By The TimesLedger
After two tough losses against teams from Merillon and New Hyde Park the preceding two weeks, the Queens Surface Rockies Senior girls softball team of the Glen Oaks Little League rebounded on a cold night in Mineola.
Days after each Rockies’ player received a memento Queens Surface bus from Queens Surface President Myra Burke, the Rockies defeated Mineola 1 under the lights Friday. Alexis Namit allowed only three hits in a time-limited, six-inning 15-8 Queens Surface Rockies victory. Standout defense — despite being able to field nine players — kept Mineola playing catchup after the Queens Surface Rockies erupted with seven runs in the top of the second inning. Defensive gems included shortstop Nicole Epstein grabbing a line drive, Lorey Giblin’s stab of a drive off first base and Alexis gloving a hard hit drive up the middle. Cynthia Johnson led the Rockies hitters with a perfect 4-for-4 and two runs scored. Melissa Ritchie, Jennifer Francis and Lorey each drove in three runs and cleanup hitter Marisa Bearak knocked in two more. Lizzie DiGangi added two sacrifices.
Against New Hyde Park 2 on April 27, three Rockies relievers lost their control, wasting a strong starting outing by Lorey Giblin. Marisa Bearak drove in three of the Rockies’ seven runs and Cynthia Johnson brought home two more. Theresa Pullo had a double and a single and Gina Scali added two hits. The loss did include sparkling first inning fielding plays by Lauren Epstein at second base and Jessica Gauthier in right center. Wildness also beset the Rockies pitching against Merillon 1 on April 21. A nine-run outburst proved too much for the Rockies to come back in a darkness-shortened, five-inning loss at the Oval. The usually balanced Rockies lineup saw only Cynthia Johnson (three) and Marisa Bearak (two) manage multiple hit games.
Look for a report next week on the May 5 Queens Surface Rockies game at the Oval against New Hyde Park 1. After a weekend off on May 12, the Queens Surface Rockies’ next Merillon softball Senior League action includes a Saturday, May 18, 5:30 p.m. game at Merillon 2 and a Sunday, May 19, 4:00 p.m. home game at the Oval versus a tough East Williston team. Rain canceled the April 20 game against their Glen Oaks rivals, the Senator Padavan Blue Jays, and the Sunday, April 28, game at East Williston. The Queens Surface Rockies hope to reschedule both games.
C-Town Braves ride the Cyclones
The C-Town Braves defeated Joe’s Pizza Cyclones to improve their record to 4-1.
The Cyclones played a good game, but the Braves’ pitching held the mighty Cyclones to just five hits and three runs. Justin Namit, Jeremy Goldberg and Tyler Brodey played well for the Cyclones in a losing effort. Blake, Louis and James also showed great hustle in the field for the Cyclones.
The Braves used the long ball, with Sam Hoffman’s grand slam and Josh Weinstein’s solo shot to put the game out of reach.
Mike Mandrin pitched well and got the win, giving up only two runs and had three strikeouts. JP Peltzer found his stroke and had a couple of big hits, along with Joey Shafer, who got his first base hit and drove in two runs.
Nicholas Finoccio had a monster blast, but was called out for missing second base. The Braves had a total team effort with the defense also making some outstanding plays. Outfielders Vivn Mathew, Jon Li and Shawn Wollman kept everything in front of them and were on their toes for the whole game. Richie Fabella played a great third base. The game ball was given to Josh Weinstein for his excellent hitting and his continued improvement.
Matthew Kruczowy and Adam Spitz said after the game the Cyclones played with great sportsmanship and pride and will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs. The Braves play Saturday, May 11, at 2 p.m.
Chapman lead Padres over Jamaice Estates
The 15- and 16-year-old Glen Oaks Harp and Eagle Padres improved their record to 4-2 with a 21-2 convincing victory of Jamaica Estates on May 5. David Chapman proved to be the star of the game by pitching a one-hitter, striking out 12 and hitting a three-run homer.
Other stars in this victory were Todd Green with a single and double and three RBIs, and Matt Carneiro, Josh Frost and Kurt Nicoll reaching first base five times each. Jon Dilan, Jon Ganesh, Adam Potash, Tim Olwell, Jorge Salcedo, Avhik Mitra and Mike Mathlin also contributed for the Padres.
