The Sen. Frank Padavan BlueJays started out with an early lead and held on to defeat Merillon 1 at Merillon Field in New Hyde Park.
Playing third base, Tara McCullagh led the BlueJays with three RBIs on two hits. Shortstop Nicole Epstein added two hits, two runs scored and an RBI.
Catcher Marisa Bearak, batting third, walked both at bats and later scored. Cynthia Johnson, starting at first base, scored twice, stole home and knocked one run in.
Outfielder Pilar Contreras and pitcher Alexis Namit also stole home. Namit allowed only one hit and struck out seven in a darkness-shortened four-inning game but allowed 11 bases on balls. The BlueJays next play Saturday, April 26, at the Glen Oaks Oval at 4 p.m.
The Burger King Phillies opened their season in exciting fashion by defeating a tough Port Washington 2 team. The girls jumped out to a quick four-run lead, only to have Port Washington take the lead by scoring five in the third inning.
The Phillies came back to tie the game in the bottom of the third and scored two additional runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to secure the win. The Burger King Phillies received strong pitching from Kaitlin Smolen, who threw two shutout innings, and Rita Romeo pitched three innings while not allowing a run.
Courtney Gratzer took the mound for an inning, struggling a little with her control, but showed great promise with her windmill delivery. The strong pitching was supported by the outstanding fielding of Theodora Alexandrou, who made two diving catches as the catcher, and a slick infield play by Kailtyn Biscotti to throw out a player at first base.
The offensive stars for the Burger King Phillies were Alexandrou with three hits, Romeo with a single and Sara Correa with a single. Next up for the Phillies is Mineola 2.
The Gregs Tire and Auto Mets took on the Century 21 Andron Pirates this past Sunday. Great pitching by both sides kept the game moving, as both teams battled to a 4-4 tie after seven innings.
The Pirates were led by outstanding pitching performances from Kevin McCarthy and Mike Laurino. Sean Pabon and Chris Mignoli hit the ball well for the Pirates.
The Mets also countered with great pitching by Mike Mandrin, Patrick Florian and Matt Kruczowy. The Mets hit the ball well with big hits by Mike Costanzo and Vinny Antunici.
Jonathon Kruczowy pitched the final inning and also pitched well.
This was a well-played game with some great defense and heads-up plays by both teams.
The Mets dedicated this game to John Barbari, who was hit while batting and had to be taken out of the game. Both teams were glad to see Barbari a few days later. Barbari had a nice shiner but no other injuries.
Tommy Clarkson said after the game the Pirates looked like the team to beat this year in the Major Division.
On Sunday, April 6, the Petland Discount Red Sox played the North Shore Towers Cubs. Despite the cold weather, both teams were willing to play their first game of the season. There were powerful hits by Andrew Zinner, Jeannine Frary, John Ryan and Jeremy Seigelstein.
The Red Sox had a good defense from Emily Santana and James Marulli. At the end of the game, coach Tim Frary handed out two game balls to two players. Receiving the game balls were Victoria Pollack and Kyle Dominado.
The Long Island Tomahawks Braves and the Tigers played a very exciting game that ended in an 11-all tie. The game went back and forth, as both sides made some excellent plays on the field and at bat. Both teams played their hearts out, and all (players, coaches and spectators) were treated to something special. Little League competition at its best!
