenting each other after every great play or hit.
The season is winding down and if it were up to the boys, they would want to play until school starts again. The attendance at each of the Little League games this year has been great despite the weather. Thank you for your support.
Met Food Brewers turn triple play
On Friday, June 20, the Farm team Brewers pulled off one of the rarest plays in all of baseball, a triple play, which was turned by third baseman Nicky Fabella. It was unassisted. With the bases loaded he caught a line drive and then stepped on third for two outs. He then tagged out a runner going from second to third. It was a very exciting play, and for an 8-year-old to have the presence of mind to pull it off was amazing.
The Brewers also turned in an impressive offensive performance by scoring 17 runs, led once again by T.J. Miller and Frank Marchione. Justin Tuminello had two hits, as did Danny Medina and Johnathan Shwartz. Petey Lymberpolous had three hits in addition to his usual slick fielding at first base. Jesse Scala also had three hits and is improving at second base.
This was the last scheduled game for the boys, although they had two games missed because of the weather. We hope we can get at least one of the games we missed rescheduled, so keep coming to the Oval and watching all the excitement.
