Hey legion fans. I'm here at Larry DeLutis Field for tonight's 7 p.m. match-up between Love Post and Parkhurst Post. Love is currently 3-7 and is coming off a tough loss last night, falling 6-5 to Fort Schuyler after giving up three runs in the bottom of the seventh. Parkhurst, who lost 6-4 to Whitestown last night, sits at 2-3, four games back of first-place Smith in the Blue Division.
I'll be here to provide live play-by-play updates throughout tonight's game as both teams try to get back on track after each dropping their last two games. Feel free to chime in with any thoughts, comments or questions in the "comment" section at the bottom of the page.
Starting lineups:
Parkhurst (2-3)
1. Mike Sreca, SS
2. Jeff Sergott, RF
3. Andy Munn, C
4. Dan Lounsbury, DH
5. Dan Barns, 3B
6. Eric Morrissette, CF
7. Jeff Weaver, 1B
8. Ryan O'Neil, 2B
9. Kevin Burr, LF
Pitcher: Brandon Jones, RHP
Love (3-7)
1. T.J. Mowers, LF
2. Mike Cobb, CF
3. Harry Campbell, SS
4. Tim Bailey, 1B
5. Jordan Mills, 2B
6. Billy Brosemer, C
7. Marty Candee, 3B
8. Scott Hughes, RF
9. Nick Winters, P
Pitcher: Nick Winters, RHP
Top 1st: T.J. Mowers grounded out to third for the first out. Mike Cobb popped out to the first baseman in foul territory for the second out. Harry Campbell hit a single just out of the reach of a stretched Dan Barns at third. Tim Bailey ripped a line-drive single to right that Campbell tried to reach third on. Right fielder Jeff Sergott fired to third, but his throw skipped away from Barns. Campbell raced home, but pitcher Brandon Jones, who was backing up Barns, picked it up and fired to catcher Andy Munn who tagged out Campbell for the third out. That's a 9-1-2 put-out for those of you keeping track at home.
Bottom 1st: Mike Sreca grounded back to the pitcher for the first out. Sergott drew a full-count walk. Munn hit a line-drive single to left, advancing Sergott to third. Dan Lounsburg brought home Sergott by grounding into a 6-4 fielder's choice for the second out. Parkhurst 1, Love 0. Lounsbury was caught stealing for the final out of the inning.
Parkhurst 1, Love 0
Top 2nd: Jones struck Jordan Mills out swinging for the first out. Billy Brosemer drew a one-out walk to put a runner on first for Love. Marty Candee grounded out to the second baseman for the second out (Brosemer went to second on the play). Scott Hughes struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Brosemer at second.
Bottom 2nd: Barns hit a hard ground out to Campbell at short for the first out. Eric Morrissette walked. Jeff Weaver singled to right-center field, putting runners on the corners with one out. Ryan O'Neil hit an RBI single to left field, plating Morrissette from third (runners on first and second, one out). Parkhurst 2, Love 0. Kevin Burr grounded out to first for the second out (runners on second and third, two outs). Sreca grounded out to Campbell to end the inning, stranding runners at second and third.
Parkhurst 2, Love 0
Top 3rd: Winters grounded out to O'Neil at second for the first out. Mowers walked and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Cobb reached on an error by Barns at third (the ball took a tough hop and bounced off his chest). Mowers snuck to third on the play (runners on first and third, one out). Campbell hit a blooper to shallow right field for an RBI single. Parkhurst 2, Love 1. Cobb went to third, beating the throw from Sergott in right. Campbell reached secound on the throw. Bailey struck out for the second out (runners on second and third, two outs). Mills flew out to Burr in left to end the inning.
Bottom 3rd: Sergott flew out to Cobb in center for the first out. Munn popped out to second on the first pitch he saw for the second out. Lounsbury flew out to Hughes in right on the next pitch to end the inning. Winters needed only five pitches to retire the side.
Parkhurst 2, Love 1
Top 4th: Jones picked up his fourth strike out by fanning Brosemer for the first out. Barns made a nice play at third on a high chopper by Candee as he snagged the ball and made an accurate running throw to record the second out. Hughes reached when Barns bobbled a soft grounder to third. Winters ripped a one-hop double off the left field fence. Hughes tried to score from first on the hit, but Burr made a good throw to Sreca who relayed it home to Munn to snag Hughes at the plate for the third out.
Bottom 4th: Barns grounded out to second for the first out. Morrissette was hit by a pitch and then stole second on the first pitch to Weaver. He advanced to third on a ground out to second by Weaver. O'Neil struck out looking for the inning's final out.
Parkhurst 2, Love 1
Top 5th: Mowers drew a four-pitch walk to lead off the inning (he's the first leadoff batter to reach in the game for Love). Mowers stole second, just beating Munn's throw on a close play. Cobb walked to put runners on first and second with no outs. Campbell singled to right and Mowers raced home trying to tie the game, but he was cut down at the plate on a perfect throw from Sergott in right (that's the third Love runner thrown out at the plate today). Campbell stole second and Cobb came home from third as Munn's throw was bobbled by the shortstop who was trying to cut it off. Love 2, Parkhurst 2. Bailey singled to center, moving Campbell to third. Bailey went to second when Morriessette throw sailed over the cutoff man (runners on second and third, one out). Cory Sprague came in to relieve Jones on the mound. Mills greeted Sprague by ripped a two-RBI single to left field. Love 4, Parkhurst 2. Mills advanced to second on the throw to the cutoff man. Brosemer popped out to third for the second out. Candee grounded out to Weaver at first for the third out.
Bottom 5th: Burr and Sreca hit back-to-back ground outs to Candee at third for the inning's first and second outs. Sergott roped a two-out single to left. Munn was hit by the first pitch he saw (runners on first and second, two outs). Lounsbury flew out to center on the next pitch for the third out.
Love 4, Parkhurst 2
Top 6th: Sprague got Hughes swinging for the first out. Winters drew a one-out walk. Mowers reached on an infield single. Winters, who was running on the pitch, went all the way to third (runners on first and third, one out). Cobb hit a sac fly to right, scoring Winters from third. Love 5, Parkhurst 2. Mowers went to second on the play when Munn followed Winters toward the dugout as he thought he never touched home - the home plate umpire disagreed and said he was safe. Campbell walked on a ball-four wild pitch. Mowers went to third on the wild throw (runners on first and third, two outs). Bailey flew out to left for the third out.
*Anthony Ripp replaced Hughes in right field for Love.
Bottom 6th: Barns led off with a deep, opposite-field double that landed just a few feet inside the left field line. Morrissette flew out to right for the first out, but Barns was tagging and advanced to third. Weaver struck out swinging for the second out. O'Neil ripped a two-out RBI single to right to plate Barns. Love 5, Parkhurst 3. Burr walked on four pitches (runners on first and second, two outs). Sreca flew out to right to end the inning.
Love 5, Parkhurst 3
Top 7th: Mills walked to lead off the inning. Brosemer flew out to center for the first out. Candee hit a grounder toward second base that hit the base runner, Mills, for a fielder's choice and the second out. Candee went to second on a wild pitch. Anthony Ripp walked (runners on first and second, two outs). Weaver came on to relieve Sprague. Sprague came out of the game and Lounsbury moved from DH to first (in place of Weaver). Weaver needed only one pitch to get Winters to fly out to center to end the inning and the threat.
*Parkhurst has its 2-3-4 hitters coming up, needing at least three runs to extend the game.
Bottom 7th: Sergott bombed a triple to deep center field to lead off. Harry Campbell came on to relieve Winters. Winters took Campbell's place at shortstop. Winters' final line: 6+ IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 K, 2BB, 2 HBP. Munn greeted Campbell with an RBI single to left. Love 5, Parkhurst 4. Lounsbury popped out to the Winters in shallow center field for the first out. Barns lined out to the left fielder for the second out. Morrissette grounded out to short to end the game.
FINAL: Love 5, Parkhurst 4
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
FINAL: Smith 2, New Hartford 0 (15 innings)
I’m here at Joe Corr Memorial Field for the continuation of yesterday’s suspended game between Smith and New Hartford.
Here’s a quick recap of yesterday's action: Smith’s Joe Melioris and New Hartford’s Alex Giovannone were each brilliant in pitching eight shutout innings apiece. Melioris allowed just one hit while Giovannone surrendered five. Only six runners reached base for Smith to New Hartford’s seven and each team reached third base only once (both in the sixth inning). The game was suspended due to darkness after eight innings and scheduled to resume in the top of the ninth at 6 p.m. today.
Here’s where we'll pick up today: Smith’s 4-5-6 hitters are coming to the plate in the top of the ninth with New Hartford’s 3-4-5 batters due up in the bottom half. Replacing Giovannone on the mound for New Hartford is lefty Eric Verbickas. Hard-throwing lefty Garrett Baker is the new pitcher for Smith.
*A noteworthy update before we resume play: New Hartford will be without starting catcher Mike Doyle when play resumes today due to a broken nose. The injury occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning last night when Doyle, who is also the starting quarterback on the New Hartford High School football team, took a pitch off the face.
With the count 0-2, Smith pitcher Joe Melioris lost the handle on a fastball that sailed high and inside, ricocheting off Doyle’s shoulder and into his nose. Doyle was dazed for a few seconds, but he quickly shook it off and took his base. He was forced out at second when the next batter hit into an inning-ending double play (Doyle was actually called for interference on his slide into second, causing the double play).
The tough-nosed (no pun intended) Doyle fought through the pain, remaining in the game to catch the eighth inning for his team. However, the pain persisted and became worse once Doyle arrived home after the game. His parents brought him to the hospital to have it checked out only to find out that his nose was indeed broken.
This is sure to be a huge loss for New Hartford not only today, but for the next couple weeks as they will be without one of their best players for 10-14 days (according to coach Greg Jones). A look at New Hartford’s schedule reveals that Doyle will likely be out anywhere from six to 13 games depending on how quickly he recovers. Replacing him while he’s out will be first-year player Tim Whalen. It will good for Whalen to gain the experience so early in his career, but he is sure to experience some growing pains as he will be making the jump from JV ball to Legion. It will be worth watching how Whalen adjusts and how Doyle’s injury affects New Hartford over the next two weeks.
*Changes for New Hartford: Tim Whalen will bat in the six hole and catch (replacing Doyle). DH Chandler Evans, the nine hitter, will move to first base. Verbickas will move from first to the mound.
*Changes for Smith: Garrett Baker will come in to pitch for Melioris, who will move to third base in place of Eli Hendrington. Baker will bat in Hendrington's spot in the order (eighth) and Melioris will stay in the six spot.
Top 9th: Jason Nowicki reached on an error as Chandler Evans dropped a throw at first from third baseman Joe Desens. Zack Ciccotti laid down a bunt on the next pitch and beat it out for an infield single after some miscommunication by the NH infielders. Joe Melioris grounded into a 6-4-3 double play for the first two outs, but Nowicki advanced to third on the play (runner on third, two outs). Ryan Marquette popped out to Joe Betar at short for the third out.
Bottom 9th: Betar flew out to right field for the first out. Garrett Baker then struck out Mike Matt and Eric Verbickas, both swinging, to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 10th: Baker flew out to deep right field for the inning's first out. Mike Stevens, the nine hitter, reached on a single that was just out of the reach of a diving Matt in center field. Kyle Richardson reached on a infield single on a dribbler to third. Stevens went all the way to third on the play as Desens throw scooted away from Evans at first. Richardson stole second to put runners at second and third with one out. Ryan Kramer hit a weak grounder to Verbickas who held the runner at third and threw to first, but the throw was off-target, allowing Kramer to reach safely (bases loaded, one out). Nate Mallinder hit a groundball at Betar at short who made the play of the game thus far, starting a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and escape the bases loaded threat (Evans made a good scoop at first on a low throw from Carcone).
Bottom 10th: Whalen grounded out for the first out on a nice play up the middle by the shortstop Kramer. Pat Calli struck out swinging for the second out. Steve Bieganowski was caught looking for the last out.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Erik Sheridan replaced Bieganowski in left field.
Top 11th: Nowicki popped out to Carcone at second for the first out. Ciccotti lined a one-out double off the right field wall. WAIT A SECOND - NH appealed to first, saying that Ciccotti missed first and apparently he did - the home plate umpire called him out (for a 1-3 putout in your scorebooks). Verbickas then got Melioris swinging for the third out.
*Smith has had a chance to win in each of today's extra innings, but somehow NH has managed to escape the jams. One run wins it for them here with the 9-1-2 hitters due up.
Bottom 11th: Baker struck out Evans for the inning's first out, but it took some work. Evans fouled off eight pitches and worked a 14-pitch at-bat before going down swinging. Carcone and Desens hit back-to-back groundouts to Kramer to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 12th: Marquette grounded out to Carcone for the first out. Verbickas got his counterpart, Baker, swinging on a curveball for the second out. Stevens lined a two-out single to center field for his second hit today (and third of the game). Richardson popped out to Betar to end the inning.
Bottom 12th: Betar popped out to Nowicki in right for the first out. Matt struck out looking for the second out. Verbickas grounded out to Baker for the inning's final out.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 13th: Kramer flew out to Matt in center for the first out. Mallinder grounded out to Desens at third for the second out. Nowicki reached on a two-out infield single (nubber up the middle). Ciccotti grounded out to Carcone for the third out.
Bottom 13th: Baker struck out Whalen for the first out. Calli grounded out to Baker for the second out. Erik Sheridan grounded out to second to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Somebody call ESPN - this is an Instant Classic without a doubt.
*In five innings pitched, Smith's Baker has not allowed a hit and has retired the side in order every inning. Between Melioris yesterday and Baker today, New Hartford has managed only one hit in 13 innings.
Top 14th: Melioris walked to lead off the inning (the NH fans were not happy with the umpire - there were some close pitches that didn't go their way). Ryan Cooke came in to pinch-run for Melioris. Marquette gave himself up for the first out, laying down a picture perfect bunt to thirdm advancing Cooke to second. Baker grounded out to Carcone for the second out. Cooke went to third on the play. Stevens struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Cooke at third base.
Bottom 14th: Evans grounded out to Marquette for the first out. Carcone lined out to Nowicki in right for the second out. Desens drew a two-out walk (the first batter to reach base against Baker). Betar then hit a grounder at the second baseman that looked like it would end the inning, but Stevens throw to first sailed over Marquette's head, allowing Desens to go to third and Betar to move to second. Matt flew out to left on the first pitch he saw to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 15th: Richardson led off with a single to center. Kramer singled to right field on a perfectly executed hit-and-run, allowing Richardson to go all the way to third. Kramer stole second to put two runners in scoring position. With New Hartford's infield drawn in, Mallinder hit a sharp grounder at Betar who threw home trying to cut down Richardson at the plate. But his throw was low and couldn't be handled by Whalen, allowing Richardson to score the game's first run. Smith 1, NH 0. With runners on the corners, Nowicki flew out to right, but Calli's throw sailed over the head of the cutoff man and past Whalen, allowing Kramer to score from third and Mallinder to get to second. Smith 2, NH 0. Ciccotti grounded out to Carcone for the second out (Mallinder went to third on the play). Verbickas struck out Cooke for the third out.
Bottom 15th: Verbickas struck out looking for the first out. Whalen grounded out to Marquette at first for the second out. Calli hit a hard groundout to third for the third out, ending the game.
FINAL: Smith 2, New Hartford 0
Here’s a quick recap of yesterday's action: Smith’s Joe Melioris and New Hartford’s Alex Giovannone were each brilliant in pitching eight shutout innings apiece. Melioris allowed just one hit while Giovannone surrendered five. Only six runners reached base for Smith to New Hartford’s seven and each team reached third base only once (both in the sixth inning). The game was suspended due to darkness after eight innings and scheduled to resume in the top of the ninth at 6 p.m. today.
Here’s where we'll pick up today: Smith’s 4-5-6 hitters are coming to the plate in the top of the ninth with New Hartford’s 3-4-5 batters due up in the bottom half. Replacing Giovannone on the mound for New Hartford is lefty Eric Verbickas. Hard-throwing lefty Garrett Baker is the new pitcher for Smith.
*A noteworthy update before we resume play: New Hartford will be without starting catcher Mike Doyle when play resumes today due to a broken nose. The injury occurred in the bottom of the seventh inning last night when Doyle, who is also the starting quarterback on the New Hartford High School football team, took a pitch off the face.
With the count 0-2, Smith pitcher Joe Melioris lost the handle on a fastball that sailed high and inside, ricocheting off Doyle’s shoulder and into his nose. Doyle was dazed for a few seconds, but he quickly shook it off and took his base. He was forced out at second when the next batter hit into an inning-ending double play (Doyle was actually called for interference on his slide into second, causing the double play).
The tough-nosed (no pun intended) Doyle fought through the pain, remaining in the game to catch the eighth inning for his team. However, the pain persisted and became worse once Doyle arrived home after the game. His parents brought him to the hospital to have it checked out only to find out that his nose was indeed broken.
This is sure to be a huge loss for New Hartford not only today, but for the next couple weeks as they will be without one of their best players for 10-14 days (according to coach Greg Jones). A look at New Hartford’s schedule reveals that Doyle will likely be out anywhere from six to 13 games depending on how quickly he recovers. Replacing him while he’s out will be first-year player Tim Whalen. It will good for Whalen to gain the experience so early in his career, but he is sure to experience some growing pains as he will be making the jump from JV ball to Legion. It will be worth watching how Whalen adjusts and how Doyle’s injury affects New Hartford over the next two weeks.
*Changes for New Hartford: Tim Whalen will bat in the six hole and catch (replacing Doyle). DH Chandler Evans, the nine hitter, will move to first base. Verbickas will move from first to the mound.
*Changes for Smith: Garrett Baker will come in to pitch for Melioris, who will move to third base in place of Eli Hendrington. Baker will bat in Hendrington's spot in the order (eighth) and Melioris will stay in the six spot.
Top 9th: Jason Nowicki reached on an error as Chandler Evans dropped a throw at first from third baseman Joe Desens. Zack Ciccotti laid down a bunt on the next pitch and beat it out for an infield single after some miscommunication by the NH infielders. Joe Melioris grounded into a 6-4-3 double play for the first two outs, but Nowicki advanced to third on the play (runner on third, two outs). Ryan Marquette popped out to Joe Betar at short for the third out.
Bottom 9th: Betar flew out to right field for the first out. Garrett Baker then struck out Mike Matt and Eric Verbickas, both swinging, to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 10th: Baker flew out to deep right field for the inning's first out. Mike Stevens, the nine hitter, reached on a single that was just out of the reach of a diving Matt in center field. Kyle Richardson reached on a infield single on a dribbler to third. Stevens went all the way to third on the play as Desens throw scooted away from Evans at first. Richardson stole second to put runners at second and third with one out. Ryan Kramer hit a weak grounder to Verbickas who held the runner at third and threw to first, but the throw was off-target, allowing Kramer to reach safely (bases loaded, one out). Nate Mallinder hit a groundball at Betar at short who made the play of the game thus far, starting a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning and escape the bases loaded threat (Evans made a good scoop at first on a low throw from Carcone).
Bottom 10th: Whalen grounded out for the first out on a nice play up the middle by the shortstop Kramer. Pat Calli struck out swinging for the second out. Steve Bieganowski was caught looking for the last out.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Erik Sheridan replaced Bieganowski in left field.
Top 11th: Nowicki popped out to Carcone at second for the first out. Ciccotti lined a one-out double off the right field wall. WAIT A SECOND - NH appealed to first, saying that Ciccotti missed first and apparently he did - the home plate umpire called him out (for a 1-3 putout in your scorebooks). Verbickas then got Melioris swinging for the third out.
*Smith has had a chance to win in each of today's extra innings, but somehow NH has managed to escape the jams. One run wins it for them here with the 9-1-2 hitters due up.
Bottom 11th: Baker struck out Evans for the inning's first out, but it took some work. Evans fouled off eight pitches and worked a 14-pitch at-bat before going down swinging. Carcone and Desens hit back-to-back groundouts to Kramer to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 12th: Marquette grounded out to Carcone for the first out. Verbickas got his counterpart, Baker, swinging on a curveball for the second out. Stevens lined a two-out single to center field for his second hit today (and third of the game). Richardson popped out to Betar to end the inning.
Bottom 12th: Betar popped out to Nowicki in right for the first out. Matt struck out looking for the second out. Verbickas grounded out to Baker for the inning's final out.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 13th: Kramer flew out to Matt in center for the first out. Mallinder grounded out to Desens at third for the second out. Nowicki reached on a two-out infield single (nubber up the middle). Ciccotti grounded out to Carcone for the third out.
Bottom 13th: Baker struck out Whalen for the first out. Calli grounded out to Baker for the second out. Erik Sheridan grounded out to second to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Somebody call ESPN - this is an Instant Classic without a doubt.
*In five innings pitched, Smith's Baker has not allowed a hit and has retired the side in order every inning. Between Melioris yesterday and Baker today, New Hartford has managed only one hit in 13 innings.
Top 14th: Melioris walked to lead off the inning (the NH fans were not happy with the umpire - there were some close pitches that didn't go their way). Ryan Cooke came in to pinch-run for Melioris. Marquette gave himself up for the first out, laying down a picture perfect bunt to thirdm advancing Cooke to second. Baker grounded out to Carcone for the second out. Cooke went to third on the play. Stevens struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Cooke at third base.
Bottom 14th: Evans grounded out to Marquette for the first out. Carcone lined out to Nowicki in right for the second out. Desens drew a two-out walk (the first batter to reach base against Baker). Betar then hit a grounder at the second baseman that looked like it would end the inning, but Stevens throw to first sailed over Marquette's head, allowing Desens to go to third and Betar to move to second. Matt flew out to left on the first pitch he saw to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 15th: Richardson led off with a single to center. Kramer singled to right field on a perfectly executed hit-and-run, allowing Richardson to go all the way to third. Kramer stole second to put two runners in scoring position. With New Hartford's infield drawn in, Mallinder hit a sharp grounder at Betar who threw home trying to cut down Richardson at the plate. But his throw was low and couldn't be handled by Whalen, allowing Richardson to score the game's first run. Smith 1, NH 0. With runners on the corners, Nowicki flew out to right, but Calli's throw sailed over the head of the cutoff man and past Whalen, allowing Kramer to score from third and Mallinder to get to second. Smith 2, NH 0. Ciccotti grounded out to Carcone for the second out (Mallinder went to third on the play). Verbickas struck out Cooke for the third out.
Bottom 15th: Verbickas struck out looking for the first out. Whalen grounded out to Marquette at first for the second out. Calli hit a hard groundout to third for the third out, ending the game.
FINAL: Smith 2, New Hartford 0
Monday, June 23, 2008
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.
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.
SUSPENDED: Smith 0, New Hartford 0
Hey legion fans. I'm here at Joe Corr Memorial Field for today's marquee match-up between Oneida County league rivals Smith Post 24 and New Hartford Post 1376. Smith is currently 6-0 and on top of Oneida County's Blue Division. New Hartford is the Gold Division leader with a perfect 5-0 record.
I'll provide live updates throughout the game so you can follow along with every at-bat. Feel free to leave your thoughts on today's game or any other league matter in the comments section below. I'll also be here to answer any questions you may have.
Starting lineups:
New Hartford (5-0)
1. Joe Carcone, 2B
2. Joe Desens, 3B
3. Joe Betar, SS
4. Mike Matt, CF
5. Eric Verbickas, 1B
6. Mike Doyle, C
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Steve Bieganowski, LF
9. Chandler Evans, DH
Pitcher: Alex Giovannone, LHP (1-0)
Smith (6-0)
1. Kyle Richardson, CF
2. Ryan Kramer, SS
3. Nate Mallinder, LF
4. Jason Nowicki, RF
5. Zack Ciccotti, C
6. Joe Melioris, P
7. Ryan Marquette, 1B
8. Eli Hendrington, 3B
9. Mike Stevens, 2B
Pitcher: Joe Melioris, RHP (0-0)
*Quick note: New Hartford shortstop Joe Betar was a game-time decision. His arm is bothering him after falling asleep on it awkwardly last night. It will be interesting to see what effect this will have on his play, if any.
Top 1st: Kyle Richardson hit a high pop out to NH catcher Mike Doyle on a full count for the first out. Giovannone needed only one pitch to get Ryan Kramer to fly out to left for the second out. Nate Mallinder popped out to first to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: Joe Carcone grounded a 1-2 pitch to first for the first out. Joe Desens struck out swinging for the second out. Joe Betar grounded out to Kramer at short to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 2nd: Jason Nowicki grounded out to Desens at third for the first out. Zack Ciccotti popped out to the catcher on the first pitch he saw for the second out. Joe Melioris walked on four pitches (runner on first, two outs). Giovannone got Ryan Marquette looking at a 2-2 pitch for the inning's final out.
Bottom 2nd: Mike Matt popped out to Marquette in foul territory for the first out. Eric Verbickas worked the count full before drawing a walk. Doyle struck out on three pitches (runner on first, two outs). Pat Calli struck out looking at a 2-2 pitch to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 3rd: Eli Hendrington flew out to Matt in center on the first pitch he saw. Giovannone got the nine-hitter, Mike Stevens, swinging on an 0-2 pitch for the second out. Richardson popped out to Matt to end the inning.
Bottom 3rd: Steve Bieganowski was beaned by Melioris to the leadoff hitter on. DH Chandler Evans bunted the first pitch he saw to Marquette for a sacrifice, moving Bieganowski to second. Melioris hit Carcone, hit second hit batter of the inning (runners on first and second, one out). Desens ripped a grounder right at Melioris on the first pitch he saw. Melioris snagged it and threw to third for the force and second out (runners on first and second, two outs). Betar went too far on a two-strike check swing, striking out to end the inning. Runners were stranded at first and second.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 4th: Kramer tried bunting the first pitch he saw, but he hit it right back at Giovannone who threw to first for the first out. Mallinder reached on a infield single (the first hit of the game). Betar ranged to his right and made an off-balanced throw to first, but it was just late. Mallinder stole second on an off-target throw from Doyle. Nowicki popped out to center field on a curveball for the second out (runner on second, two outs). After falling behind 3-0, Giovannone came all the back to strike Ciccotti out to end the inning and strand Mallinder at second.
*There was a big crowd at the start, but it seems to be multiplying as the game goes on. The 50-50 just passed by me and the person selling the tickets said, "It's going to be a big pot tonight."
Bottom 4th: Mike Matt struck out looking for the first out. Melioris struck Verbickas out on a nasty 0-2 curveball. Melioris ended the inning and picked up his seventh strike out by getting Doyle on another two-strike curveball.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 5th: Melioris struck out for the inning's first out. Marquette hit what looked to be a sure single up the middle, but Carcone made a phenomenal play to snag it and make an off-balanced throw to first for the second out. Hendrington hit a 2-2 single to left. Stevens followed with a single up the middle on the first pitch from Giovannone. Richardson grounded to Betar who flipped it over to Carcone for the force at second, ending the inning and stranding two Smith runners.
Bottom 5th: Calli grounded to Marquette on the first pitch he saw for the first out. Bieganowski saw two pitches before lightning was sighted, causing the home plate umpire to call a mandatory 30-minute delay (the delay started at 7:09 p.m.). Lightning was spotted again at 7:17 pm, restarting the 30-minute delay. We're about to get started up again after a 40-minute delay. Players from both teams just took the last five minutes to throw and get loose. Bieganowski will be at the plate with one out and a 2-0 count. Melioris came back to strike Bieganowski out swinging on a full count for the second out. Melioris pick up his ninth strike out of the game, getting Evans looking at a 1-2 fastball to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 6th: Kramer hit a 3-2 pitch up the middle for a single. Mallinder gave himself up, bunting Kramer over to second (runner on second, one out). Nowicki grounded out to short for the second out, but Kramer moved to third on the play, putting the go-ahead run just 90-feet away. Ciccotti hit a hard groundout to Betar to end the inning, stranding Kramer at third.
*ALERT: Melioris has a no-hitter going. He's struck out nine, walked one and hit two batters. He's thrown 64 pitches.
Bottom 6th: Carcone drew an eight-pitch walk to lead off. Desens tried to bunt Carcone over, but it went right back to Melioris who turned and fired to second to get the inning's first out (runner on first, one out). Betar struck out on a 2-2 curveball. Desens was stealing on the pitch and reached second safely (runner on second, one out). Matt hit a weak blooper over Melioris' head and beat it out for an infield single, breaking up the no-hitter for Melioris (runners on first and third, two outs). Verbickas his a grounder at Kramer at short. He beat Matt to second and touched the base for the force and the inning's final out. Runners were stranded on first and third for New Hartford.
New Hartford 0, Smith o
Top 7th: Melioris hit a deep fly ball out to Calli in right for the inning's first out (the NH fans held their collective breathe as it looked like the hit might have a chance to clear the right field fence). Giovannone struck Marquette on three pitches for the second out and got Hendrington swinging for the third out.
*NH will have their 6-7-8 hitters coming up. One run will win it.
Bottom 7th: Doyle was hit in the shoulder on an 0-2 fastball to put a runner on for NH. Melioris struck Calli out swinging for the first out(Melioris' 11th strike out of the game). Bieganowski bunted the first pitch he saw straight back to Melioris. The pitcher threw to second to get the first out. The runner was called for interference on the slide, making it a 1-6-3 double play and ending the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Giovannone is taking the hill for NH heading into extras. He's thrown 100 pitches.
Top 8th: Stevens lined out to Matt in center for the first out. Richardson grounded out to third for the second out. Kramer hit the first pitch on the ground toward second base. Carcone made another great play to get to the ball and make an accurate off-balanced throw. But, the infield umpire said Verbickas was off the bag at first and called the runner safe (runner on first, two outs). Giovannone got Mallinder to ground out 1-3 to end the inning.
*9-1-2 hitters coming to the plate for New Hartford. One run wins the game. Melioris is still in for Smith. He's thrown 90 pitches.
Bottom 8th: Evans struck out on three pitches for the first out. Carcone struck out looking on a 2-2 curveball for the second out. Melioris picked up his 13th strike out by fanning Desens on a 1-2 pitch to end the inning.
*You guys are going to love this one - game called due to darkness (8:32 p.m.) - New Hartford 0, Smith 0. The home plate umpire, Ron Starsiak, told me the game will be resumed from the point at which it left off tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Check back later for more - I'll probably start a new post.
I'll provide live updates throughout the game so you can follow along with every at-bat. Feel free to leave your thoughts on today's game or any other league matter in the comments section below. I'll also be here to answer any questions you may have.
Starting lineups:
New Hartford (5-0)
1. Joe Carcone, 2B
2. Joe Desens, 3B
3. Joe Betar, SS
4. Mike Matt, CF
5. Eric Verbickas, 1B
6. Mike Doyle, C
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Steve Bieganowski, LF
9. Chandler Evans, DH
Pitcher: Alex Giovannone, LHP (1-0)
Smith (6-0)
1. Kyle Richardson, CF
2. Ryan Kramer, SS
3. Nate Mallinder, LF
4. Jason Nowicki, RF
5. Zack Ciccotti, C
6. Joe Melioris, P
7. Ryan Marquette, 1B
8. Eli Hendrington, 3B
9. Mike Stevens, 2B
Pitcher: Joe Melioris, RHP (0-0)
*Quick note: New Hartford shortstop Joe Betar was a game-time decision. His arm is bothering him after falling asleep on it awkwardly last night. It will be interesting to see what effect this will have on his play, if any.
Top 1st: Kyle Richardson hit a high pop out to NH catcher Mike Doyle on a full count for the first out. Giovannone needed only one pitch to get Ryan Kramer to fly out to left for the second out. Nate Mallinder popped out to first to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: Joe Carcone grounded a 1-2 pitch to first for the first out. Joe Desens struck out swinging for the second out. Joe Betar grounded out to Kramer at short to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 2nd: Jason Nowicki grounded out to Desens at third for the first out. Zack Ciccotti popped out to the catcher on the first pitch he saw for the second out. Joe Melioris walked on four pitches (runner on first, two outs). Giovannone got Ryan Marquette looking at a 2-2 pitch for the inning's final out.
Bottom 2nd: Mike Matt popped out to Marquette in foul territory for the first out. Eric Verbickas worked the count full before drawing a walk. Doyle struck out on three pitches (runner on first, two outs). Pat Calli struck out looking at a 2-2 pitch to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 3rd: Eli Hendrington flew out to Matt in center on the first pitch he saw. Giovannone got the nine-hitter, Mike Stevens, swinging on an 0-2 pitch for the second out. Richardson popped out to Matt to end the inning.
Bottom 3rd: Steve Bieganowski was beaned by Melioris to the leadoff hitter on. DH Chandler Evans bunted the first pitch he saw to Marquette for a sacrifice, moving Bieganowski to second. Melioris hit Carcone, hit second hit batter of the inning (runners on first and second, one out). Desens ripped a grounder right at Melioris on the first pitch he saw. Melioris snagged it and threw to third for the force and second out (runners on first and second, two outs). Betar went too far on a two-strike check swing, striking out to end the inning. Runners were stranded at first and second.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 4th: Kramer tried bunting the first pitch he saw, but he hit it right back at Giovannone who threw to first for the first out. Mallinder reached on a infield single (the first hit of the game). Betar ranged to his right and made an off-balanced throw to first, but it was just late. Mallinder stole second on an off-target throw from Doyle. Nowicki popped out to center field on a curveball for the second out (runner on second, two outs). After falling behind 3-0, Giovannone came all the back to strike Ciccotti out to end the inning and strand Mallinder at second.
*There was a big crowd at the start, but it seems to be multiplying as the game goes on. The 50-50 just passed by me and the person selling the tickets said, "It's going to be a big pot tonight."
Bottom 4th: Mike Matt struck out looking for the first out. Melioris struck Verbickas out on a nasty 0-2 curveball. Melioris ended the inning and picked up his seventh strike out by getting Doyle on another two-strike curveball.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 5th: Melioris struck out for the inning's first out. Marquette hit what looked to be a sure single up the middle, but Carcone made a phenomenal play to snag it and make an off-balanced throw to first for the second out. Hendrington hit a 2-2 single to left. Stevens followed with a single up the middle on the first pitch from Giovannone. Richardson grounded to Betar who flipped it over to Carcone for the force at second, ending the inning and stranding two Smith runners.
Bottom 5th: Calli grounded to Marquette on the first pitch he saw for the first out. Bieganowski saw two pitches before lightning was sighted, causing the home plate umpire to call a mandatory 30-minute delay (the delay started at 7:09 p.m.). Lightning was spotted again at 7:17 pm, restarting the 30-minute delay. We're about to get started up again after a 40-minute delay. Players from both teams just took the last five minutes to throw and get loose. Bieganowski will be at the plate with one out and a 2-0 count. Melioris came back to strike Bieganowski out swinging on a full count for the second out. Melioris pick up his ninth strike out of the game, getting Evans looking at a 1-2 fastball to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 6th: Kramer hit a 3-2 pitch up the middle for a single. Mallinder gave himself up, bunting Kramer over to second (runner on second, one out). Nowicki grounded out to short for the second out, but Kramer moved to third on the play, putting the go-ahead run just 90-feet away. Ciccotti hit a hard groundout to Betar to end the inning, stranding Kramer at third.
*ALERT: Melioris has a no-hitter going. He's struck out nine, walked one and hit two batters. He's thrown 64 pitches.
Bottom 6th: Carcone drew an eight-pitch walk to lead off. Desens tried to bunt Carcone over, but it went right back to Melioris who turned and fired to second to get the inning's first out (runner on first, one out). Betar struck out on a 2-2 curveball. Desens was stealing on the pitch and reached second safely (runner on second, one out). Matt hit a weak blooper over Melioris' head and beat it out for an infield single, breaking up the no-hitter for Melioris (runners on first and third, two outs). Verbickas his a grounder at Kramer at short. He beat Matt to second and touched the base for the force and the inning's final out. Runners were stranded on first and third for New Hartford.
New Hartford 0, Smith o
Top 7th: Melioris hit a deep fly ball out to Calli in right for the inning's first out (the NH fans held their collective breathe as it looked like the hit might have a chance to clear the right field fence). Giovannone struck Marquette on three pitches for the second out and got Hendrington swinging for the third out.
*NH will have their 6-7-8 hitters coming up. One run will win it.
Bottom 7th: Doyle was hit in the shoulder on an 0-2 fastball to put a runner on for NH. Melioris struck Calli out swinging for the first out(Melioris' 11th strike out of the game). Bieganowski bunted the first pitch he saw straight back to Melioris. The pitcher threw to second to get the first out. The runner was called for interference on the slide, making it a 1-6-3 double play and ending the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
*Giovannone is taking the hill for NH heading into extras. He's thrown 100 pitches.
Top 8th: Stevens lined out to Matt in center for the first out. Richardson grounded out to third for the second out. Kramer hit the first pitch on the ground toward second base. Carcone made another great play to get to the ball and make an accurate off-balanced throw. But, the infield umpire said Verbickas was off the bag at first and called the runner safe (runner on first, two outs). Giovannone got Mallinder to ground out 1-3 to end the inning.
*9-1-2 hitters coming to the plate for New Hartford. One run wins the game. Melioris is still in for Smith. He's thrown 90 pitches.
Bottom 8th: Evans struck out on three pitches for the first out. Carcone struck out looking on a 2-2 curveball for the second out. Melioris picked up his 13th strike out by fanning Desens on a 1-2 pitch to end the inning.
*You guys are going to love this one - game called due to darkness (8:32 p.m.) - New Hartford 0, Smith 0. The home plate umpire, Ron Starsiak, told me the game will be resumed from the point at which it left off tomorrow at 6 p.m.
Check back later for more - I'll probably start a new post.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Showdown Monday: Smith vs. New Hartford
The biggest game of the young season is upon us.
Get ready for a showdown at Joe Corr Memorial Field on Monday when Blue Division leader Smith Post 24 visits Gold Division leader New Hartford Post 1376. The match-up pins two premiere league rivals in a game that will leave one team with their first loss of the season. Smith is 6-0. New Hartford is 5-0.
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and I'll be there to provide live play-by-play updates for those of you who can't make it. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section throughout the game. I’ll also be there to answer any of your questions.
I spoke with coaches from both teams tonight – Smith’s Tony Abone Jr. and New Hartford’s Greg Jones. Both said they have yet to make their decision on a starting pitcher. But, looking at the team’s schedules from last week should give us a good idea of who might take the hill for each squad.
With Garrett Baker throwing in Smith’s 10-4 win over Whitestown on Thursday and Kyle Richardson pitching in a win over Moran on Saturday, it looks as though Joe Melioris is lined up to start his first game on the mound as a member of Smith Post. My guess is the 6-foot-10-inch righty gets the starting nod for the Romans.
As for New Hartford, ace Alex Giovannone will be on almost a week’s rest (he last pitched against Whitestown on Tuesday). Erik Sheridan was scheduled to start against Love in the latter half of the week, but was skipped in the rotation due to an illness, giving New Hartford two left-handed options to choose from. However, I expect to see Giovannone on the hill come game time.
While this game appears to have big implications, there is no doubt that both coaches are downplaying it's gravity to their players. Abone Jr. reminded me that it’s still early in the season and that this one game will not make or break the season. Having played for New Hartford, I know that Jones and manager John Randall share Abone’s perspective. They will remind their players that it’s not the playoffs yet and it’s just another game among many.
Regardless of how much season remains and what the coaches say, fans can expect to see a motivated effort from both sides. Smith and New Hartford have been two of the league's top teams in recent years, consistently battling for Oneida County supremacy. While there is a mutual respect between the players and coaches, neither side likes losing in this match-up, meaning legion fans should be in for a real treat come Monday evening.
See you then.
Get ready for a showdown at Joe Corr Memorial Field on Monday when Blue Division leader Smith Post 24 visits Gold Division leader New Hartford Post 1376. The match-up pins two premiere league rivals in a game that will leave one team with their first loss of the season. Smith is 6-0. New Hartford is 5-0.
First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m. and I'll be there to provide live play-by-play updates for those of you who can't make it. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section throughout the game. I’ll also be there to answer any of your questions.
I spoke with coaches from both teams tonight – Smith’s Tony Abone Jr. and New Hartford’s Greg Jones. Both said they have yet to make their decision on a starting pitcher. But, looking at the team’s schedules from last week should give us a good idea of who might take the hill for each squad.
With Garrett Baker throwing in Smith’s 10-4 win over Whitestown on Thursday and Kyle Richardson pitching in a win over Moran on Saturday, it looks as though Joe Melioris is lined up to start his first game on the mound as a member of Smith Post. My guess is the 6-foot-10-inch righty gets the starting nod for the Romans.
As for New Hartford, ace Alex Giovannone will be on almost a week’s rest (he last pitched against Whitestown on Tuesday). Erik Sheridan was scheduled to start against Love in the latter half of the week, but was skipped in the rotation due to an illness, giving New Hartford two left-handed options to choose from. However, I expect to see Giovannone on the hill come game time.
While this game appears to have big implications, there is no doubt that both coaches are downplaying it's gravity to their players. Abone Jr. reminded me that it’s still early in the season and that this one game will not make or break the season. Having played for New Hartford, I know that Jones and manager John Randall share Abone’s perspective. They will remind their players that it’s not the playoffs yet and it’s just another game among many.
Regardless of how much season remains and what the coaches say, fans can expect to see a motivated effort from both sides. Smith and New Hartford have been two of the league's top teams in recent years, consistently battling for Oneida County supremacy. While there is a mutual respect between the players and coaches, neither side likes losing in this match-up, meaning legion fans should be in for a real treat come Monday evening.
See you then.
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