Monday, June 23---It’s time for teams to put it into high gear as the opening round of the spring 2014 playoffs hit off-the-chart performances from all four contenders. It looked like the championship game in both games as players were sacrificing their bodies, laying it all on the line to step to the next level needed in order to succeed. Unfortunately there had to be a losing side because both sides played like winners.
#1 seed Where My Pitches At? defeats #4 seed Farkle 14 to 10
The early game of the night was the #1 seed Where My Pitches At? vs. #4 seed Farkle. Farkle came into the playoffs riding a 5 game winning streak. Their season turned around from their two power houses of Sean Byrnes and Rob Lennon, who were very wise to wait when runners were on base to go yard. Sean hit two monster and I mean monster shots to right field hitting the apartment building on one bounce. His teammate Rob Lennon is continuing to make a strong case to why he should become the league MVP going 5 for 5 with a homerun.
Where My Pitches At? was able to wither the storm of homeruns by putting together a 10 run 4th inning. The team collectively hit from top to bottom especially Marsha Melnyk, Britany Godsell, Kristen Goncalves, and Kaitlin Foley. They all knocked in an RBI during their colossal inning. The power was provided by Jason Ross, Greg Fuchs, and Ward Sandler. Ross had back to back triples in the inning as Greg and Ward both gave the outfield fans two souvenir balls, as their homeruns went into the playground.
There was drama in the top of the 9th inning as Farkle had bases loaded with 2 outs with Rob Lennon on deck. Pitches’ 1st baseman Marsha Melnyk didn’t want to give Rob the opportunity to become a hero. Marsha made a great play on a hard hit ground ball and raced to 1st base beating the runner for the final out.
#2 seed Slingers defeated #3 seed Big League Brews 9 to 6
The game was tied 3 to 3 going into the bottom of the 5th inning between the Big League Brews and the Slingers. Brew Matt Pizzolato and Kevin O'Shea had outstanding games offensively and defensively for the Brews. Kevin went 3 for 5 with a homerun, but his 3rd base skills were unmatched. Kevin made diving play after diving play to keep his team in the game. Matt is in the MVP race alongside Farkle Rob Lennon. Matt had a tremendous 2014 season on the field and he didn’t buckle under the playoff pressure. Matt went 3 for 4 with 2 homeruns and hall of famer Ozzie Smith would be proud of how Matt played the shortstop position.
Slinger Katie Burns and Lauren Canonico broke the 3 to 3 tie in the bottom of the 5th inning starting the offensive rally. It was soon followed by Jesse Duanno and Jason Orr’s homeruns. Jason’s bomb was one of the longest homeruns hit this season. It went over the yellow apartment building in left field. When the Slingers added shortstop James A’s two double plays into the mix, it was a playoff recipe for success.
The championship match is set for the Hoboken Coed Rec Division. #1 seed Where My Pitches At? will be taking on the #2 seed Slingers. ABL hopes all can attend this highly anticipated match up.
Tag(s): Home '15 Coed Spring League
