To be continued...Smith vs. NH

Wow. What a game.

For those of you who were lucky enough to witness it in person, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Smith and New Hartford displayed exactly why they are considered two of the league's premier teams with the show they put on today at Joe Corr Memorial Field. Neither team was willing to give in, leading to a scoreless eight-inning thriller (suspended due to darkness) that will be resumed tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6 p.m.

The pitchers were flat out absurd.

Smith’s Joe Melioris erased all doubt that he is an overrated Class D pitcher. He sliced his way through the New Hartford lineup, striking out 14 batters while allowing only one hit. He struck out every New Hartford hitter at least once. New Hartford’s Alex Giovannone was also dominant. The crafty lefty allowed just five hits on six strikeouts and one walk. After a shaky outing against Whitestown last week, Giovannone reaffirmed his position as New Hartford's ace.

*Read tomorrow’s Observer-Dispatch for more details on the game.

It will be interesting to see how things shake out when the game is resumed tomorrow. Although New Hartford coach Greg Jones did not know exactly who would be pitching for his team, he did say it will likely be between right-handed side-armer Dan Nelson and lefty Eric Verbickas (I’m guessing Nelson gets the nod). Whoever it is, they will have a heavy task ahead in facing Smith’s 4-5-6 batters when the game picks up in the top of the ninth. As for Smith, it will have hard-throwing lefty Garrett Baker on the mound (according to Smith coach Tony Abone Jr.) also facing a tall order, going up against New Hartford’s 3-4-5 hitters in the bottom of the inning.