Here's a story from earlier this month....

SUNDAY, August 3---Smack My Pitch Up is making some noise in the Hoboken West Division as they are climbing up the standings after defeating Guardians of Ga'hool 13 to 3.  More than half way through the team’s 2nd season, Smack My Pitches Up has settled down and made the necessary adjustments in taking their game to the next level.

The team offensively is hitting their stride especially spring all-star Marty Ventrella and Matthew Manning.  Marty is deadly at the lead off spot as he is currently tied in the league lead with 13 hits and among the top players in RBIs and runs.  His teammate Matthew Manning is not far behind Marty in the league leading stats categories.  Matthew is true team player as he unselfishly volunteers to sit out to give his teammates more playing time, meanwhile he still totals in hits and runs among the league’s best.

In addition to the team’s offensive success, spring all-star Dierdre D'Errico has been phenomenal on the mound.  Pitching is extremely vital to having success in the league and it sometimes can be overlooked by the big glove plays.  Dierdre has been a staple to her team as she has only allowed 6 walks in 27 innings pitched.  Her whip is among the league’s best at 1.93.

It is always beneficial to the pitcher when having faith in their supporting cast out on the field.  On Sunday’s game against Guardians of Ga’hool, shortstop Pat Tartaro made an outstanding play on a hard hit ball up the middle to get the out at 1st.  His teammate Allison Pasick is making batters think twice when hitting the ball her way.  Allison has a cannon for an arm and this lethal weapon has claimed many victims.

Former goal tender for Penn State University Chris Matteo made two pivotal glove saves to keep his team in the game.  This time it wasn’t in the crease, but on the diamond.  The 3rd baseman for Smack My Pitch Up came up twice with his glove, snagging a hard hit line drive and grabbing a ball that looked like hit was going to get through to get the runner out.

The puzzle pieces for Smack My Pitch Up are coming together as ABL is seeing the full picture.