4:04 p.m.: The Smith-New Hartford county championship game is under a short delay due to heavy rain that passed through the area and soaked DeLutis Field. No official start time has been announced, but the rain has stopped and the grounds crew is fixing up the field.
4:20 p.m.: The rain has started up again. The grounds crew did a nice job of cleaning up the field from the first down pour, but it seems that their efforts may have to be repeated soon. Tarps are still down on the pitcher's mound and around home plate, and have been down since the conclusion of the New Hartford-Utica game.
4:37 p.m.: It's still raining here at DeLutis, albeit not as hard as it was earlier. But, the tarps are still down and there has been no activity by the grounds crew since it first touched up the infield about 20 minutes ago.
4:52 p.m.: The skies are starting to clear and the sun is peaking out. The grounds crew is spreading quick dry over some wet spots of the infield and pulling the tarps off of the pitchers mound and home plate. Smith's players are getting loose, playing catch in right field. Still no official start time.
5:06 p.m.: The skies have cleared and the field is looking pretty good considering all the heavy rain that came through in the last two hours. Smith just took the infield for warm-ups. Only the starters are on the field as it looks like an abbreviated warm-up session to speed things up. New Hartford's Erik Sheridan is warming up in the bullpen. Joe Melioris will take the hill on three days rest for Smith. New Hartford coach Greg Jones just told me that the game's tentative start time is now 5:30 p.m.
While we're waiting, let me fill you guys in on the recent history between these two rivals who are meeting to decide the county championship for the third straight year.
In 2006, New Hartford topped Adrean in the losers bracket final to set up a rematch with Smith, who beat New Hartford in the winners bracket final. New Hartford would beat Smith twice to claim the Oneida County crown. Last year, Smith went a perfect 4-0 in the county playoffs, capturing the 2007 title by beating losers bracket survivor New Hartford.
So what will happen this year? Will Smith repeat last year's perfect run through the counties, or will New Hartford find the magic of 2006 and take down the one-seed twice for the crown?
Starting lineups:
(1) Smith (21-0)
1. Kyle Richardson, CF
2. Ryan Kramer, SS
3. Nate Mallinder, LF
4. Jason Nowicki, RF
5. Zack Ciccotti, C
6. Rocco DeBlasiis, DH
7. Eli Hendrington, 3B
8. Ryan Marquette, 1B
9. Mike Stevens, 2B
Pitcher: Joe Melioris, RHP
(2) New Hartford (15-6)
1. Joe Desens, DH
2. Joe Carcone, 2B
3. Mike Matt, CF
4. Eric Verbickas, 1B
5. Mike Doyle, C
6. Dan Nelson, 3B
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. T.J. Zalocha, LF
9. Joe Betar, SS
Pitcher: Erik Sheridan, LHP
Before we get started, here's my prediction on the championship round: New Hartford. We all know about Smith's 2-0 15-inning victory over New Hartford back in June, and last night's 3-0 victory over the Gold Division champion. But, I think New Hartford is going to surprise Smith and pitcher Joe Melioris after he one-hit them in the first meeting. Call me crazy, but I know New Hartford Post baseball, and I know what kind of motivators they have in manager John Randall and coach Greg Jones. When New Hartford took the state title in 2006, it lost its first three meetings against Smith (two in the regular season and the winners bracket final of the counties), but New Hartford came back and won two straight over Smith to take the Oneida County crown and then beat Smith again in the Districts to even the season series at three apiece. Now, I know these are not the same teams as they were that year, but I have a feeling New Hartford is going to recapture the magic of 2006 and take two in a row off of Smith to even the season series and take the county title.
5:25 p.m.: We've just gotten underway, an hour and 25 minutes later than schedule.
Top 1st: Desens grounded out to Hendrington at third for the first out. Carcone grounded out to Hendrington for the second out. Matt grounded out to Kramer at short for the third out.
*Despite going down in order, New Hartford looks like it is ready for Melioris and on his fastball having hit three foul tips straight back at the backstop.
Bottom 1st: Richardson grounded out to Sheridan on the mound for the first out. Kramer was hit in the foot by a pitch. Mallinder got plunked to put runners on first and second with one out. Nowicki grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
Smith 0, New Hartford 0
Top 2nd: Verbickas hit a groundball to Stevens at second, but he bobbled it and then threw too high to Marquette, allowing Verbickas to reach on an error. Doyle grounded out 4-3, putting Verbickas at second with one out. Nelson struck out looking for the second out. Calli grounded out to second for the third out, stranding Verbickas at second.
Bottom 2nd: Ciccotti hit a deep fly ball to left field, but it was snagged on the run by Zalocha for the first out. DeBlasiis grounded out to Verbickas at first for the second out. Hendrington grounded out to short to end the inning, completing a 10-pitch inning for Sheridan.
Smith 0, New Hartford 0
Top 3rd: Zalocha struck out looking on a fastball that caught the outside corner. Betar took a two-strike curveball the other way into right field for a single. Desens gave himself up, bunting Betar to second to put a runner on second with two outs. Carcone couldn't take advantage of the runner in scoring position, grounding out to Stevens at second for the third out.
Bottom 3rd: Marquette grounded out to Carcone at second for the first out. Stevens grounded out to Nelson at third for the second out. Richardson reached on a throwing error by Betar as the shortstop double clutched and then short-hopped the throw to first. Kramer walked to put runners on first and second with two down. Mallinder squeeked an RBI single through the middle of the infield to put Smith on top. Smith 1, New Hartford 0. Kramer beat Matt's throw to third and Mallinder advanced to second on the throw. Nowicki flew out to Matt in center to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
Smith 1, New Hartford 0
Top 4th: Matt struck out swinging for the first out. Verbickas ripped a single up the middle to put a runner on first with one out. Doyle struck out looking at an offspeed pitch for the second out. Nelson struck out swinging for the third out.
*New Hartford's Pat Derrane has come on to pitch in place of Sheridan.
Bottom 4th: Ciccotti ripped a single into right-center to lead off. DeBlasiis flew out to Matt in left-center for the first out. Hendrington grounded a single through the hole and into left to put runners on first and second with one out. Marquette grounded out to first for the second out, but the runners advanced to second and third. Stevens grounded out to short to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
Smith 1, New Hartford 0
Top 5th: Calli drew a walk to lead off. Zalocha put down a 1-3 sacrifice bunt, moving Calli to second. Betar grounded out to short for the second out, but Calli moved to third on the play. Desens took a called third strike for the third out, stranding the tying run just 90 feet away.
*New Hartford changes: Desens, who was the DH, has moved to third. Tim Whalen has taken Doyle's spot at catcher.
Bottom 5th: Richardson struck out swinging, just his fifth strike out of the season, but wound up on second as the pitch was in the dirt and Whalen's throw to first sailed over the head of Verbickas and in right field for a two-base error. Kramer poked an RBI single to right field to bring home Richardson who was stealing on the pitch. Smith 2, New Hartford 0. Kramer stole second. Mallinder ripped an RBI single (his second of the game) up the middle to plate Kramer. Smith 3, New Hartford 0. Mallinder stole second. Nowicki grounded out to short for the first out, but Mallinder went to third on the play. Ciccotti ripped the first pitch from Derrane for an RBI single up the middle. Smith 4, New Hartford 0. DeBlasiis grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
Smith 4, New Hartford 0
Top 6th: Carcone grounded out to the shortstop for the first out. Matt hit a weak groundball at Kramer and beat the throw to first for an infield single. Matt went to second on a passed ball. Verbickas struck out swinging for the second out. Whalen popped out to Marquette in foul territory for the third out.
*New Hartford changes: Tyler Porter came on to pitch. Alex Giovannone took Verbickas' place at first. Mike Bower took Desens' spot at third. Desens moved to third and Betar came out of the game.
Bottom 6th: Hendrington worked a walk to lead off. Marquette popped out to Carcone who made a nice running catch in shallow right field for the first out. Ryan Cooke has come on to bat for Stevens. Hendrington stole second and then advanced to third as Whalen's throw skidded into center field. Cooke hit an RBI single up the middle to bring home Hedrington. Smith 5, New Hartford 0. Richardson grounded to Carcone at second who tagged Cooke for the first out, but his throw to first was just late to complete the double play, allowing Richardson to reach on a fielder's choice. Richardson stole second. Kramer walked on a wild pitch from Porter that allowed Richardson to move to third (first and third, two outs). Mallinder hit his third RBI single of the game, bringing home Richardson and moving Kramer to second. Smith 6, New Hartford 0. Nowicki popped out to the shortstop to end the inning.
*Smith is just three outs away from winning the Oneida County title and moving to 22-0 on the season against Oneida County teams.
*Smith changes: Matt Wanner has come in to catch. Hendrington moved from third to second. Nowicki moved from right field to third, and Cooke slid into his spot in right.
Top 7th: Melioris picked up his eighth strike out of the game, getting Porter swinging. Calli struck out swinging on three pitches for the second out. Zalocha became Melioris' 10th strike out victim, whiffing at a fastball to end it.
FINAL: Smith 6, New Hartford 0
*With the win, Smith captures the Oneida County championship for the second straight year. Check back later for more, including details on next week's District V tournament...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
NH wins and what's next...
New Hartford topped Utica 7-5 in the losers bracket final to advance to the 4 p.m. championship round against Smith.
New Hartford went ahead 2-0 in the first, but Utica answered with two runs of its own in the top of the second to even the score at 2-2. After a scoreless third, Utica plated three in the top of the fourth to go on top 5-2.
New Hartford cut the lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth and then scored four more in the sixth to eliminate the three-seed Utica.
New Hartford's Chandler Evans went 3.2 innings and was relieved by Alex Giovannone after a Devin Warmack single with the score 5-2 in the fourth. Giovannone picked Warmack off of first before even throwing a pitch, and then went on to put Utica's final nine batters down in order to clinch the win.
New Hartford's four-run sixth started with back-to-back singles by Erik Sheridan and Joe Betar. Then, with runners on second and third and no outs, Utica made a pitching change, pulling starter Mike King in favor of Joe Perrotta. Perrotta plunked the first batter he faced, Joe Carcone, to load the bases with no outs. A Joe Desens RBI walk brought home Sheridan and cut the lead to 5-4. A passed ball, which bounced off catch Nick Mishlanie's shin pad, plated Betar to tie the game at five. Mike Matt then poked a two-RBI single through the hole into left field to put New Hartford ahead 7-5. Utica escaped further damage with an Eric Verbickas line out, and a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
But it would not reach base in the final inning.
Giovannone got Mishlanie to ground out 6-3 and Hall to fly out to center for the first two outs. The veteran lefty ended the game with a swinging strike out of Warmack.
The win guarantees New Hartford a spot in next week's District V tournament (scheduled to start Wednesday) and sets up a rematch between Smith and New Hartford of the past two year's Oneida County championship round. New Hartford came out of the losers bracket to beat Smith twice and take the title in 2006. Smith took the crown in 2007 with a win over New Hartford.
New Hartford will have to beat Smith twice (once today, and then again tomorrow) to win the county playoffs. Smith needs just one win to take the crown.
New Hartford went ahead 2-0 in the first, but Utica answered with two runs of its own in the top of the second to even the score at 2-2. After a scoreless third, Utica plated three in the top of the fourth to go on top 5-2.
New Hartford cut the lead to 5-3 in the bottom of the fifth and then scored four more in the sixth to eliminate the three-seed Utica.
New Hartford's Chandler Evans went 3.2 innings and was relieved by Alex Giovannone after a Devin Warmack single with the score 5-2 in the fourth. Giovannone picked Warmack off of first before even throwing a pitch, and then went on to put Utica's final nine batters down in order to clinch the win.
New Hartford's four-run sixth started with back-to-back singles by Erik Sheridan and Joe Betar. Then, with runners on second and third and no outs, Utica made a pitching change, pulling starter Mike King in favor of Joe Perrotta. Perrotta plunked the first batter he faced, Joe Carcone, to load the bases with no outs. A Joe Desens RBI walk brought home Sheridan and cut the lead to 5-4. A passed ball, which bounced off catch Nick Mishlanie's shin pad, plated Betar to tie the game at five. Mike Matt then poked a two-RBI single through the hole into left field to put New Hartford ahead 7-5. Utica escaped further damage with an Eric Verbickas line out, and a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
But it would not reach base in the final inning.
Giovannone got Mishlanie to ground out 6-3 and Hall to fly out to center for the first two outs. The veteran lefty ended the game with a swinging strike out of Warmack.
The win guarantees New Hartford a spot in next week's District V tournament (scheduled to start Wednesday) and sets up a rematch between Smith and New Hartford of the past two year's Oneida County championship round. New Hartford came out of the losers bracket to beat Smith twice and take the title in 2006. Smith took the crown in 2007 with a win over New Hartford.
New Hartford will have to beat Smith twice (once today, and then again tomorrow) to win the county playoffs. Smith needs just one win to take the crown.
County Playoffs: Saturday Preview
Here's a look at the county playoffs bracket (click to enlarge):
Losers Bracket Final: (2) New Hartford vs. (4) Utica at DeLutis Field, 1 p.m.
These two split their regular season series. T.J. Abounader pitched both times for Utica, but will be unavailable today after pitching five innings in last night's win over Sherrill.
Joe Perrotta is probably also out of the question (though it wouldn't surprise me if he pitched a couple inning as he's a gamer) as he threw a complete game just two nights ago. My guess is Utica goes with Ryan Donovan on three days rest (he threw against Love on Wednesday) or Mike King (Monday's starter).
The biggest thing Utica has going for it today is that this will be its fourth straight do-or-die game. Utica's players know what it's like to play with their backs up against the wall and that might go a long way as this will be New Hartford's first elimination game since last year's playoffs.
Prediction: New Hartford. It still has a lot of pitching left with the likes of Dan Nelson, Erik Sheridan. They'll likely go with Chandler Evans in this one (he's on four days rest after beating Sherrill on Monday) as he is pitching like their ace as of late. The key for New Hartford will be wether it can get over last night's loss to Smith real quick and come out and put some runs on the board in the early going.
I'll add a championship preview after this game finishes up. I'll be up at the 4 p.m. game and will blog live for the championship. Be sure to follow along. See you then...
Friday, July 25, 2008
Smith tops NH, Saturday's finals
Due to some time constraints (story deadlines), I won't be able to blog live for this one. But, tonight's winners bracket final between Blue Division champion Smith and Gold Division champion New Hartford will be broadcast live on 1350 AM radio. So be sure to follow along with the action there with commentators Ed O'Brien and Brian Cornish.
UPDATE: Smith wins
Smith beat New Hartford 3-0 in a tight, well-played game. Garrett Baker threw a complete-game three-hitter for Smith, while walking three and hitting one batter.
Smith scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth and added another in fifth to advance to Saturday's championship round at 4 p.m at DeLutis Field. New Hartford will play Utica in Saturday's losers bracket final at 1 p.m. here at the same location.
Click here to read more about tonight's Smith-New Hartford game: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x2043517336/Smith-into-championship-round-with-win-over-New-Hartford
Click here to read more about tonight's Utica-Sherrill game: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x1444439472/In-need-of-mercy
Be sure to check back tomorrow morning for a preview (and predicitions - yes, I know they've been terrible lately) of tomorrow's games. Until then, take it easy legion fans...
UPDATE: Smith wins
Smith beat New Hartford 3-0 in a tight, well-played game. Garrett Baker threw a complete-game three-hitter for Smith, while walking three and hitting one batter.
Smith scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth and added another in fifth to advance to Saturday's championship round at 4 p.m at DeLutis Field. New Hartford will play Utica in Saturday's losers bracket final at 1 p.m. here at the same location.
Click here to read more about tonight's Smith-New Hartford game: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x2043517336/Smith-into-championship-round-with-win-over-New-Hartford
Click here to read more about tonight's Utica-Sherrill game: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x1444439472/In-need-of-mercy
Be sure to check back tomorrow morning for a preview (and predicitions - yes, I know they've been terrible lately) of tomorrow's games. Until then, take it easy legion fans...
FINAL: Utica 15, Sherrill 5
Hey guys. It's a beautfiful day/night for baseball here at DeLutis Field. Tonight's first match-up pits fourth-seed Utica vs. seventh-seed Sherrill in the losers bracket semifinal. First pitch is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m.
Feel free to chime in with any thoughts or questions through the game. I'll be happy to interact and answer any questions you guys may have on this game, the later game or anything else on your mind.
For a preview of the game, and tonight's winners bracket final between (1) Smith and (2) New Hartford that is scheduled to follow this one, click here: http://adonovan-uticaod.blogspot.com/2008/07/county-playoffs-friday-preview.html
Starting lineups:
Utica (13-7)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, 3B
5. Mike King, LF
6. Joe Mazzara, RF
7. Joe Perrotta, SS
8. Mike Obernesser, C
9. Justin Hall, DH
Pitcher: T.J. Abounader, RHP
Sherrill (11-9)
1. Jermey Roden, SS
2. Ryan Dungey, P
3. Mitch Iseneker, CF
4. Mark Dixon, 3B
5. Matt Sayles, C
6. Robert Sweet, 1B
7. Mike Blair, 2B
8. Lucas Voelker, LF
9. Joseph Barbano, RF
Pitcher: Ryan Dungey, LHP
*Tonight's pitching match-up is intriguing for more than one reason. Not only are two of the league's top guns going head-to-head, but one (Dungey) is going on just three days rest, while the other (Abounader) is pitching for the first time in 11 days due to a nagging injury. This should be an interesting match-up to follow and see how long each guy can go.
Top 1st: Roden led off with a ripped single up the middle that almost took Abounader's leg off. Dungey bunted the first pitch he saw, in an attempt to move Roden to second, but it was right back at Abounader and he got the force at second for the first out. Iseneker hit a single to left that Dungey hustled all the way to third on (Iseneker was able to reach second on the throw to third). Dixon ripped a two-RBI single to right, scoring Dungey and Iseneker. Sherrill 2, Utica 0. Sayles flew out to center on the first pitch for the second out. Sweet popped out to VanDreason at second for the third out.
Bottom 1st: Warmack was hit by a pitch to put the lead off man on for Utica. Warmack stole second. Scotellaro walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second with no outs. VanDreason drew a third straight free pass with a walk to load the bases with no outs. Donovan ripped a two-RBI single up the middle, but was thrown out trying to reach second after the threw to the plate (VanDreason went to third, one out). Utica 2, Sherrill 2. VanDreason scored on a passed ball to give Utica the lead. Utica 3, Sherrill 2. King reached on an error by Dungey on a soft ground ball that tipped off his glove and behind him. Mazzara walked to put runners on first and second with one out. Perrotta grounded into a full-count 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
*Dungey needed 31 pitches to get through the first inning.
Utica 3, Sherrill 2
Top 2nd: Blair and Voelker struck out swinging back-to-back for the first two outs. Barbano drew a full-count walk to put a runner on first with two down. Roden grounded out to Perrotta at short for the third out.
Bottom 2nd: Obernesser walked on a 3-2 fastball in the dirt. Hall popped up a bunt to Dungey for the first out. Warmack hit a tailormade double play ball to Roden at short, but it rolled through his legs, allowing the runners to reach first and second safely. Scotellaro hit another grounder at Roden that looked to be a sure-thing inning-ending double play, but after stepping on second for the first out, Roden's throw to first was in the dirt and tipped off Sweet's glove. Scotellaro reached on a fielder's choice on the play and Obernesser to score all the way from second. Utica 4, Sherrill 2. Scotellaro stole second and then VanDreason drew a walk to put runners on first and second with two outs. Donovan poked an RBI single to right, plating Scotellaro from second and moving VanDreason to third. Utica 5, Sherrill 2. Donovan reached second on a passed ball (runners on second and third, two outs). King drew a five-pitch walk to load the bases (Dungey's seventh free pass of the game). Mazzara hit a grounder to Dixon that looked like it would end the inning, but the usually sure-handed Dixon bobbled it, allowing everyone to advance. Utica 6, Sherrill 2. Perrotta flew out to center to end the inning, leaving the bases loaded.
Utica 6, Sherrill 2
Top 3rd: Dungey struck out swinging for the first out. Iseneker singled to right. Dixon popped out to VanDreason for the second out. Sayles grounded out 1-3 for the third out.
Bottom 3rd: Obernesser hit a high pop up toward second that should have been the first out, but it was dropped by the first baseman (and don't ask me why the first baseman was trying to catch a ball near second base because I'm equally as baffled), allowing Obernesser to reach first on Sherrill's fourth error of the game. Hall struck out swinging for the first out. Warmack grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice for the second out. Warmack stole second. Scotellaro struck out swinging to end the inning.
Utica 6, Sherrill 2
Top 4th: Sweet flew out to right for the first out. Blair drew a one-out walk. Voelker flew out to left on a nice running grab by King for the second out. Barbano struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Blair at first out.
Bottom 4th: VanDreason singled up the middle to lead off. Donovan walked to put runners on first and second with no outs. King grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice, putting runners on the corners with one out. Mazzara struck out swinging for the second out. Perrotta hit an RBI single to center scoring VanDreason. Utica 7, Sherrill 2. King was thrown out trying to score from second to end the inning.
Utica 7, Sherrill 2
Top 5th: Roden led off with a single to right. Dungey ripped a double to deep left-center to put runners on second and third with no outs. Iseneker drew a walk to load the bases with none down. Dixon struck out swinging for the first out. Sayles drew a walk to pick up an RBI, bringing home Roden (bases loaded, one out). Utica 7, Sherrill 3. Sweet grounded into a 6-4 fielder’s choice for the second out, but another run scored. Utica 7, Sherrill 4. Blair walked to re-load the bases with two outs. Voelker hit what looked like an inning-ending ground ball to Donovan at third, but he booted it, allowing Sherrill to score another run and all the runners to advance. Utica 7, Sherrill 5. Tyler Mautner has come in to bat for Barbano. Mautner struck out looking for the third out, leaving the bases loaded.
Bottom 5th: Obernesser, Hall and Warmack drew three straight walks to load the bases with no outs. Dungey was relieved by Roden. Scotellaro brought home a run on an error by Mautner who moved to third when Roden came in. Utica 8, Sherrill 5. VanDreason ripped a two-RBI single, putting runners on first and second. Utica 10, Sherrill 5. Donovan picked up his third hit and fourth RBI of the night with an RBI single. Utica 11, Sherrill 5. King walked to load the bases with still no outs. Mazzara walked to bring home a run and keep the bases loaded with no outs. Utica 12, Sherrill 5. Blair came in to pitch in place of Roden. Perrotta greeted Blair with an RBI single to left, keeping the bases loaded. Utica 13, Sherrill 5. Donovan scored on a passed ball. Utica 14, Sherrill 5. Obenesser popped out to second for the first out. Hall hit an RBI sac fly to center to end the game, giving Utica a win by mercy rule. Utica 15, Sherrill 5.
FINAL: Utica 15, Sherrill 5
Feel free to chime in with any thoughts or questions through the game. I'll be happy to interact and answer any questions you guys may have on this game, the later game or anything else on your mind.
For a preview of the game, and tonight's winners bracket final between (1) Smith and (2) New Hartford that is scheduled to follow this one, click here: http://adonovan-uticaod.blogspot.com/2008/07/county-playoffs-friday-preview.html
Starting lineups:
Utica (13-7)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, 3B
5. Mike King, LF
6. Joe Mazzara, RF
7. Joe Perrotta, SS
8. Mike Obernesser, C
9. Justin Hall, DH
Pitcher: T.J. Abounader, RHP
Sherrill (11-9)
1. Jermey Roden, SS
2. Ryan Dungey, P
3. Mitch Iseneker, CF
4. Mark Dixon, 3B
5. Matt Sayles, C
6. Robert Sweet, 1B
7. Mike Blair, 2B
8. Lucas Voelker, LF
9. Joseph Barbano, RF
Pitcher: Ryan Dungey, LHP
*Tonight's pitching match-up is intriguing for more than one reason. Not only are two of the league's top guns going head-to-head, but one (Dungey) is going on just three days rest, while the other (Abounader) is pitching for the first time in 11 days due to a nagging injury. This should be an interesting match-up to follow and see how long each guy can go.
Top 1st: Roden led off with a ripped single up the middle that almost took Abounader's leg off. Dungey bunted the first pitch he saw, in an attempt to move Roden to second, but it was right back at Abounader and he got the force at second for the first out. Iseneker hit a single to left that Dungey hustled all the way to third on (Iseneker was able to reach second on the throw to third). Dixon ripped a two-RBI single to right, scoring Dungey and Iseneker. Sherrill 2, Utica 0. Sayles flew out to center on the first pitch for the second out. Sweet popped out to VanDreason at second for the third out.
Bottom 1st: Warmack was hit by a pitch to put the lead off man on for Utica. Warmack stole second. Scotellaro walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second with no outs. VanDreason drew a third straight free pass with a walk to load the bases with no outs. Donovan ripped a two-RBI single up the middle, but was thrown out trying to reach second after the threw to the plate (VanDreason went to third, one out). Utica 2, Sherrill 2. VanDreason scored on a passed ball to give Utica the lead. Utica 3, Sherrill 2. King reached on an error by Dungey on a soft ground ball that tipped off his glove and behind him. Mazzara walked to put runners on first and second with one out. Perrotta grounded into a full-count 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.
*Dungey needed 31 pitches to get through the first inning.
Utica 3, Sherrill 2
Top 2nd: Blair and Voelker struck out swinging back-to-back for the first two outs. Barbano drew a full-count walk to put a runner on first with two down. Roden grounded out to Perrotta at short for the third out.
Bottom 2nd: Obernesser walked on a 3-2 fastball in the dirt. Hall popped up a bunt to Dungey for the first out. Warmack hit a tailormade double play ball to Roden at short, but it rolled through his legs, allowing the runners to reach first and second safely. Scotellaro hit another grounder at Roden that looked to be a sure-thing inning-ending double play, but after stepping on second for the first out, Roden's throw to first was in the dirt and tipped off Sweet's glove. Scotellaro reached on a fielder's choice on the play and Obernesser to score all the way from second. Utica 4, Sherrill 2. Scotellaro stole second and then VanDreason drew a walk to put runners on first and second with two outs. Donovan poked an RBI single to right, plating Scotellaro from second and moving VanDreason to third. Utica 5, Sherrill 2. Donovan reached second on a passed ball (runners on second and third, two outs). King drew a five-pitch walk to load the bases (Dungey's seventh free pass of the game). Mazzara hit a grounder to Dixon that looked like it would end the inning, but the usually sure-handed Dixon bobbled it, allowing everyone to advance. Utica 6, Sherrill 2. Perrotta flew out to center to end the inning, leaving the bases loaded.
Utica 6, Sherrill 2
Top 3rd: Dungey struck out swinging for the first out. Iseneker singled to right. Dixon popped out to VanDreason for the second out. Sayles grounded out 1-3 for the third out.
Bottom 3rd: Obernesser hit a high pop up toward second that should have been the first out, but it was dropped by the first baseman (and don't ask me why the first baseman was trying to catch a ball near second base because I'm equally as baffled), allowing Obernesser to reach first on Sherrill's fourth error of the game. Hall struck out swinging for the first out. Warmack grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice for the second out. Warmack stole second. Scotellaro struck out swinging to end the inning.
Utica 6, Sherrill 2
Top 4th: Sweet flew out to right for the first out. Blair drew a one-out walk. Voelker flew out to left on a nice running grab by King for the second out. Barbano struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Blair at first out.
Bottom 4th: VanDreason singled up the middle to lead off. Donovan walked to put runners on first and second with no outs. King grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice, putting runners on the corners with one out. Mazzara struck out swinging for the second out. Perrotta hit an RBI single to center scoring VanDreason. Utica 7, Sherrill 2. King was thrown out trying to score from second to end the inning.
Utica 7, Sherrill 2
Top 5th: Roden led off with a single to right. Dungey ripped a double to deep left-center to put runners on second and third with no outs. Iseneker drew a walk to load the bases with none down. Dixon struck out swinging for the first out. Sayles drew a walk to pick up an RBI, bringing home Roden (bases loaded, one out). Utica 7, Sherrill 3. Sweet grounded into a 6-4 fielder’s choice for the second out, but another run scored. Utica 7, Sherrill 4. Blair walked to re-load the bases with two outs. Voelker hit what looked like an inning-ending ground ball to Donovan at third, but he booted it, allowing Sherrill to score another run and all the runners to advance. Utica 7, Sherrill 5. Tyler Mautner has come in to bat for Barbano. Mautner struck out looking for the third out, leaving the bases loaded.
Bottom 5th: Obernesser, Hall and Warmack drew three straight walks to load the bases with no outs. Dungey was relieved by Roden. Scotellaro brought home a run on an error by Mautner who moved to third when Roden came in. Utica 8, Sherrill 5. VanDreason ripped a two-RBI single, putting runners on first and second. Utica 10, Sherrill 5. Donovan picked up his third hit and fourth RBI of the night with an RBI single. Utica 11, Sherrill 5. King walked to load the bases with still no outs. Mazzara walked to bring home a run and keep the bases loaded with no outs. Utica 12, Sherrill 5. Blair came in to pitch in place of Roden. Perrotta greeted Blair with an RBI single to left, keeping the bases loaded. Utica 13, Sherrill 5. Donovan scored on a passed ball. Utica 14, Sherrill 5. Obenesser popped out to second for the first out. Hall hit an RBI sac fly to center to end the game, giving Utica a win by mercy rule. Utica 15, Sherrill 5.
FINAL: Utica 15, Sherrill 5
County Playoffs: Friday Preview
Before we get into today's game previews and predictions, here's a look at where we stand in the Oneida County playoff bracket (click to enlarge):
*One more quick note that I think is worth mentioning before we move on: Three of Oneida County's four remaining teams come from its Gold Division (New Hartford, Utica and Sherrill), with only Smith left to represent the Blue. This is noteworthy because of the notion from many (before the season and even entering the playoffs) that the Blue was clearly the deeper division. Even the teams' regular season records (see the left side of the screen - your right) would lead many to believe just that. However, it seems that the playoffs have proven that the Gold is indeed the tougher of the two divisions. Not only do more Gold than Blue teams remain, but, through Thursday's games, the Gold's teams are 4-2 against the Blue's in the playoffs.
Now, to the previews and predictions (by the way, after a quick 3-1 start on the predictions, I'm now at a less-than-impressive 5-5)...
Losers Bracket Semifinal: (4) Utica (13-7) vs. (7) Sherrill (11-9) at DeLutis Field, 5:30 p.m.
Sherrill and Utica split its regular season series (1-1) in a rather uncommon fashion. After having its first game suspended in a 7-7 tie through eight innings, the two teams met up on July 17 to finish the game and play a full second.
Utica ended up taking the first game 11-10 in 11 innings. After the two teams traded runs in the ninth, Utica scored three 11th-inning runs and then held on to win with the tying run just 90 feet away from home for Sherrill. Game two belonged to Sherrill as two young Sherrill pitchers - Jason Dalton and Steve Davis - combined for a three-hit complete game. Sherrill went ahead 1-0 in the second, 2-0 in the fourth, and then put the game out of reach with seven runs in the final frame on its way to a 9-0 victory.
Today's match-up will look a little different as Utica's Joe Perrotta, who threw 11 and 1/3 innings total innings in the two regular season games, will likely not be available after throwing a complete game against Whitestown on Thursday. Ryan Donovan, who threw another 6 and 1/3 in the two games (Mike King threw the other 1/3 inning), is probably also not going to throw after going seven complete against Love on Wednesday.
So who's going to throw for Utica? Well, the obvious answer would seem to be T.J. Abounader. He's arguably the team's top arm and is on more than ample rest having not pitched since last Monday's loss to New Hartford (July 14). But, it seems that there may be a very good reason for that. You see, Abounader left that game with back pains, leaving many to question as to whether it is an injury that has kept him from throwing in the playoffs. While Utica manager Greg Gaeta did not say so directly, I can't help but think Abounader is indeed hurt at least to some degree. When I asked him about Abounader's status following last night's game, Gaeta said he was unsure (of whether he would pitch tonight) and his voice did not seem very promising or enthusiastic. If Abounader does pitch tonight, it will be something to pay close attention to as he is likely not near 100 percent.
Prediction: Sherrill. The grit and grind mentality of this team should carry them into the losers bracket final against the loser of Friday's Smith-New Hartford game. While it's unclear as to what depth of pitching remains for Sherrill, it can't be in quite as dire a situation as Utica, who - as previously mentioned - is without two (possibly three) of its top arms. Regardless of who's pitching, I think Sherrill continues its hot hitting on its way to a win tonight.
Winners Bracket Final: Smith (20-0) vs. (2) New Hartford (14-5) at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
Now I know none of you have forgetten what happened the last, and only, time the league's top two teams clashed. I certainly haven't. The game, which spanned over two days (June 23 and 24) due to darkness, was scoreless through 14 innings until Smith plated two runs in the top of the 15th and hung on for a 2-0 victory in a wildly entertaining 260 minute game.
While Smith outhit New Hartford 12-1, the name of the game was pitching. Smith's Joe Melioris threw a one-hitter over the game's first eight innings only to be outdone by reliever Garrett Baker, who came on to no-hit New Hartford over the final seven. The two combined for 21 strike outs (Melioris 13, Baker 8) and if not for a Mike Matt chopper over the pitcher's mound, they would have combined on a 15-inning "no-no." However, New Hartford's pitching wasn't too shabby either. Alex Giovannone pitched the game's first eight innings, allowing only five hits while striking out six. Eric Verbickas went the rest of the way and took the tough-luck loss despite throwing seven solid innings of seven-hit ball in relief.
If you want to read more about the last time these two met, click here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x1743979508/Smith-New-Hartford-play-to-Legion-Baseball-deadlock
And here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x1470891555/Smith-Post-outlasts-New-Hartford
I expect today's match-up may look a lot like the last one as Baker will take the hill for Smith on nearly a week's rest, and Verbickas is likely to start for New Hartford. While Erik Sheridan is also fresh and presents another viable pitching option for New Hartford (its only used two pitchers all tournament), I expect manager John Randall to go with Verbickas if for nothing more than to keep the speedy Sheridan in left field (he made a phenomenal diving grab in Tuesday's 8-1 win over Whitestown).
Today's game is a rematch of each of the past two season's Oneida County playoff finals (New Hartford won in 2006, Smith in 2007). So, one thing is for sure: both teams will be ready to go. Smith is undeniably the league's hottest team with a perfect regular season league record of 20-0. New Hartford (14-5) is scorching as well, having won nine straight after dropping five in row earlier in the season. And don't forget, New Hartford's earlier loss to Smith was the start of that five-game skid. You can be certain that no one in red and blue has forgotten that.
Prediction: Smith. While I know New Hartford is capable of winning this game (see: Coaching, John Randall and Greg Jones in the dictionary), I just find it hard to expect a team that was no-hit by the same pitcher earlier in the season to come out and beat him. On the season, Baker is 7-0 with a 1.85 ERA and 48 strike outs in 45 innings. How can you pick against that? It could very well happen, but it's going to be tough and it'll take a near-perfect performance. Because of that, I have to go with Smith (besides, New Hartford probably wants me to pick against it having won its first two playoffs games after I predicted a loss for my alma mater). I expect this to be a very tight, low-scoring game as neither team is quite as powerful on offense as the 2006 versions of Smith and New Hartford that finished fifth and first in the state, respectively. But, these two teams can definitely play defense and are probably the league's two best in that regard, so don't be surprised if you see a few web gems (see: New Hartford SS Joe Betar, CF Mike Matt, LF Sheridan; Smith 3B Eli Hedrington, SS Ryan Kramer, RF Jason Nowicki) at DeLutis tonight.
*One more quick note that I think is worth mentioning before we move on: Three of Oneida County's four remaining teams come from its Gold Division (New Hartford, Utica and Sherrill), with only Smith left to represent the Blue. This is noteworthy because of the notion from many (before the season and even entering the playoffs) that the Blue was clearly the deeper division. Even the teams' regular season records (see the left side of the screen - your right) would lead many to believe just that. However, it seems that the playoffs have proven that the Gold is indeed the tougher of the two divisions. Not only do more Gold than Blue teams remain, but, through Thursday's games, the Gold's teams are 4-2 against the Blue's in the playoffs.
Now, to the previews and predictions (by the way, after a quick 3-1 start on the predictions, I'm now at a less-than-impressive 5-5)...
Losers Bracket Semifinal: (4) Utica (13-7) vs. (7) Sherrill (11-9) at DeLutis Field, 5:30 p.m.
Sherrill and Utica split its regular season series (1-1) in a rather uncommon fashion. After having its first game suspended in a 7-7 tie through eight innings, the two teams met up on July 17 to finish the game and play a full second.
Utica ended up taking the first game 11-10 in 11 innings. After the two teams traded runs in the ninth, Utica scored three 11th-inning runs and then held on to win with the tying run just 90 feet away from home for Sherrill. Game two belonged to Sherrill as two young Sherrill pitchers - Jason Dalton and Steve Davis - combined for a three-hit complete game. Sherrill went ahead 1-0 in the second, 2-0 in the fourth, and then put the game out of reach with seven runs in the final frame on its way to a 9-0 victory.
Today's match-up will look a little different as Utica's Joe Perrotta, who threw 11 and 1/3 innings total innings in the two regular season games, will likely not be available after throwing a complete game against Whitestown on Thursday. Ryan Donovan, who threw another 6 and 1/3 in the two games (Mike King threw the other 1/3 inning), is probably also not going to throw after going seven complete against Love on Wednesday.
So who's going to throw for Utica? Well, the obvious answer would seem to be T.J. Abounader. He's arguably the team's top arm and is on more than ample rest having not pitched since last Monday's loss to New Hartford (July 14). But, it seems that there may be a very good reason for that. You see, Abounader left that game with back pains, leaving many to question as to whether it is an injury that has kept him from throwing in the playoffs. While Utica manager Greg Gaeta did not say so directly, I can't help but think Abounader is indeed hurt at least to some degree. When I asked him about Abounader's status following last night's game, Gaeta said he was unsure (of whether he would pitch tonight) and his voice did not seem very promising or enthusiastic. If Abounader does pitch tonight, it will be something to pay close attention to as he is likely not near 100 percent.
Prediction: Sherrill. The grit and grind mentality of this team should carry them into the losers bracket final against the loser of Friday's Smith-New Hartford game. While it's unclear as to what depth of pitching remains for Sherrill, it can't be in quite as dire a situation as Utica, who - as previously mentioned - is without two (possibly three) of its top arms. Regardless of who's pitching, I think Sherrill continues its hot hitting on its way to a win tonight.
Winners Bracket Final: Smith (20-0) vs. (2) New Hartford (14-5) at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
Now I know none of you have forgetten what happened the last, and only, time the league's top two teams clashed. I certainly haven't. The game, which spanned over two days (June 23 and 24) due to darkness, was scoreless through 14 innings until Smith plated two runs in the top of the 15th and hung on for a 2-0 victory in a wildly entertaining 260 minute game.
While Smith outhit New Hartford 12-1, the name of the game was pitching. Smith's Joe Melioris threw a one-hitter over the game's first eight innings only to be outdone by reliever Garrett Baker, who came on to no-hit New Hartford over the final seven. The two combined for 21 strike outs (Melioris 13, Baker 8) and if not for a Mike Matt chopper over the pitcher's mound, they would have combined on a 15-inning "no-no." However, New Hartford's pitching wasn't too shabby either. Alex Giovannone pitched the game's first eight innings, allowing only five hits while striking out six. Eric Verbickas went the rest of the way and took the tough-luck loss despite throwing seven solid innings of seven-hit ball in relief.
If you want to read more about the last time these two met, click here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x1743979508/Smith-New-Hartford-play-to-Legion-Baseball-deadlock
And here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x1470891555/Smith-Post-outlasts-New-Hartford
I expect today's match-up may look a lot like the last one as Baker will take the hill for Smith on nearly a week's rest, and Verbickas is likely to start for New Hartford. While Erik Sheridan is also fresh and presents another viable pitching option for New Hartford (its only used two pitchers all tournament), I expect manager John Randall to go with Verbickas if for nothing more than to keep the speedy Sheridan in left field (he made a phenomenal diving grab in Tuesday's 8-1 win over Whitestown).
Today's game is a rematch of each of the past two season's Oneida County playoff finals (New Hartford won in 2006, Smith in 2007). So, one thing is for sure: both teams will be ready to go. Smith is undeniably the league's hottest team with a perfect regular season league record of 20-0. New Hartford (14-5) is scorching as well, having won nine straight after dropping five in row earlier in the season. And don't forget, New Hartford's earlier loss to Smith was the start of that five-game skid. You can be certain that no one in red and blue has forgotten that.
Prediction: Smith. While I know New Hartford is capable of winning this game (see: Coaching, John Randall and Greg Jones in the dictionary), I just find it hard to expect a team that was no-hit by the same pitcher earlier in the season to come out and beat him. On the season, Baker is 7-0 with a 1.85 ERA and 48 strike outs in 45 innings. How can you pick against that? It could very well happen, but it's going to be tough and it'll take a near-perfect performance. Because of that, I have to go with Smith (besides, New Hartford probably wants me to pick against it having won its first two playoffs games after I predicted a loss for my alma mater). I expect this to be a very tight, low-scoring game as neither team is quite as powerful on offense as the 2006 versions of Smith and New Hartford that finished fifth and first in the state, respectively. But, these two teams can definitely play defense and are probably the league's two best in that regard, so don't be surprised if you see a few web gems (see: New Hartford SS Joe Betar, CF Mike Matt, LF Sheridan; Smith 3B Eli Hedrington, SS Ryan Kramer, RF Jason Nowicki) at DeLutis tonight.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
FINAL: Utica 6, Whitestown 3
I'm here at DeLutis Field for tonight's losers' bracket game between Whitestown and Utica. The winner advances to face Sherrill tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the losers' bracket semifinal. The loser's season comes to an end.
Follow along here as I'll provide play-by-play coverage of the the game. Feel free to chime in with any thoughts about the game, the county playoffs or anything else you want to talk about.
Starting lineups:
(3) Whitestown (14-6)
1. Connor Flisnik, 2B
2. Paris Rich, LF
3.George Hajjar, RF
4. Alex Ferenti, SS
5. Tyler Beck, 1B
6. Mike Nassar, CF
7. Jim Engler, DH
8. Matt Wilk, 3B
9. Chris Vomer, C
Pitcher: Mike Fasolo, RHP
(4) Utica (12-7)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, 3B
5. Joe Perrotta, P
6. Mike King, LF
7. Mike Obernesser, C
8. Joe Mazzara, RF
9. Justin Hall, SS
Pitcher: Joe Perrotta, RHP
*They're about ready to get underway here. A decent number of fans have made the drive out to DeLutis for tonight's game. It seems that they're slowly finding their way in on this night that feels more like a late September evening than July. There are a lot of sweatshirts and jackets on tonight.
Top 1st: Warmack grounded out to short for the first out. Mike Scotellaro walked on a wild-pitch ball four from Fasolo and hustled down the line and all way to second as Whitestown catcher Chris Vomer had trouble tracking the ball down. VanDreason reached first and Scotellaro went to third on an error (booted grounder) by the shortstop. Donovan grounded into an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play, stranding Scotellaro at third.
Bottom 1st: Flisnik worked an eight-pitch walk to lead off and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rich. Flisnik went to third on a wild pitch from Perrotta and then scored on a 4-3 groundout by Hajjar for the second out. Whitestown 1, Utica 0. Ferenti hit a two-out line-drive single to right. Beck struck out swinging to end the inning.
Whitestown 1, Utica 0
Top 2nd: Perrotta flew out to left for the first out. King drew a walk. Obernesser struck out swinging for thre second out, but King advanced to second as the ball got away from the catcher. Mazzara struck out swinging for the third out, stranding King at second.
Bottom 2nd: Nassar grounded out to the shortstop as Scotellaro made a nice stretch on a high throw to first for the first out. Engler drew a five-pitch walk and went to second a Wilk 4-3 groundout. Engler advanced to third on a passed ball. Vomer struck out swinging at a 1-2 curveball to end the inning, stranding Engler just 90 feet from home.
Whitestown 1, Utica 0
Top 3rd: Hall grounded out 4-3 for the first out. Warmack ripped a single up the middle and then stole second. Scotellaro popped out on a great grab by the shortstop on a shallow blopper to left. VanDreason stroked an RBI double down the right field line to even the score. Utica 1, Whitestown 1. VanDreason went to third on a passed ball that hit the front of the plate and popped over the head of the catcher. Donovan walked to put runners on the corners with two down. Perrotta grounded out to second for the third out.
Bottom 3rd: Flisnik reached on his second walk of the night. Rich put runners on first and second with a well-placed bunt single toward third. Hajjar put runners on the corners with a fly out to center field that Flisnik tagged on. Rich stole second (runners on second and third, one out). Ferenti struck out swinging for the second out. Beck struck out looking to end the inning, stranding runners on second and third.
Utica 1, Whitestown 1
Top 4th: King singled to lead off. Obernesser struck out for the first out. Mazzara ripped an RBI double to the gap in right-center, scoring King from first. Utica 2, Whitestown 1. Mazzara went to third on the throw to home. Hall hit a sac fly to right for the second out, scoring Mazzara. Utica 3, Whitestown 1. Warmack struck out swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 4th: Nassar grounded out 1-3 on the first pitch he saw. Engler and Wilk hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. Vomer struck out swinging for the second out. Engler came all the way from second and Wilk went to third on a wild pickoff throw to first by Perrotta. Utica 3, Whitestown 2. Flisnik struck out swinging to end the inning, stranding a runner at third.
Utica 3, Whitestown 2
Top 5th: Scotellaro led off with a single down the first-base line, but was gunned down Hajjar trying to stretch it to two. VanDreason struck out swinging for the second out. Donovan popped out to right for the third out.
*Utica's Nick Mishlanie has entered the game in place of starting catch Mike Obernesser.
Bottom 5th: Rich reached on an error by Scotellaro at first on a hard hit grounder. He went all the way from first to third on a wild pitch that bounced oddly off the backstop. Hajjar walked to put runners on the corners with no outs. Hajjar stole second on the first pitch to Ferenti to put runners on second and third. Ferenti struck out swinging for the first out. Beck grounded out 6-3, but Rich scored from third to tie the game. Whitestown 3, Utica 3. On the same play, Hajjar was caught sleeping off of third and was throw out by Scotellaro to end the inning.
Whitestown 3, Utica 3
Top 6th: Perrotta struck out swinging for the first out. King reached on a chopped infield single over the pitcher's mound. Mishlanie grounded into a 6-4 fielder's choice for the second out. Mishlanie stole second on the first pitch to Mazzara. Mazzara struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Mishlanie at second.
Bottom 6th: Nassar led off with a line-drive single to left. Engler gave himself up, bunting Nassar to second on a sacrifice for the first out. Wilk grounded out to Scotellaro at first for the second out. Nassar went to third on the play. Vomer flew out to center to end the inning on the first pitch he saw, stranding the go-ahead run just 90 feet away.
Whitestown 3, Utica 3
*M.J. Hajec came on to pitch for Whitestown in relief of Fasolo.
Top 7th: Hall reached on what could be a huge error by the center fielder. Hall hit a routine fly ball to center, but it was misjudged by Nassar and tipped off his glove and got past him. Hall got all the way to second. Warmack laid down a perfect bunt single toward third to reach base and put runners on the corners for Utica with no outs. Warmack stole second to put runners on second and third. Scotellaro flew out on a shallow pop up to center that Nassar made a nice running catch on for the first out. Hall scored on a passed ball that squeaked threw the legs of the catcher. Utica 4, Whitestown 3. VanDreason and Donovan drew back-t0-back walks to load the bases. Perrotta struck out looking for the second out. King poked a two-out two-RBI single to left. Utica 6, Whitestown 3. King went to second and Donovan to third on the throw home, that was just late, from Rich. Mishlanie flew out to right for the third out, stranding runners on second and third.
Bottom 7th: Flisnik singled to right to lead off. Rich grounded into a 1-6 fielder's choice for the first out. Hajjar then grounded into another fielder's choice for the second out. After a Ferenti walk put runners on first and second, Beck flew out to right to end the game, and Whitestown's season.
FINAL: Utica 6, Whitestown 3
Follow along here as I'll provide play-by-play coverage of the the game. Feel free to chime in with any thoughts about the game, the county playoffs or anything else you want to talk about.
Starting lineups:
(3) Whitestown (14-6)
1. Connor Flisnik, 2B
2. Paris Rich, LF
3.George Hajjar, RF
4. Alex Ferenti, SS
5. Tyler Beck, 1B
6. Mike Nassar, CF
7. Jim Engler, DH
8. Matt Wilk, 3B
9. Chris Vomer, C
Pitcher: Mike Fasolo, RHP
(4) Utica (12-7)
1. Devin Warmack, CF
2. Mike Scotellaro, 1B
3. Mark VanDreason, 2B
4. Ryan Donovan, 3B
5. Joe Perrotta, P
6. Mike King, LF
7. Mike Obernesser, C
8. Joe Mazzara, RF
9. Justin Hall, SS
Pitcher: Joe Perrotta, RHP
*They're about ready to get underway here. A decent number of fans have made the drive out to DeLutis for tonight's game. It seems that they're slowly finding their way in on this night that feels more like a late September evening than July. There are a lot of sweatshirts and jackets on tonight.
Top 1st: Warmack grounded out to short for the first out. Mike Scotellaro walked on a wild-pitch ball four from Fasolo and hustled down the line and all way to second as Whitestown catcher Chris Vomer had trouble tracking the ball down. VanDreason reached first and Scotellaro went to third on an error (booted grounder) by the shortstop. Donovan grounded into an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play, stranding Scotellaro at third.
Bottom 1st: Flisnik worked an eight-pitch walk to lead off and was moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Rich. Flisnik went to third on a wild pitch from Perrotta and then scored on a 4-3 groundout by Hajjar for the second out. Whitestown 1, Utica 0. Ferenti hit a two-out line-drive single to right. Beck struck out swinging to end the inning.
Whitestown 1, Utica 0
Top 2nd: Perrotta flew out to left for the first out. King drew a walk. Obernesser struck out swinging for thre second out, but King advanced to second as the ball got away from the catcher. Mazzara struck out swinging for the third out, stranding King at second.
Bottom 2nd: Nassar grounded out to the shortstop as Scotellaro made a nice stretch on a high throw to first for the first out. Engler drew a five-pitch walk and went to second a Wilk 4-3 groundout. Engler advanced to third on a passed ball. Vomer struck out swinging at a 1-2 curveball to end the inning, stranding Engler just 90 feet from home.
Whitestown 1, Utica 0
Top 3rd: Hall grounded out 4-3 for the first out. Warmack ripped a single up the middle and then stole second. Scotellaro popped out on a great grab by the shortstop on a shallow blopper to left. VanDreason stroked an RBI double down the right field line to even the score. Utica 1, Whitestown 1. VanDreason went to third on a passed ball that hit the front of the plate and popped over the head of the catcher. Donovan walked to put runners on the corners with two down. Perrotta grounded out to second for the third out.
Bottom 3rd: Flisnik reached on his second walk of the night. Rich put runners on first and second with a well-placed bunt single toward third. Hajjar put runners on the corners with a fly out to center field that Flisnik tagged on. Rich stole second (runners on second and third, one out). Ferenti struck out swinging for the second out. Beck struck out looking to end the inning, stranding runners on second and third.
Utica 1, Whitestown 1
Top 4th: King singled to lead off. Obernesser struck out for the first out. Mazzara ripped an RBI double to the gap in right-center, scoring King from first. Utica 2, Whitestown 1. Mazzara went to third on the throw to home. Hall hit a sac fly to right for the second out, scoring Mazzara. Utica 3, Whitestown 1. Warmack struck out swinging to end the inning.
Bottom 4th: Nassar grounded out 1-3 on the first pitch he saw. Engler and Wilk hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second. Vomer struck out swinging for the second out. Engler came all the way from second and Wilk went to third on a wild pickoff throw to first by Perrotta. Utica 3, Whitestown 2. Flisnik struck out swinging to end the inning, stranding a runner at third.
Utica 3, Whitestown 2
Top 5th: Scotellaro led off with a single down the first-base line, but was gunned down Hajjar trying to stretch it to two. VanDreason struck out swinging for the second out. Donovan popped out to right for the third out.
*Utica's Nick Mishlanie has entered the game in place of starting catch Mike Obernesser.
Bottom 5th: Rich reached on an error by Scotellaro at first on a hard hit grounder. He went all the way from first to third on a wild pitch that bounced oddly off the backstop. Hajjar walked to put runners on the corners with no outs. Hajjar stole second on the first pitch to Ferenti to put runners on second and third. Ferenti struck out swinging for the first out. Beck grounded out 6-3, but Rich scored from third to tie the game. Whitestown 3, Utica 3. On the same play, Hajjar was caught sleeping off of third and was throw out by Scotellaro to end the inning.
Whitestown 3, Utica 3
Top 6th: Perrotta struck out swinging for the first out. King reached on a chopped infield single over the pitcher's mound. Mishlanie grounded into a 6-4 fielder's choice for the second out. Mishlanie stole second on the first pitch to Mazzara. Mazzara struck out swinging for the third out, stranding Mishlanie at second.
Bottom 6th: Nassar led off with a line-drive single to left. Engler gave himself up, bunting Nassar to second on a sacrifice for the first out. Wilk grounded out to Scotellaro at first for the second out. Nassar went to third on the play. Vomer flew out to center to end the inning on the first pitch he saw, stranding the go-ahead run just 90 feet away.
Whitestown 3, Utica 3
*M.J. Hajec came on to pitch for Whitestown in relief of Fasolo.
Top 7th: Hall reached on what could be a huge error by the center fielder. Hall hit a routine fly ball to center, but it was misjudged by Nassar and tipped off his glove and got past him. Hall got all the way to second. Warmack laid down a perfect bunt single toward third to reach base and put runners on the corners for Utica with no outs. Warmack stole second to put runners on second and third. Scotellaro flew out on a shallow pop up to center that Nassar made a nice running catch on for the first out. Hall scored on a passed ball that squeaked threw the legs of the catcher. Utica 4, Whitestown 3. VanDreason and Donovan drew back-t0-back walks to load the bases. Perrotta struck out looking for the second out. King poked a two-out two-RBI single to left. Utica 6, Whitestown 3. King went to second and Donovan to third on the throw home, that was just late, from Rich. Mishlanie flew out to right for the third out, stranding runners on second and third.
Bottom 7th: Flisnik singled to right to lead off. Rich grounded into a 1-6 fielder's choice for the first out. Hajjar then grounded into another fielder's choice for the second out. After a Ferenti walk put runners on first and second, Beck flew out to right to end the game, and Whitestown's season.
FINAL: Utica 6, Whitestown 3
Playoff schedule changes, Thursday preview
Only one game will be played tonight in the Oneida County American Legion baseball playoffs due to wet field conditions at DeLutis Field in Rome.
Here is the updated schedule:
Thursday
(4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown, 8 p.m.
Friday
(4) Utica/(3) Whitestown winner vs. (7) Sherrill, 5:30 p.m.
(2) New Hartford vs. (1) Smith, 8 p.m.
Read more about the changes here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x379996010/Schedule-changes-for-Legion-playoffs
Here's a preview of tonight's only game:
Game 9: (4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
Whitestown was the victor in the only meeting between these two teams during the regular season. Zack Swider pitched a complete-game three-hitter, leading Whitestown to a 6-0 win back on June 24. Whitestown put up three runs in the top of the first inning, added one in the fourth, and two more insurance runs in the seventh. George Hajjar led Whitestown at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance.
Prediction: Whitestown. As has been the case with many of this postseason's games, this is a crapshoot. Either team is capable of winning and a lot will depend on pitching. While I think Utica's Joe Perrotta has the experience and willpower to lead his team to victory, I think his arm is a bit too tired to overpower Whitestown's hitting ability. For that reason, and that reason alone, I'm going with Whitestown.
Here is the updated schedule:
Thursday
(4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown, 8 p.m.
Friday
(4) Utica/(3) Whitestown winner vs. (7) Sherrill, 5:30 p.m.
(2) New Hartford vs. (1) Smith, 8 p.m.
Read more about the changes here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/legionbaseball/x379996010/Schedule-changes-for-Legion-playoffs
Here's a preview of tonight's only game:
Game 9: (4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
Whitestown was the victor in the only meeting between these two teams during the regular season. Zack Swider pitched a complete-game three-hitter, leading Whitestown to a 6-0 win back on June 24. Whitestown put up three runs in the top of the first inning, added one in the fourth, and two more insurance runs in the seventh. George Hajjar led Whitestown at the plate with a 2-for-4 performance.
Prediction: Whitestown. As has been the case with many of this postseason's games, this is a crapshoot. Either team is capable of winning and a lot will depend on pitching. While I think Utica's Joe Perrotta has the experience and willpower to lead his team to victory, I think his arm is a bit too tired to overpower Whitestown's hitting ability. For that reason, and that reason alone, I'm going with Whitestown.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wednesday's Scores
Here are tonight's scores:
FINAL: Utica 7, Love 4
Utica advances to face Whitestown in a losers' bracket game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at DeLutis Field. Love's season ends with a final record of 9-10.
FINAL: Sherrill 11, Adrean 5
Sherrill advances to face the winner of tomorrow's Utica-Whitestown game at 8 p.m. Thursday at DeLutis. Adrean's season ends with a final record of 12-9.
Here's a look at the remaining schedule of the Oneida County playoffs (all games at DeLutis Field):
Thursday's losers' bracket games:
Game 9: (4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown, 5:30 p.m.
Game 12: Winner of game 9 vs. Sherrill, 8 p.m.
Friday's winners' bracket final game:
Game 11: Smith vs. New Hartford, 7 p.m.
Saturday's semi-final and championship games:
Game 13: Loser of game 11 vs. Winner of game 12, 1 p.m.
Game 14: Winner of game 11 vs. Winner of game 13, 4 p.m.
Sunday's championship game:
Game 15 (if necessary): Winner of game 14 vs. Loser of game 14, TBD
FINAL: Utica 7, Love 4
Utica advances to face Whitestown in a losers' bracket game at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at DeLutis Field. Love's season ends with a final record of 9-10.
FINAL: Sherrill 11, Adrean 5
Sherrill advances to face the winner of tomorrow's Utica-Whitestown game at 8 p.m. Thursday at DeLutis. Adrean's season ends with a final record of 12-9.
Here's a look at the remaining schedule of the Oneida County playoffs (all games at DeLutis Field):
Thursday's losers' bracket games:
Game 9: (4) Utica vs. (3) Whitestown, 5:30 p.m.
Game 12: Winner of game 9 vs. Sherrill, 8 p.m.
Friday's winners' bracket final game:
Game 11: Smith vs. New Hartford, 7 p.m.
Saturday's semi-final and championship games:
Game 13: Loser of game 11 vs. Winner of game 12, 1 p.m.
Game 14: Winner of game 11 vs. Winner of game 13, 4 p.m.
Sunday's championship game:
Game 15 (if necessary): Winner of game 14 vs. Loser of game 14, TBD
County Playoffs: Wednesday Preview
There are only two games on tap for tonight. Love travels to Murnane Field's Donovan Stadium at 6 p.m. to take on Utica in first-round losers' bracket game. This one was scheduled for last night, but was postponed because of early rain earlier in the day. The second game, scheduled for 7 p.m., pits Sherrill at Adrean at DeLutis Field in a second-round losers' bracket match-up.
Here are your previews on these two "win-or-go-home" contests:
Game 7: (4) Utica vs. (8) Love at Murnane Field, 6 p.m.
Love beat Utica twice in a span of four days in two very close games during the regular season. The first was a 1-0 decision on July 7th at Murnane Field, with the second a July 10th 2-1 nail bitter in Boonville. The difference in Game one was a fourth-inning Love run. Game two wasn't decided until the very last inning when Love (9-9) scored a walk-off victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Let's just say this, Love is a huge part of the reason why Utica (12-7) finished a game behind New Hartford for the Gold Division title. I'm sure none of Utica's players have forgotten those two losses and will be looking for revenge in a big way. Also, the season's over for the loser of this game. Win or go home. Expect both team's to pull out all the stops.
Prediction: Utica. There's just too much determination from the Utica players, and too little experience from Love's. While Utica's heartbreaking 4-3 eight-inning loss in last night's first round might be hard to recover from, I don't think it will hold them back in this one. Love is coming off a 12-0 mercy-rule loss to Smith, which is pretty crushing in itself. I expect Utica to win relatively easily in this game and bounce Love from the tournament.
Game 10: (7) Sherrill vs. (5) Adrean at DeLutis Field, 7 p.m.
Adrean topped Sherrill 10-3 on June 19 in the only regular season meeting between these teams. Steve Campbell pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits. But, this one was much closer than the final score would make one believe. Adrean broke open 4-3 game with six runs in the top of the seventh on its way to victory.
As this is a must-win game for both teams, expect the coaches to pull out all the stops. Adrean is in better pitching shape than Sherrill with Steve Campbell and Steve Sarcone both available to throw. Sherrill ace Ryan Dungey will likely be unavailble after throwing against New Hartford on Monday. Adrean and Sherrill are both capable of putting runs on the scoreboard, so don't be surprised if this is a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Adrean. While this game is a toss-up in my eyes, I think Adrean will benefit from its favorable pitching situation, and take advantage of Sherrill's lack-there-of, to keep its season alive.
*Check back later for tonight's results and a preview of tomorrow's games.
Here are your previews on these two "win-or-go-home" contests:
Game 7: (4) Utica vs. (8) Love at Murnane Field, 6 p.m.
Love beat Utica twice in a span of four days in two very close games during the regular season. The first was a 1-0 decision on July 7th at Murnane Field, with the second a July 10th 2-1 nail bitter in Boonville. The difference in Game one was a fourth-inning Love run. Game two wasn't decided until the very last inning when Love (9-9) scored a walk-off victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Let's just say this, Love is a huge part of the reason why Utica (12-7) finished a game behind New Hartford for the Gold Division title. I'm sure none of Utica's players have forgotten those two losses and will be looking for revenge in a big way. Also, the season's over for the loser of this game. Win or go home. Expect both team's to pull out all the stops.
Prediction: Utica. There's just too much determination from the Utica players, and too little experience from Love's. While Utica's heartbreaking 4-3 eight-inning loss in last night's first round might be hard to recover from, I don't think it will hold them back in this one. Love is coming off a 12-0 mercy-rule loss to Smith, which is pretty crushing in itself. I expect Utica to win relatively easily in this game and bounce Love from the tournament.
Game 10: (7) Sherrill vs. (5) Adrean at DeLutis Field, 7 p.m.
Adrean topped Sherrill 10-3 on June 19 in the only regular season meeting between these teams. Steve Campbell pitched six innings, allowing just one earned run on five hits. But, this one was much closer than the final score would make one believe. Adrean broke open 4-3 game with six runs in the top of the seventh on its way to victory.
As this is a must-win game for both teams, expect the coaches to pull out all the stops. Adrean is in better pitching shape than Sherrill with Steve Campbell and Steve Sarcone both available to throw. Sherrill ace Ryan Dungey will likely be unavailble after throwing against New Hartford on Monday. Adrean and Sherrill are both capable of putting runs on the scoreboard, so don't be surprised if this is a high-scoring affair.
Prediction: Adrean. While this game is a toss-up in my eyes, I think Adrean will benefit from its favorable pitching situation, and take advantage of Sherrill's lack-there-of, to keep its season alive.
*Check back later for tonight's results and a preview of tomorrow's games.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Tuesday's Scores
Here are the scores from the second day of the Oneida County playoffs:
FINAL: Smith 8, Adrean 3
Joe Melioris picked up the win for Smith who will next play New Hartford in the winners' bracket final on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field. Adrean moves to the losers' bracket and will face Adrean at 7 p.m. tomorrow at DeLutis with the losing team's season coming to an end.
FINAL: New Hartford 8, Whitestown 1
New Hartford scored five runs in the first two innings and Alex Giovannone allowed just six hits as New Hartford advanced to the winners' bracket final on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field. Whitestown moves to the losers' bracket and will face the winner of tomorrow's 6 p.m. game between Utica and Love on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field.
FINAL: Sherrill 11, Roberts 5
Sherrill topped Roberts in a losers' bracket game. Sherrill advances face Adrean at 7 p.m. tomorrow at DeLutis Field. Roberts' season ends at 10-10.
POSTPONED: Utica vs. Love
Murnane Field was deemed unplayable due to today's heavy rain, forcing Utica and Love to reschedule this losers' bracket game for 6 p.m. at the same location.
FINAL: Smith 8, Adrean 3
Joe Melioris picked up the win for Smith who will next play New Hartford in the winners' bracket final on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field. Adrean moves to the losers' bracket and will face Adrean at 7 p.m. tomorrow at DeLutis with the losing team's season coming to an end.
FINAL: New Hartford 8, Whitestown 1
New Hartford scored five runs in the first two innings and Alex Giovannone allowed just six hits as New Hartford advanced to the winners' bracket final on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field. Whitestown moves to the losers' bracket and will face the winner of tomorrow's 6 p.m. game between Utica and Love on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at DeLutis Field.
FINAL: Sherrill 11, Roberts 5
Sherrill topped Roberts in a losers' bracket game. Sherrill advances face Adrean at 7 p.m. tomorrow at DeLutis Field. Roberts' season ends at 10-10.
POSTPONED: Utica vs. Love
Murnane Field was deemed unplayable due to today's heavy rain, forcing Utica and Love to reschedule this losers' bracket game for 6 p.m. at the same location.
County Playoffs: Tuesday Preview
Game 5: (1) Smith vs. (5) Adrean at Bill Vinci Field, 5:30 p.m.
Smith and Adrean went at it twice this season with Smith taking both meetings. Smith won the first game, all the way back on June 13th, 11-8 in six innings (suspended due to darkness). It was just the second game of the season for each team. The second game, played just 10 days ago, was a 7-4 decision in favor of Smith. Adrean managed to get to Smith ace Garrett Baker in the second game, scattering nine hits off the Division I recruit, but ran themselves out of the game with some poor base running.
Adrean (12-7) was likely the team to come closest to beating undefeated Smith (19-0) in the regular season. Both games were very competitive and emotional. As Ed O'Brien said in his radio broadcasts of each game - Smith and Adrean have been going at it for years and each team badly wants to have bragging rights in the heated rivalry.
As for today, a lot depends on the pitching. Smith still has two of the leagues best, if not the best, pitchers waiting in the wings. With Kyle Richardson throwing last night for the Romans (by the way, he only threw three innings which should come up big later in the tournament), Baker and Joe Melioris are available on full rest. I would expect Smith to go with Baker in this one. Adrean will likely have Steve Campbell on the mound. He pitched against Smith in the last match-up between the two teams and, despite surrending 10 hits and seven runs, he did a pretty good job against the league's top team.
Prediction: Smith. But, this one wasn't easy. A lot is pointing to Adrean for me - its bats, the difficulty of beating a team three times in a row and its experienced coaching. But, Smith is still undefeated and it still has its top two pitchers ready to go. I expect either Melioris or Baker to come out and do a good enough job to get his team the win. Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. will have the guys ready to go and remind them of the competitiveness of the last two meetings.
Game 6: (2) New Hartford vs. (3) Whitestown at DeLutis Field, 7 p.m.
New Hartford topped Whitestown 9-7 the only time the two teams met back on June 17th. New Hartford used a balanced offensive attack - seven batters had at least one hit, six players recorded an RBI, and eight players scored - and a seven-run third inning on its way to that win. New Hartford's Alex Giovannone picked up the win, striking out six while scattering 13 hits and two walks, and allowing six earned runs. His counterpart, Whitestown's Zack Swider allowed 11 hits and nine runs in just three innings.
Today's game is a bit different than the last time these two rivals squared off. Whitestown (14-5) was reeling on its way to an 0-5 overall start to the season at thatm point and it was still very early in the season for both teams. This time around, both teams are hot - the league's two hottest other than unbeaten Smith. Whitestown is winners of 14 of its last 16 leagues, while New Hartford (13-5) is riding an eight-game league winning streak.
While the first game was an offensive show, this game should hinge a great deal on pitching and defense. Neither Whitestown nor New Hartford has been putting up great offensive numbers in recent games. Rather, they are winning with sound defense and solid pitching. Whitestown had seven hits in last night's first-round win over Roberts, with New Hartford managing just four in it's win over Sherrill.
Prediction: Push. This one could go either way. I'm expecting a rematch of the first game's pitching match-up between Giovannone and Swider. Both are college players with the experience and composure that both team's coaches want in this type of game. Both team's have considerable playoff experience. Whitestown has 15 players back from last year's team that finished third in New York State, and seven players from New Hartford's 2006 state championship and Mid-Atlantic regional runner-up team are still on its roster. Now that you've read through all that, you didn't really think I was going to leave you with a "push" prediction in this - the day's most compelling game - did you? Well, despite the bantering I received for taking Sherrill over my former team yesterday, I'm about to do it again. Tight playoff games like this often come down to a couple key hits or a costly defensive miscue (knock on wood), and I think that's what will happen tonight. I'm taking Whitestown in a close one. Don't be surprised if you see this one posted in the New Hartford dugout tonight - I've been told yesterday's preview made an appearance.
Game 7: (4) Utica vs. Love at Murnane Field, 6 p.m.
Love beat Utica twice in a span of four days in two very close games during the regular season. The first was a 1-0 decision on July 7th at Murnane Field, with the second a July 10th 2-1 nail bitter in Boonville. The difference in Game one was a fourth-inning Love run. Game two wasn't decided until the very last inning when Love (9-9) scored a walk-off victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Let's just say this, Love is a huge part of the reason why Utica (12-7) finished a game behind New Hartford for the Gold Division title. I'm sure none of Utica's players have forgotten those two losses and will be looking for revenge in a big way. Also, the season's over for the loser of this game. Win or go home. Expect both team's to pull out all the stops.
Prediction: Utica. There's just too much determination from the Utica players, and too little experience from Love's. While Utica's heartbreaking 4-3 eight-inning loss in last night's first round might be hard to recover from, I don't think it will hold them back in this one. Love is coming off a 12-0 mercy-rule loss to Smith, which is pretty crushing in itself. I expect Utica to win relatively easily in this game and bounce Love from the tournament.
Game 8: (6) Roberts vs. (7) Sherrill at Holland Patent H.S., 5:30 p.m.
Sherrill won the only regular-season meeting between these two teams 9-2 back on July 1st. Sherrill banged out 13 hits and benefited from three Roberts' errors. Mitch Iseneker pitched a complete game five-hitter for Sherrill, striking out 10 on no walks and two earned runs.
I'm not sure who we'll see on the mound for either team today. Sherrill (9-9) will probably go with Iseneker or Mark Dixon (or Steve Davis if available) while Roberts (10-9) could turn to any one of three capable arms - Geoff Ogden, Cody Crego or Kevin Quesnell. Regarless, this game is another win-or-go-home situation. Neither team will be hesitant to pull its pitcher if he runs into any sort of trouble.
Prediction: Roberts. Like Whitestown and New Hartford, this is another compelling match-up that is tough to predict. Neither team is playing its best baseball as Roberts has dropped seven of its last 10 league games and Sherrill is losers of four in a row. Having said that, both team's have some offensive firepower at the top of the lineup (though it didn't show last night - Roberts managed just two hits to Sherrill's five). While I could go either way on this one, I'm going to take Roberts on a hunch that Matt Hammill and Devin Frye will have good performances at the plate to lead their team to the win.
Smith and Adrean went at it twice this season with Smith taking both meetings. Smith won the first game, all the way back on June 13th, 11-8 in six innings (suspended due to darkness). It was just the second game of the season for each team. The second game, played just 10 days ago, was a 7-4 decision in favor of Smith. Adrean managed to get to Smith ace Garrett Baker in the second game, scattering nine hits off the Division I recruit, but ran themselves out of the game with some poor base running.
Adrean (12-7) was likely the team to come closest to beating undefeated Smith (19-0) in the regular season. Both games were very competitive and emotional. As Ed O'Brien said in his radio broadcasts of each game - Smith and Adrean have been going at it for years and each team badly wants to have bragging rights in the heated rivalry.
As for today, a lot depends on the pitching. Smith still has two of the leagues best, if not the best, pitchers waiting in the wings. With Kyle Richardson throwing last night for the Romans (by the way, he only threw three innings which should come up big later in the tournament), Baker and Joe Melioris are available on full rest. I would expect Smith to go with Baker in this one. Adrean will likely have Steve Campbell on the mound. He pitched against Smith in the last match-up between the two teams and, despite surrending 10 hits and seven runs, he did a pretty good job against the league's top team.
Prediction: Smith. But, this one wasn't easy. A lot is pointing to Adrean for me - its bats, the difficulty of beating a team three times in a row and its experienced coaching. But, Smith is still undefeated and it still has its top two pitchers ready to go. I expect either Melioris or Baker to come out and do a good enough job to get his team the win. Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. will have the guys ready to go and remind them of the competitiveness of the last two meetings.
Game 6: (2) New Hartford vs. (3) Whitestown at DeLutis Field, 7 p.m.
New Hartford topped Whitestown 9-7 the only time the two teams met back on June 17th. New Hartford used a balanced offensive attack - seven batters had at least one hit, six players recorded an RBI, and eight players scored - and a seven-run third inning on its way to that win. New Hartford's Alex Giovannone picked up the win, striking out six while scattering 13 hits and two walks, and allowing six earned runs. His counterpart, Whitestown's Zack Swider allowed 11 hits and nine runs in just three innings.
Today's game is a bit different than the last time these two rivals squared off. Whitestown (14-5) was reeling on its way to an 0-5 overall start to the season at thatm point and it was still very early in the season for both teams. This time around, both teams are hot - the league's two hottest other than unbeaten Smith. Whitestown is winners of 14 of its last 16 leagues, while New Hartford (13-5) is riding an eight-game league winning streak.
While the first game was an offensive show, this game should hinge a great deal on pitching and defense. Neither Whitestown nor New Hartford has been putting up great offensive numbers in recent games. Rather, they are winning with sound defense and solid pitching. Whitestown had seven hits in last night's first-round win over Roberts, with New Hartford managing just four in it's win over Sherrill.
Prediction: Push. This one could go either way. I'm expecting a rematch of the first game's pitching match-up between Giovannone and Swider. Both are college players with the experience and composure that both team's coaches want in this type of game. Both team's have considerable playoff experience. Whitestown has 15 players back from last year's team that finished third in New York State, and seven players from New Hartford's 2006 state championship and Mid-Atlantic regional runner-up team are still on its roster. Now that you've read through all that, you didn't really think I was going to leave you with a "push" prediction in this - the day's most compelling game - did you? Well, despite the bantering I received for taking Sherrill over my former team yesterday, I'm about to do it again. Tight playoff games like this often come down to a couple key hits or a costly defensive miscue (knock on wood), and I think that's what will happen tonight. I'm taking Whitestown in a close one. Don't be surprised if you see this one posted in the New Hartford dugout tonight - I've been told yesterday's preview made an appearance.
Game 7: (4) Utica vs. Love at Murnane Field, 6 p.m.
Love beat Utica twice in a span of four days in two very close games during the regular season. The first was a 1-0 decision on July 7th at Murnane Field, with the second a July 10th 2-1 nail bitter in Boonville. The difference in Game one was a fourth-inning Love run. Game two wasn't decided until the very last inning when Love (9-9) scored a walk-off victory with a run in the bottom of the seventh.
Let's just say this, Love is a huge part of the reason why Utica (12-7) finished a game behind New Hartford for the Gold Division title. I'm sure none of Utica's players have forgotten those two losses and will be looking for revenge in a big way. Also, the season's over for the loser of this game. Win or go home. Expect both team's to pull out all the stops.
Prediction: Utica. There's just too much determination from the Utica players, and too little experience from Love's. While Utica's heartbreaking 4-3 eight-inning loss in last night's first round might be hard to recover from, I don't think it will hold them back in this one. Love is coming off a 12-0 mercy-rule loss to Smith, which is pretty crushing in itself. I expect Utica to win relatively easily in this game and bounce Love from the tournament.
Game 8: (6) Roberts vs. (7) Sherrill at Holland Patent H.S., 5:30 p.m.
Sherrill won the only regular-season meeting between these two teams 9-2 back on July 1st. Sherrill banged out 13 hits and benefited from three Roberts' errors. Mitch Iseneker pitched a complete game five-hitter for Sherrill, striking out 10 on no walks and two earned runs.
I'm not sure who we'll see on the mound for either team today. Sherrill (9-9) will probably go with Iseneker or Mark Dixon (or Steve Davis if available) while Roberts (10-9) could turn to any one of three capable arms - Geoff Ogden, Cody Crego or Kevin Quesnell. Regarless, this game is another win-or-go-home situation. Neither team will be hesitant to pull its pitcher if he runs into any sort of trouble.
Prediction: Roberts. Like Whitestown and New Hartford, this is another compelling match-up that is tough to predict. Neither team is playing its best baseball as Roberts has dropped seven of its last 10 league games and Sherrill is losers of four in a row. Having said that, both team's have some offensive firepower at the top of the lineup (though it didn't show last night - Roberts managed just two hits to Sherrill's five). While I could go either way on this one, I'm going to take Roberts on a hunch that Matt Hammill and Devin Frye will have good performances at the plate to lead their team to the win.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Monday's First-Round Scores
Hey guys. Check back frequently as I'll update the scores as they come in. I'll post a preview of tomorrow's second-round games later on as well.
FINAL: Smith 12, Love 0
As expected, No. 1-seed Smith got off to a quick start in its first-round match-up with eight-seed Love. Kyle Richardson picked up the win while going a perfect 4-for-4 at the dish for the Romans.
FINAL: Whitestown 5, Roberts 0
Whitestown used another solid pitching performance from SUNY Cortland sophomore-to-be Mike Mahay on its way to a first-round triumph over Roberts.
FINAL: Adrean 4, Utica 3 (8 innings)
Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, Utica rallied to tie it up and force extras, but would fall after allowing a run in eighth.
FINAL: New Hartford 3, Sherrill 1
New Hartford got out to an early 3-0 lead and held to take care of Sherrill.
Tomorrow's Winners' Bracket Games:
(5) Adrean at (1) Smith at Bill Vinci Field, 5:30 p.m.
(3) Whitestown at (2) New Hartford at DeLutis Field, TBD
Tomorrow's Losers' Bracket Games:
(8) Love at (4) Utica at Murnane Field's Donovan Stadium, TBD
(7) Sherrill at (6) Roberts at Holland Patent High School, 5:30 p.m.
Here's a look at the updated playoff bracket:
*Check back tomorrow morning for previews of Tuesday's games as well as my predictions for round two.
FINAL: Smith 12, Love 0
As expected, No. 1-seed Smith got off to a quick start in its first-round match-up with eight-seed Love. Kyle Richardson picked up the win while going a perfect 4-for-4 at the dish for the Romans.
FINAL: Whitestown 5, Roberts 0
Whitestown used another solid pitching performance from SUNY Cortland sophomore-to-be Mike Mahay on its way to a first-round triumph over Roberts.
FINAL: Adrean 4, Utica 3 (8 innings)
Trailing 3-2 entering the bottom of the seventh, Utica rallied to tie it up and force extras, but would fall after allowing a run in eighth.
FINAL: New Hartford 3, Sherrill 1
New Hartford got out to an early 3-0 lead and held to take care of Sherrill.
Tomorrow's Winners' Bracket Games:
(5) Adrean at (1) Smith at Bill Vinci Field, 5:30 p.m.
(3) Whitestown at (2) New Hartford at DeLutis Field, TBD
Tomorrow's Losers' Bracket Games:
(8) Love at (4) Utica at Murnane Field's Donovan Stadium, TBD
(7) Sherrill at (6) Roberts at Holland Patent High School, 5:30 p.m.
Here's a look at the updated playoff bracket:
*Check back tomorrow morning for previews of Tuesday's games as well as my predictions for round two.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
County Playoffs: Monday Preview
Game 1: (1) Smith (18-0) vs. (8) Love (9-8) at Bill Vinci Field, 5:30 p.m.
Smith took the only regular season match-up between these teams, 5-2, back on June 16th. Kyle Richardson went six innings, striking out 10 while allowing eight hits and walking two.
It will be interesting to see who Smith puts on the mound for this one. Will it go with one of its two aces - Garrett Baker or Joe Melioris? Or will it go with Richardson (not a bad third option) again and hope to get by while saving its top two arms.
"We’re not 100 percent sure," Smith manager Tony Abone Jr. said over the phone this evening. "I think all the pitchers, with the exception of Dustin Colgan, are ready to go. We talked a little about it today and we'll talk about it again tomorrow before we decide."
My guess is Smith goes with Richardson. He has already shown he can do the job and the kid has loads of playoff experience having pitched in each of the last two New York State Championship tournaments.
Prediction: Smith. This one is easy. Love has some good, young talent, but not enough to upset Oneida County's first undefeated team since 1991. None of Love's current players have ever been to the playoffs and it won't help that their first time around will be against a team that has played in the New York State Championship tournament in each of the past two seasons.
Game 2: (4) Utica (11-6) vs. (5) Adrean (11-7) at Murnane Field, 7 p.m.
Utica went 2-0 in the regular season against its cross-town rival. It took the first match-up 6-5 on June 17th when Joe Perrotta pitched a complete game, giving up six hits and five runs (just two were earned). The second meeting came in Adrean's Blue & Gold Tournament with Utica winning 10-5. This time it was the offense, specifically the top of the order, that did the job. Utica's one through four hitters went a combined 11-for-17 with six RBIs and seven runs scored.
Pitching is sure to play a huge role in this game, which may not be to Utica's advantage. Joe Perrotta pitched nine innings in a double-header against Sherrill on Thursday (three in the first game, six in the second) and T.J. Abounader was forced to leave Monday's game against New Hartford with back pains. It'll be interesting to see who Utica manager Greg Gaeta gives the nod for this game.
Prediction: Adrean. As the old saying goes, “It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season” and I think Adrean manager Mike Macchione will have his guys ready to go. Adrean banged out nine hits off of Smith ace Garrett Baker last Saturday – far more than any other team has managed this season. I think Adrean will bring the bats and advance in the winner’s bracket.
Game 3: (3) Whitestown (13-5) vs. (6) Roberts (10-8) at SUNYIT, 5:30 p.m.
The two teams split during the regular season. Roberts took the first meeting 11-3 back on June 18th when Geoff Ogden pitched a complete game five-hitter. While Roberts 2-3-4 hitters went a combined 6-for-12, the team had only five RBIs as it was aided big-time by six Whitestown errors. Whitestown avenged the loss with a 6-1 victory over Roberts in the team’s second meeting on July 13th. Mike Mahay was brilliant as he struck out 15 batters in a complete game one-hitter.
Quick note: Look for Connor Flisnik to have a big day at the plate. The recent Whitesboro grad has blasted Roberts’ pitching this season, going a combined 6-for-8 with two runs scored in the two games.
Prediction: Whitestown. This is a tough one, but I think it’s going to come down to experience. While Roberts is capable of the upset with some great hitting in the early part of the lineup, it struggled down the stretch, dropping six of its final nine league games. On top of that, Roberts has no real playoff experience as this is its first trip to the playoffs in years. On the other side, while I wasn’t impressed with Whitestown’s lackluster performance against Smith earlier in the week, it does have considerable playoff experience – 15 of its players were part of the team that won last year’s District V title and went on to place third in the New York State Championship tournament. Because of the experience and the fact that Roberts must travel to SUNYIT – a tough environment to play in (I know from experience) – I have to go with Whitestown in this one.
Game 4: (2) New Hartford (12-5) vs. (7) Sherrill (9-8) at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
These teams split in the regular season. Game one (back on June 25th) went to Sherrill 3-1 with New Hartford taking the second game 7-4 in 10 innings (that game was finished today after being suspended due to darkness on Tuesday).
Despite winning the Gold Division and earning the right to play at home, New Hartford will have to go on the “road” for this one. That's because the the baseball field's outfield is going to be used as a staging area (storing heavy machinery) for construction on the high school’s football field that is scheduled to start Monday. Even though it'll be the only higher seed not playing on its home field, New Hartford coach Greg Jones said it shouldn't make much of a difference.
“You still get last crack at a team,” Jones said. “And we don’t mind playing at DeLutis. We’ve played plenty of games up there over the past couple years. Even though we’re technically on the road, we’re okay with that because we’re familiar with the field and the way it plays.”
Prediction: Sherrill. As much as I’d like to see my old alma mater succeed, my gut is telling me Sherrill in this one. It’ll be hungry to avenge Sunday’s 7-4 loss to New Hartford and will likely have ace Ryan Dungey on the hill. Dungey is capable of beating any team in the league when he’s on his game and, as a college kid, he has the experience to boot. Sherrill should also benefit from some hot bats (Mark Dixon and Robert Sweet) in the middle of the order.
*So what do you guys think? Are my predictions pretty good or am I off my rocker? Let's hear what you have to say. Let the debating begin...
*ALSO, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT TOMORROW'S OD FOR MORE ON THE COUNTY PLAYOFFS.
Smith took the only regular season match-up between these teams, 5-2, back on June 16th. Kyle Richardson went six innings, striking out 10 while allowing eight hits and walking two.
It will be interesting to see who Smith puts on the mound for this one. Will it go with one of its two aces - Garrett Baker or Joe Melioris? Or will it go with Richardson (not a bad third option) again and hope to get by while saving its top two arms.
"We’re not 100 percent sure," Smith manager Tony Abone Jr. said over the phone this evening. "I think all the pitchers, with the exception of Dustin Colgan, are ready to go. We talked a little about it today and we'll talk about it again tomorrow before we decide."
My guess is Smith goes with Richardson. He has already shown he can do the job and the kid has loads of playoff experience having pitched in each of the last two New York State Championship tournaments.
Prediction: Smith. This one is easy. Love has some good, young talent, but not enough to upset Oneida County's first undefeated team since 1991. None of Love's current players have ever been to the playoffs and it won't help that their first time around will be against a team that has played in the New York State Championship tournament in each of the past two seasons.
Game 2: (4) Utica (11-6) vs. (5) Adrean (11-7) at Murnane Field, 7 p.m.
Utica went 2-0 in the regular season against its cross-town rival. It took the first match-up 6-5 on June 17th when Joe Perrotta pitched a complete game, giving up six hits and five runs (just two were earned). The second meeting came in Adrean's Blue & Gold Tournament with Utica winning 10-5. This time it was the offense, specifically the top of the order, that did the job. Utica's one through four hitters went a combined 11-for-17 with six RBIs and seven runs scored.
Pitching is sure to play a huge role in this game, which may not be to Utica's advantage. Joe Perrotta pitched nine innings in a double-header against Sherrill on Thursday (three in the first game, six in the second) and T.J. Abounader was forced to leave Monday's game against New Hartford with back pains. It'll be interesting to see who Utica manager Greg Gaeta gives the nod for this game.
Prediction: Adrean. As the old saying goes, “It’s tough to beat a team three times in one season” and I think Adrean manager Mike Macchione will have his guys ready to go. Adrean banged out nine hits off of Smith ace Garrett Baker last Saturday – far more than any other team has managed this season. I think Adrean will bring the bats and advance in the winner’s bracket.
Game 3: (3) Whitestown (13-5) vs. (6) Roberts (10-8) at SUNYIT, 5:30 p.m.
The two teams split during the regular season. Roberts took the first meeting 11-3 back on June 18th when Geoff Ogden pitched a complete game five-hitter. While Roberts 2-3-4 hitters went a combined 6-for-12, the team had only five RBIs as it was aided big-time by six Whitestown errors. Whitestown avenged the loss with a 6-1 victory over Roberts in the team’s second meeting on July 13th. Mike Mahay was brilliant as he struck out 15 batters in a complete game one-hitter.
Quick note: Look for Connor Flisnik to have a big day at the plate. The recent Whitesboro grad has blasted Roberts’ pitching this season, going a combined 6-for-8 with two runs scored in the two games.
Prediction: Whitestown. This is a tough one, but I think it’s going to come down to experience. While Roberts is capable of the upset with some great hitting in the early part of the lineup, it struggled down the stretch, dropping six of its final nine league games. On top of that, Roberts has no real playoff experience as this is its first trip to the playoffs in years. On the other side, while I wasn’t impressed with Whitestown’s lackluster performance against Smith earlier in the week, it does have considerable playoff experience – 15 of its players were part of the team that won last year’s District V title and went on to place third in the New York State Championship tournament. Because of the experience and the fact that Roberts must travel to SUNYIT – a tough environment to play in (I know from experience) – I have to go with Whitestown in this one.
Game 4: (2) New Hartford (12-5) vs. (7) Sherrill (9-8) at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
These teams split in the regular season. Game one (back on June 25th) went to Sherrill 3-1 with New Hartford taking the second game 7-4 in 10 innings (that game was finished today after being suspended due to darkness on Tuesday).
Despite winning the Gold Division and earning the right to play at home, New Hartford will have to go on the “road” for this one. That's because the the baseball field's outfield is going to be used as a staging area (storing heavy machinery) for construction on the high school’s football field that is scheduled to start Monday. Even though it'll be the only higher seed not playing on its home field, New Hartford coach Greg Jones said it shouldn't make much of a difference.
“You still get last crack at a team,” Jones said. “And we don’t mind playing at DeLutis. We’ve played plenty of games up there over the past couple years. Even though we’re technically on the road, we’re okay with that because we’re familiar with the field and the way it plays.”
Prediction: Sherrill. As much as I’d like to see my old alma mater succeed, my gut is telling me Sherrill in this one. It’ll be hungry to avenge Sunday’s 7-4 loss to New Hartford and will likely have ace Ryan Dungey on the hill. Dungey is capable of beating any team in the league when he’s on his game and, as a college kid, he has the experience to boot. Sherrill should also benefit from some hot bats (Mark Dixon and Robert Sweet) in the middle of the order.
*So what do you guys think? Are my predictions pretty good or am I off my rocker? Let's hear what you have to say. Let the debating begin...
*ALSO, BE SURE TO CHECK OUT TOMORROW'S OD FOR MORE ON THE COUNTY PLAYOFFS.
Seedings set, playoffs start Monday
The Oneida County American Legion baseball playoff seedings are now set.New Hartford topped Sherrill 7-4 in the league's regular season finale to set drop Sherrill to the No. 7 seed and set up a rematch between the divisional rivals in tomorrow's first round.
Here's a look at the complete schedule for the double-elimination tournamanet:
Monday, July 21
Game 1: (1) Smith (18-0) vs. (8) Love (9-8) at Bill Vinci Field, 5:30 p.m.
Game 2: (4) Utica (11-6) vs. (5) Adrean (11-7) at Murnane Field, 7 p.m.
Game 3: (3) Whitestown (13-5) vs. (6) Roberts (10-8) at SUNYIT, 5:30 p.m.
Game 4: (2) New Hartford (12-5) vs. (7) Sherrill (9-8) at DeLutis Field, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 22 (at higher seed)
Game 5: Loser of game 1 vs. Loser of game 2
Game 6: Loser of game 3 vs. Loser of game 4
Game 7: Winner of game 1 vs. Winner of game 2
Game 8: Winner of game 3 vs. Winner of game 4
Wednesday, July 23 (at DeLutis Field)
Game 9: Winner of game 5 vs. Loser of game 8
Game 10: Winner of game 6 vs. Loser of game 7
Thursday, July 24 (at DeLutis Field)
Game 11: Winner of game 7 vs. Winner of game 8
Game 12: Winner of game 9 vs. Winner of game 10
Friday, July 25 (at DeLutis Field)
Game 13: Loser of game 11 vs. Winner of game 12
Game 14: Winner of game 11 vs. Winner of game 13
Saturday, July 26 (at DeLutis Field)
Game 15 (if necessary): Winner of game 14 vs. Loser of game 14
*Be sure to check back later tonight as I'll post a preview of each of tomorrow's first-round match-ups.
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