By The TimesLedger
On Sunday, the C-Town Braves held off a tough Carvel Reds team, which rallied for four runs in the top of the fifth-inning. The big blow was John Rubenau’s grand slam off Braves’ ace Matthew Kruczowy.
Kruczowy settled down and was able to close the door in a 10-8 Braves’ victory.
Patrick Kelleher, Jeremy Clark, Justin L. and Miraj Modi all played well for the Reds in a losing effort.
The Braves were sparked with some awesome defense by Shawn Wollman and Joey Shafer.
The Braves scored six times in the first inning with some timely hitting by Stephen Wheller, Josh Weinstein and Jonathan Li. Vivan Mathew had a great day, going 2-for-2 with a single and a triple.
Nicholas Finoccio was robbed of two hits with some sparkling Reds defense.
Jake Robinson looked like Brooks Robinson at third base making several outstanding plays. Sam Hoffman looked great on the hill with two innings pitched, allowing only two runs and striking out five.
Michael Mandrin was awarded the game ball for his outstanding pitching performance. Mandrin also helped his team with a three-run blast in the second inning.
Josh Peltzer and Adam Abukoush were heard to say after the game, “the Reds showed great sportsmanship and never gave up.”
Modell’s Lions defeat Ralph’s Ice Mets on Opening Day
In a cold but beautiful sunny day, the Glen Oaks Little League opened their 51st season Saturday with an exciting ceremony and lots of activities to the delight of many parents, community dignitaries and all the future stars that play in this well-known organization.
Special guests included State Senator Frank Padavan, a long time supporter of the league, State assemblyman Mark Weprin, Ann Margaret Carrozza, State assemblywoman and Congressman Gary Ackerman among others.
With the initiative of league treasurer Hector Caraballo, Modell’s Sporting Goods provided Pamela Smith who sang the National Anthem.
Also on hand was Claudia Schaiffer who sang God Bless America in honor of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11.
Bob Kelleber, Glen Oaks Little League President, couldn’t be happier to see this day come to a reality. After months of preparation and hard work all came together to almost perfection, and the league Board of Directors should be proud of that, it was a job well done.
But all the success couldn’t be completed without the main event, the league opening game where the Modell’s Lions beat the Ralph's Ice Mets 7-5.
Joey Caraballo started for the Lions and pitched a scoreless three innings with six strikeouts, allowing only one hit. Caraballo also got the first hit of the young season with home run in the first inning to give the Lions a 1-0 lead. He was removed in the fourth with a two run lead and Kevin Cheddie pitched the last three innings giving the Modell’s Lions the first win of the season.
For the Lions Caraballo lead the attack with a home run and an RBI, Kevin Cheddie had two RBIs with a single, Chris Venturella also had a timely hit and Shawn Abraham added two singles in three at-bats. For the Mets, Civitano had two hits.
Also on Opening Day, the Andron Century 21 Yankees defeated the Marcella’s Pizza A’s. It was an exciting game for both teams.
Anthony Meo pitched a solid three innings and gave the team seven RBIs. Shortstop Cadie Chu was all over the field, backing up third base and second base. Alex Rydzewski caught well and kept the runners from advancing. Billy Gillespie added a few hits and everyone on the team contributed. Ben Herman added some good humor to the game with a few timely impressions to help keep the team loose.
The infield was rounded out nicely by Peter Yacoub and Eddie Dillon. Daniel Gasperettl flew in just in time to help the Yankees to victory. Joey Bobrow closed the last three innings and got out a few jams. It was great way to start the Little League season.
A parade followed and the teams were treated to hot dogs and drinks. It was a terrific feeling to hear the umpire Mikey McGovern yell “Play Ball.”
