No perfect game, but Bayside’s Velazquez still shines

Anthony Velazquez was perfect once again - albeit for two batters Monday afternoon against fierce local rival Cardozo.
Velazquez, the 17-year-old Kew Gardens resident who gained citywide acclaim after becoming the first pitcher to throw consecutive perfect games on any level - in the Major Leagues, minors, college or high school - against John Bowne and Flushing, was still pretty effective, tossing his fourth straight complete game in an efficient, mercy-shortened, five-inning 11-0 shutout. Needing just 54 pitches, Velazquez allowed just one hit while facing four batters over the minimum. He struck out six, hit a batter and two other base runners reached on errors.
“He proved that he’s one of the better pitchers in the city,” Bayside Manager Pat Torney said of his star right hander who improved to 5-0 with 0.68 ERA and 45 strikeouts. “He did it on such a great stage.”
With over 100 spectators, a few television crews and several reporters on hand, he mowed down the first two Cardozo hitters - Andy Vega bounced out to third and Andrew Ahn waved at a high, fastball. But with his first pitch to Jamie Leibowitz, Velazquez plunked the Judges second baseman with a fastball. Adam Torres followed with a sharp grounder up the middle that second baseman Manny Madera botched for the first error. The no-hitter was ended in the bottom of the second when Mike Bean turned on an inside fastball, rifling it down the line for a standup double.
For good measure, Velazquez, the Commodore leadoff hitter, went 3-for-3 and stole three bases.