Seven-Game Surge Vaults Them Into 2nd
After dropping the first three games of the season, Rienzi and Sons have rolled off seven in a row to improve to 7-3 and move into second place, one game behind Seaview Printing.
On Wednesday May 16, Rienzi faced off with Modica Pitching who beat them earlier in the season 8-6, but Rienzi would not be denied their sixth straight victory, by beating Modica 9-4. Rienzi jumped out in front 2-0 in the top of the first led by Nicholas Hutson and Derek Portalatin who both singled and scored in the inning.
In the bottom of the inning, Modica got one back with a steal of home, catching Rienzi back on their heels. In the second inning, Rienzi scored seven runs sending 12 batters to the plate. With walks to Brandon Balsamo, A.J. Leggio and Joe Pizzaro, the tables were set for Rienzi’s big bats who would get the job done. August
Larsen doubled, then five consecutive singles from Hutson, Portalatin, Aidan Mooney, Massimo Todaro and Frank Navarra plated seven for Rienzi, who led 9-1 and not look back.
Modica would answer with three in the bottom half of the second, but Frank Navarra ended the rally by striking out the final three batters. After two innings, the scoring was done, as both teams went quietly through the final four frames.
In the top of the third Rienzi made some noise by loading the bases, but their threat was ended with an unassisted double play from Modica’s second baseman. Matthew Moussa singled in the inning but was left stranded on the bases.
The pitching duties were shared by Frank Navarra and August Larsen who limited Modica to four runs on three hits while striking out a combined 13 batters. Aidan Mooney led the defense with three assists at second base. Kevin Klaar patrolled center field for the complete six innings for Rienzi.
On Saturday, May 19, Rienzi faced off with Rinaldo Sporting Goods. A tight 13-11 victory made it seven in a row for Rienzi. The offense was led by A.J. Leggio who was 3 for 3 at the plate with two singles and a double with two runs scored.
August Larsen added two walks to his league lead and had two singles while scoring three times. Sam Navarra was 2 for 4 with two runs scored. Nicholas Hutson went 1 for 2 with three runs scored. The remaining runs were scored by Massimo Todaro, Frank Navarra and Kyle Conlin.
Rienzi enjoyed a comfortable lead through most of the game outscoring Rinaldo 12-4 through four. However Rinaldo would not go quietly, adding four runs in the bottom of the fifth and three in the bottom of the sixth including a bases clearing triple. Through 5 2/3 innings, Rienzi used four pitchers. With the score 13-11 and the tying runners on at first and third, Rienzi turned to Frank Navarra who struck out the only batter he faced to end the game and get the save for Rienzi.
Now at 7-3, Rienzi will rematch with Rinaldo on Friday, May 25.
