By The TimesLedger
The C-Town Braves improved their record to 3-1 with a split this past weekend games. In the first game Saturday, the Braves suffered their first loss of the season to the Coldwell Banker Russo Realty Indians. It looked like the Braves brought their pillows to the game instead of their bats, as the Indians held the Braves to only six hits. The Indians, on the other hand, had their bats working from the get-go. Big hits by the Indians’ Nick Beihl, Carlos Rodriquez and Robert Cassola sparked the team to a 10-6 victory. The Indians’ Eric Walpole, Steven Trumer and Brag Greenburg all played solid defense in the field.
The Braves did have their chances, but could not come up with the big hit when they needed it. Matthew Kruczowy and Sam Hoffman were the only offense for the Braves, with each batter going 2-for-3 with four of the six RBIs.
Other Highlights for the Braves was another strong pitching of Mike Mandrin. Josh Weinstein was solid behind the plate, Shawn Wollman had two walks and an RBI and JP Pelltzer hit the ball hard twice, but was robbed both times by some great Indian defense. Lon Li was given the game ball for his great hitting. Richie Fabbla, a new player for the Braves, said the Indians would be the team to beat this year.
In Sunday’s game the Braves defeated the tough Century 21 Laffey Tigers. The Tigers played well in a losing effort, with some big hits from Matt Laurino, Kevin McCarthy and John Antonunci. The Tigers also played well in the field with great defense by Brian Pabon, Michael LeBrada and Kevin Galtzman.
The Braves used the long ball in this tough matchup, with Josh Weinstein’s first home run and a huge monster grand salami by Mike Mandrin. Vivn Mathew continued his hot hitting with two hits, while Jon Li and Steven Wheller also hit well for the Braves.
Nick Finocchio, with some excellent base running, scored what turned out to be the winning run. Joey Shafer showed why he is the Braves starting second baseman as he continued to flash the leather in the field.
Sam Hoffman pitched three strong innings, including six strikeouts. Adam Spitz, last week’s hero, is getting some respect for his mighty bat, as he was walked in all three plate appearances.
Matt Kruczowy was given the game ball as he refused to come out of the game despite having soreness in his pitching arm. Matt wound up giving up only two runs in three innings with six K’s and two putouts.
Shawn Wollman said after the game the Tigers’ bats roared when they hit the ball.
Harp & Eagle records first two wins
The 15-16 year old Glen Oaks Harp & Eagle Padres finally recorded its first two victories this past weekend.
On Saturday, April 20, the Padres defeated Bayside East, 4-3, in a well-pitched game for both teams. The game was played on a wet and muddy field and through a steady drizzle, but the Glen Oaks Padres held on for their first victory of the season. Pitchers Kurt Nicoll, Adam Yager and Todd Greene held the mighty Bayside team to just four hits. Timely hitting by Matt Carneiro, Jon Dilan, David Chapman and Todd Greene led the Padres, who improved to 1-2.
On Sunday, April 21, the Padres turned their power up full thrust as they defeated Jamaica Estates No. 1, 16-2. The offense was led by some stellar performances, including Todd Greene’s, 5-for-5, Stephen Gold’s 2-for-2, David Chapman’s 2-for-2 and Adam Yager’s 2-for-3, including an opposite field homer. Jon Dilan reached base four times and pitched four scoreless innings in relief and picked up his first victory of the season.
The Padres are now 2-2.
Burger King Phillies falls to Port Washington
On April 14, the Burger King Phillies, one of two teams representing the 9- & 10-year-old girls in the Glen Oaks Little League, lost a tight game to the visitors from Port Washington, 6-4. Rita Romeo and Ellie Alexandrou pitched very well for Glen Oaks and both shared the honor of being chosen Burger King Player of the Game. The Burger King play of the game went to Phillies’ player Ashley Doran, who turned a pop fly into an unassisted double play at third base.
