Ozone Howard ‘terminates’ the competition in championships

The Ozone Howard Terminators won the HBQVB 8U Lomangino Tournament in a decisive 9-1 victory in the championship game over a team from Glen Cove, Long Island.
Ryan Middlemiss pitched four scoreless innings and Shane Mugnolo closed the door for the last two innings as the Terminators capped a terrific tournament. The championship game also showcased the Terminators’ great hitting as Andrew Baglino, Joey Campanella, Joe Platania, Pedro Tejada, Anthony Ambrosino, Vinny Blandino, Chris Florio, Nicholas Nardo, Tim McCabe, Vinny Giuga, Mugnolo and Middlemiss came through with big hits in timely situations.
The pitching was phenomenal throughout the tournament as the Terminators held their opponents to 14 runs over six games, the least of any team in the tournament. The bats were red hot as well as the Terminators scored 42 runs and batted well over .500 for the tournament.
Not to be outdone by its pitching and hitting talents, the Terminators’ defense was stellar in all six games. Catchers Tejada, Campanella and Florio did a masterful job of holding opposing runners to a limited number of stolen bases, called great games and made their pitchers look great by framing numerous calls on the corners. The infield was equally impressive as first baseman Ambrosino made numerous in-the-dirt scoops, third basemen McCabe and Platania reminded everyone of Brooks Robinson, shortstops Mugnolo and Giuga made spectators say “Derek who?” and second basemen Middlemiss and Nardo were so good they got calls from several major league teams looking for new talent, the coaches joked. Outfielders Blandino, Baglino, Florio, Campanella, Giuga and Nardo were also outstanding, as they made numerous terrific catches and kept many hits to singles with their hustle. The championship game ended on a terrific shoe-string catch by outfielder Vinny Blandino.
The Terminator coaches want to thank the team’s parents for their continued support over the course of the season.
“The parents have shown unending support for the Terminators and have been available for the myriad of games, practices, meetings and rainouts for the past eight weeks and this support is greatly appreciated,” said Paul Middlemiss, Manager. “The coaches also want to thank Ozone Howard for its support of this talented set of eight year olds. They are looking forward to continued success.”