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Guts Without Glory (Yet)

11/10/2017, 11:15am EST
By Rob Gray

Black Mambas battle all kinds of adversity and finish the season strong with a sweep of NB Warriors.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH -- GARFIELD, NJ -- The Black Mambas entered the day without much to play for, having already been eliminated from the playoffs, but don’t tell them that.  On Sunday, they took on the NB Warriors, who had been just one game behind them in the standings.  Playing for pride, Black Mambas steamrolled their opponent in game 1 and cruised to victory in game 2 to sweep the doubleheader.

            It was a day marred by a consistent, light rainfall but, nonetheless, the heart of a champion was on full display.  Despite the elements and adversity, Black Mambas showed their guts. 

John Ta..ra..bo…….Wookiie played basically on one leg, having returned from a devastating knee injury.  Legend says it was a dislocation of the knee, could be a meniscus or ligament tear(s), or I even heard there could have been a prosthetic hiding under there. In any case, the pitcher/slugger put on a show.  He made sure his team never trailed after the first inning of game 1, went an impressive 3 for 4 with 5 RBI’s in that game, and even made an excellent defensive play, hopping off the mound with cat-like agility in game 2 despite the hobbled knee. 

As if this wasn’t enough, catcher Annie Radoian took a foul ball to the head on a scary play during game 1.  Need a break?  Shed a tear?  Nah, F#@% that!  What does she do?  Just jumps back behind the plate in time for the next pitch, finishes the inning, and proceeds to hit 4 for 5 with 4 runs and 2 RBI’s, that’s all.  John Coyne battled a toe injury at catcher in game 2 after a hard slide on a play at the plate.  The toe received no love or sympathy with what his teammates were dealing with though.  Nick Rizzolo was also a menace on the basepaths.  The wheels were on full display.

            There were a number of top performers for the Black Mambas.  Obviously, John Tarabokija and Annie Radoian showed their true grit and talents, particularly in game 1.  The team also saw 8 of their 12 batters hit .500 or better over the two games, including Annie, Daniel Alaimo, Mike Mirakian, Edwin Parra, and Mike Sims.  Brian Radoian went a combined 6 for 8 at the plate with 7 runs and 7 RBI’s.  He crushed two homeruns and made a number of excellent defensive plays at second base.  Kedwin Parra stole the show on offense though, also slugging 2 homeruns in his 6 for 7 effort that included a walk, 3 runs, and 7 RBI’s.  After the high from a game 1 victory sufficiently wore off, Chris Alia was able to step in for game 2.  He went 3 for 3 at the plate, including a double and a homerun, and added a run and 3 RBI’s to his statline.

            It was a good day and excellent finish to the season for the Black Mambas.  They put on a hitting clinic and showed off their defensive prowess behind John and Brian, stunning the potent NB Warriors offense.  They finished the season on a 4 game win streak and really showing what they’re made of.  The glory may have alluded them this season, but look for them to build on these performances and make serious runs in the coming seasons.  If they keep playing with the same amount of heart and grit, the success will have no choice but to follow.  Congratulations on a hard-fought season and a strong finish.  We look forward to seeing you again!

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