Read more here: http://www.uticaod.com/sports/x390645025/District-V-Legion-game-postponed
UPDATE (3:50 p.m.): Game two of the best-of-three District V final series between New Hartford and Smith has been postponed until tomorrow (Sunday) at 1 p.m. at DeLutis Field.
UPDATE (1:50 p.m.): I tracked down Oneida County league commissioner Jack Huther to find out why the game has been delayed. Huther said the heavy rain that passed through the Rome area this morning soaked DeLutis Field and left the grounds crew with no choice but to push the start time back.
1 p.m.: Game two of the best-of-three District V final series between New Hartford and Smith has been delayed until 6 p.m. tonight.
I'm not quite sure why the game has been postponed, but I'm working on trying to find out right now. It's sunny and clear here in Utica, but I don't know what it looks like or did earlier today in Rome. Can any Rome fans out there fill us in?
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Districts Finals Game one: The Aftermath
Game one of the District V best-of-three series final is in the books.
New Hartford topped Smith 9-8 in a wildly entertaining and dramatic 10-inning game at DeLutis Field, handing Smith its first loss to an Oneida County team in 2008. New Hartford (21-9) leads the series 1-0 with game two scheduled for today (Saturday) at 2 p.m. Smith (25-3-1) will need to win today to keep its season alive and force a third-and-deciding game three on Sunday (game time TBD).
So what does it all mean? Yes, we know New Hartford is now only one win away from returning to Newburgh - where it last played in the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Regionals - and Smith will need to pull off two wins with its back against the wall to return to the state tournament for the third consecutive year. But, where does each team stand with pitching after three games in the district tournament? What key players might be hampered by injuries?
Let's start with the pitching...
There's no denying that New Hartford is in a much better pitching situation than Smith entering today's second game. NH has only used four pitchers in three games this week, and still has starter Erik Sheridan waiting in the wings. Chandler Evans, who had Oneida County's second-lowest ERA (1.28) during the regular season, has also yet to throw in the district tournament. However, I have heard rumors that his arm is bothering him, so perhaps he is not an option. But, either way, Sheridan is ready to go on a full week's rest and Pat Derrane is also available (and Eric Verbickas should also be able to go a few innings after throwing on Wednesday).
On the other side, Smith's top three starters, Garrett Baker, Joe Melioris and Kyle Richardson have each thrown at least seven innings (Baker went nine on Wednesday, Richardson went seven on Thursday, and Melioris threw seven on Friday) in the last three days. Smith's Dustin Colgan threw two innings on Thursday and was used again tonight (he was pulled after only eight pitches - all balls). Nate Mallinder pitched two innings tonight after having thrown only once all season (in a non-league tournament in Albany).
That begs the question of who Smith will go with today? Will it come back with Baker on just three days rest? My guess is no (although I do think he goes Sunday in game three if Smith wins today). I think Smith goes with Ryan Kramer (its shortstop). While Kramer has thrown just 1 inning all season (according to the team's statistics on legionbaseball.com), I've been told he was a pretty good pitcher for the Oneida High School team this past spring. Seeing as though he hasn't thrown in quite some time, this will be something to watch if the Abone's do indeed decide to go with him.
Now to the injuries...
New Hartford catcher Mike Doyle went in Friday's game one despite a bad throwing arm (a foul tip caught him the arm on Wednesday night). It wasn't until just minutes before Friday's game that the New Hartford coaches decided to go with Doyle over rookie backup Tim Whalen. While Doyle was solid behind the plate tonight and Smith did not really take advantage of his injury on the base paths, this is still something to watch if he plays tomorrow.
For Smith, Kyle Richardson came out of Friday's game in the bottom of the ninth inning after popping his shoulder out of its socket on a diving catch attempt. Richardson just missed the catch, which allowed New Hartford to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. said after the game that he had to pop Richardson's shoulder back into place for him and that he had ice on it the remainder of the game in the dugout. Abone Jr. did not know Richardson's status for today's game, saying that they were going to take him to the hospital on the way home from the field to find out the extent of the injury.
Smith's Joe Melioris may also be injuried. He didn't seem comfortable on the mound all night Friday (not like he has throughout the rest of the season), and he continued to shake his throwing hand back and forth. Abone Jr. said after the game that his pitcher's hand was indeed bothering him. This is important for today because, if Kramer does pitch for Smith, normal third baseman Eli Hedrington would be expected to slide to shortstop with Melioris playing third base. However, if Melioris' injury keeps him from playing today (again, this is all assuming Kramer throws), Smith may go with Jason Nowicki at third, leaving a void in right field (in addition to a possible void of Richardson in center).
Having said all that, I do think New Hartford is in a great position with its pitching availability compared to Smith's lack-there-of. The injury to Richardson could also be huge for Smith as the recent RFA graduate is arguably Oneida County's best all-around player (in my opinion he is the best). Having said that, I do think that if Smith can find a way to win today, it will be in good shape come game three. It would have ace Garrett Baker ready to go on four days rest (I have to believe he would throw).
That's all for now legion fans (and yes it's 3 a.m., and yes I'm going to bed)...
New Hartford topped Smith 9-8 in a wildly entertaining and dramatic 10-inning game at DeLutis Field, handing Smith its first loss to an Oneida County team in 2008. New Hartford (21-9) leads the series 1-0 with game two scheduled for today (Saturday) at 2 p.m. Smith (25-3-1) will need to win today to keep its season alive and force a third-and-deciding game three on Sunday (game time TBD).
So what does it all mean? Yes, we know New Hartford is now only one win away from returning to Newburgh - where it last played in the 2006 Mid-Atlantic Regionals - and Smith will need to pull off two wins with its back against the wall to return to the state tournament for the third consecutive year. But, where does each team stand with pitching after three games in the district tournament? What key players might be hampered by injuries?
Let's start with the pitching...
There's no denying that New Hartford is in a much better pitching situation than Smith entering today's second game. NH has only used four pitchers in three games this week, and still has starter Erik Sheridan waiting in the wings. Chandler Evans, who had Oneida County's second-lowest ERA (1.28) during the regular season, has also yet to throw in the district tournament. However, I have heard rumors that his arm is bothering him, so perhaps he is not an option. But, either way, Sheridan is ready to go on a full week's rest and Pat Derrane is also available (and Eric Verbickas should also be able to go a few innings after throwing on Wednesday).
On the other side, Smith's top three starters, Garrett Baker, Joe Melioris and Kyle Richardson have each thrown at least seven innings (Baker went nine on Wednesday, Richardson went seven on Thursday, and Melioris threw seven on Friday) in the last three days. Smith's Dustin Colgan threw two innings on Thursday and was used again tonight (he was pulled after only eight pitches - all balls). Nate Mallinder pitched two innings tonight after having thrown only once all season (in a non-league tournament in Albany).
That begs the question of who Smith will go with today? Will it come back with Baker on just three days rest? My guess is no (although I do think he goes Sunday in game three if Smith wins today). I think Smith goes with Ryan Kramer (its shortstop). While Kramer has thrown just 1 inning all season (according to the team's statistics on legionbaseball.com), I've been told he was a pretty good pitcher for the Oneida High School team this past spring. Seeing as though he hasn't thrown in quite some time, this will be something to watch if the Abone's do indeed decide to go with him.
Now to the injuries...
New Hartford catcher Mike Doyle went in Friday's game one despite a bad throwing arm (a foul tip caught him the arm on Wednesday night). It wasn't until just minutes before Friday's game that the New Hartford coaches decided to go with Doyle over rookie backup Tim Whalen. While Doyle was solid behind the plate tonight and Smith did not really take advantage of his injury on the base paths, this is still something to watch if he plays tomorrow.
For Smith, Kyle Richardson came out of Friday's game in the bottom of the ninth inning after popping his shoulder out of its socket on a diving catch attempt. Richardson just missed the catch, which allowed New Hartford to tie the game and send it to extra innings. Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. said after the game that he had to pop Richardson's shoulder back into place for him and that he had ice on it the remainder of the game in the dugout. Abone Jr. did not know Richardson's status for today's game, saying that they were going to take him to the hospital on the way home from the field to find out the extent of the injury.
Smith's Joe Melioris may also be injuried. He didn't seem comfortable on the mound all night Friday (not like he has throughout the rest of the season), and he continued to shake his throwing hand back and forth. Abone Jr. said after the game that his pitcher's hand was indeed bothering him. This is important for today because, if Kramer does pitch for Smith, normal third baseman Eli Hedrington would be expected to slide to shortstop with Melioris playing third base. However, if Melioris' injury keeps him from playing today (again, this is all assuming Kramer throws), Smith may go with Jason Nowicki at third, leaving a void in right field (in addition to a possible void of Richardson in center).
Having said all that, I do think New Hartford is in a great position with its pitching availability compared to Smith's lack-there-of. The injury to Richardson could also be huge for Smith as the recent RFA graduate is arguably Oneida County's best all-around player (in my opinion he is the best). Having said that, I do think that if Smith can find a way to win today, it will be in good shape come game three. It would have ace Garrett Baker ready to go on four days rest (I have to believe he would throw).
That's all for now legion fans (and yes it's 3 a.m., and yes I'm going to bed)...
Friday, August 1, 2008
FINAL: New Hartford 9, Smith 8 (10 inn.)
Hey legion fans. I'm here at DeLutis Field for the first game of the best-of-three District V final series between Smith and New Hartford. Game two is scheduled for 2 p.m. tomorrow.
A few things to keep an eye on tonight:
*New Hartford catcher Mike Doyle is playing with a badly bruised bicep (he was hit by a foul tip in Wednesday's game against Sackets Harbor). Doyle missed last night's game and was a last second decision (and when I say last second, I mean last second - the eight-hole in the batting lineup was left blank with only the No. 2 catcher's position filled in until five minutes before the game). The injury is to his throwing arm and has made it hard for the New Hartford High School quarterback to throw with his normal velocity. That will be something to watch as Smith can run and will run (i.e. Kyle Richardson and Ryan Kramer).
*Joe Melioris is on the hill for Smith. In 15 innings against New Hartford this season, Melioris has allowed no runs and no hits. It will be interesting to see if New Hartford can find a way to scratch a run across tonight after 29 scoreless innings against Smith this year.
*Alex Giovannone is pitching for New Hartford. He faced Smith in the team's first match-up this season and allowed no runs over eight innings in a no decision. Giovannone probably has more big-game experience than anyone else involved in tonight's game having pitched (and won) in both a New York State tournament and Mid-Atlantic Regional in his American Legion career.
A few things to keep an eye on tonight:
*New Hartford catcher Mike Doyle is playing with a badly bruised bicep (he was hit by a foul tip in Wednesday's game against Sackets Harbor). Doyle missed last night's game and was a last second decision (and when I say last second, I mean last second - the eight-hole in the batting lineup was left blank with only the No. 2 catcher's position filled in until five minutes before the game). The injury is to his throwing arm and has made it hard for the New Hartford High School quarterback to throw with his normal velocity. That will be something to watch as Smith can run and will run (i.e. Kyle Richardson and Ryan Kramer).
*Joe Melioris is on the hill for Smith. In 15 innings against New Hartford this season, Melioris has allowed no runs and no hits. It will be interesting to see if New Hartford can find a way to scratch a run across tonight after 29 scoreless innings against Smith this year.
*Alex Giovannone is pitching for New Hartford. He faced Smith in the team's first match-up this season and allowed no runs over eight innings in a no decision. Giovannone probably has more big-game experience than anyone else involved in tonight's game having pitched (and won) in both a New York State tournament and Mid-Atlantic Regional in his American Legion career.
*This really doesn't matter, but it's interesting - tonight's home plate umpire, Ron Starzciak, is the same umpire who was behind the plate for New Hartford and Smith's 15 inning marathon game earlier this season. The starting pitcher match-up for that game was Melioris vs. Giovannone.
New Hartford is sporting its navy blue jerseys with red trim, and Smith is wearing its white uniforms with navy blue pinstripes. New Hartford will be the home team after winning a coin toss in the coach-umpire meeting prior to the game.
Starting lineups:
New Hartford (20-9)
1. Erik Sheridan, LF
2. Joe Carcone, 2B
3. Mike Matt, CF
4. Eric Verbickas, 1B
5. Joe Desens, RF
6. Dan Nelson, 3B
7. Pat Calli, DH
8. Mike Doyle, C
9. Joe Betar, SS
Pitcher: Alex Giovannone, LHP
Smith (25-2-1)
1. Kyle Richardson, CF
2. Ryan Kramer, SS
3. Nate Mallinder, LF
4. Jason Nowicki, RF
5. Zack Ciccotti
6. Ryan Cooke, DH
7. Ryan Marquette, 1B
8. Eli Hedrington, 3B
9. Mike Stevens, 2B
Pitcher: Joe Melioris, RHP
Top 1st: Richardson struck out swinging for the first out. Kramer flew out to center for the second out. Mallinder reached on an error by Betar at short as he bobbled the grounder and then couldn't make the throw in time. Mallinder was picked off 1-3-6 on a 2-2 count to Nowicki for the third out.
Bottom 1st: Sheridan struck out swinging on three pitches for the first out. Carcone grounded out to Hendrington at third for the second out. Matt drew a two-out walk. Matt stole second, just beating Ciccotti's throw to second on a 1-1 fastball from Melioris. Verbickas flew out to center to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Smith 0
Top 2nd: Nowicki reached on an infield single on a grounder deep in the hole between short and third. Nowicki advanced to second on an error as Betar's throw to first was high and got over the head of Verbickas. Ciccotti singled up the middle. Nowicki was held at third by manager Tony Abone Jr., but the center fielder (Matt) threw home anyway and his throw got over the head of Doyle, allowing Cicotti to move to second on the throwing error (runners on second and third, no outs). Cooke struck out swinging on the next pitch from Giovannone for the first out. Marquette punched a bloop single into center field for an RBI (runners on first and second, one out). Smith 1, NH 0. Hendrington hit a single to left to load the bases with one out. Stevens popped out to Verbickas for the second out. Richardson ripped a single down the third base line, just out of the reach of Nelson, to plate two more runs for Smith. Smith 3, NH 0. Hendrington raced all the way to third and Richardson went to second on the throw back into the infield. Kramer ripped a one-hop liner to the hole between short and third, but it was snagged by Nelson who threw to first for the third out.
Bottom 2nd: Desens drew a leadoff walk. Nelson ripped a single through the hole into left field (runners on first and second, no outs). After failing to get a bunt down, Calli struck out swinging for the first out. Doyle struck out looking at a 2-2 fastball down the middle for the second out. Betar ripped a single down the third base line for an RBI single, scoring Desens from second (breaking a 30 and 2/3's inning scoreless drought for New Hartford against Smith this season). Smith 3, NH 1. Sheridan poked a linedrive RBI-single to center to score Nelson from second. Smith 3, NH 2. Betar went to third and Sheridan went to second on an error by Richardson as the ball scooted under his glove in center. Carcone grounded out to Stevens at second to end the inning.
Smith 3, New Hartford 2
*We've got a packed house here tonight as all four bleacher sections here at DeLutis Field are pretty full. There are even a bunch of people in lawn chairs scattered behind the outfield fence.
Top 3rd: Mallinder grounded out to short for the first out. Nowicki ripped a single to right-center. Ciccotti grounded out to Nelson on a high chopper behind the pitcher's mound for the second out (Nowicki went to second). Cooke grounded out 4-3 for the third out.
*That half inning was just was the doctor ordered for Giovannone as he needed only nine pitches after throwing 48 through the first two innings.
Bottom 3rd: Matt drew an eight-pitch walk to lead off. Verbickas reached on a bunt single that scooted past a charging Hendrington (runners on first and second, no outs). Desens laid down a perfectly placed sacrifice bunt down the third base line to move the runners to second and third with one out. Nelson bombed a two-RBI double off the left-center field fence on an 0-2 fastball from Melioris to put New Hartford on top (its first lead on Smith all season). NH 4, Smith 3. Calli was beaned to put runners on first and second with one out. Doyle struck out looking for the second time tonight for the second out of the inning. Betar grounded out 6-4 to end the inning.
New Hartford 4, Smith 3
*Melioris is now up to 61 pitches through three innings. He threw 15 in the first, 22 in second, and 24 in the third.
Top 4th: Marquette hit a weak liner to Carcone for the first out. Hendrington hit a one-out single to left. Stevens hit an opposite field single to right to put runners on first and second with one out. Richardson hit a grounder to Nelson who threw to second to start the double play, but Carcone dropped the throw for an error, allowing Stevens to reach second, Richardson to reach first, and Hendrington to score all the way from second. Smith 4, NH 4. Kramer drew a full-count walk to load the bases with one out. Mallinder hit an RBI sac fly to center to put Smith on top (runners on first and second, two out). Smith 5, NH 4. Nowicki popped out to Verbickas to end the inning.
Bottom 4th: Sheridan struck out swinging for the first out. Carcone hit a one-out single past a diving Marquette. Matt drew his third walk of the game to put runners on first and second with one out. Verbickas grounded into a 4-6 fielder's choice for the second out (runners on first and third, two outs). New Hartford tied the game on a double steal. Verbickas broke from first while Melioris was still in his stretch, prompting Melioris to step off and throw to Stevens. Right when Melioris threw to second, Carcone broke for home and Stevens' throw to the plate was late, allowing both runners to reach safely (runner on second, two outs). NH 5, Smith 5. Desens struck out looking at an 0-2 curveball on the next pitch to end the inning.
New Hartford 5, Smith 5
Top 5th: Ciccotti grounded out 5-3 for the first out. Cooke was beaned by Giovannone to give Smith a one-out baserunner. Giovannone had Cooke picked off of first, but he escaped a rundown and reached second safely after Carcone dropped a throw from Verbickas for another NH error. Marquette ripped an RBI single to right-center to score Cooke from second and put Smith ahead. Smith 6, NH 5. Hendrington popped up a bunt to Giovannone for the second out. Stevens flew out to Desens in right for third out.
Bottom 5th: Nelson drew a seven-pitch walk to lead off. Calli popped out weakly to Marquette in foul territory for the first out. Doyle struck out swinging for the second out. Betar hit a grounder right at Hendrington, but a bad hop made the ball bounce off Hendrington's chest and into foul territory down the left field line, allowing Nelson to go all the way to third and Betar to reach on a double (runners on second and third, two outs). Sheridan grounded out 4-3 to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
*Tonight's game is hardly what most expected as it has proven to much more of an offensive battle than a pitching duel. Smith has nine hits off of Giovannone to New Hartford's seven off of Melioris. It appears that both team's may have to go to the bullpen much earlier than expected as Giovannone's pitch count is at 89 and Melioris is at 98 through five innings.
Smith 6, New Hartford 5
Top 6th: Richardson reached on an error by Betar as a routine groundball ate up the shortstop. Kramer laid down a sac bunt to move Richardson to second with one out. Richardson stole third on a 1-1 pitch to Mallinder. Mallinder grounded out 6-3, but picked up an RBI as Richardson came home from third on the play. Smith 7, NH 5. Nowicki grounded out to short for the third out.
*New Hartford now has six errors, five of which have come from its normally solid middle infielders (Betar has three at shortstop and Carcone has two at second base).
Bottom 6th: Carcone popped out to Hendrington in foul territory for the first out. Matt singled up the middle (he's reached base in all four plate appearances tonight). Verbickas popped out to Hendrington in foul territory for the second out. Desens got beaned in the back to put runners on first and second with two outs. Nelson drew a full-count walk to load the bases (like Matt, Nelson has reached base in all four plate appearances tonight). Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. came out for a short conference on the mound. Calli drew a full-count RBI walk to bring home Matt and keep the bases loaded. Smith 7, NH 6. Doyle flew out to Richardson in center to end the inning, stranding runners at every base.
Smith 7, New Hartford 6
*It will be interesting to see if Melioris returns to the mound for the bottom of the seventh as he's thrown 121 pitches through six innings and Dustin Colgan has been warming up in the Smith bullpen for a couple innings now. New Hartford's Giovannone has thrown 101 pitches.
Top 7th: Ciccotti singled up the middle to lead off. Cooke popped up a bunt that was caught by Doyle who threw to first for a double play as Ciccotti was caught off the bag. Marquette popped up to Betar for the third out.
*Melioris has returned to the mound for Smith. Giovannone needed only 10 pitches in the last half inning and is now at 111 pitches.
Bottom 7th: Betar singled to left to lead off (his third hit of the game). Sheridan laid down a bunt, but it was right back at Melioris who threw to second for the force (runner on first, one out). Sheridan went to second on a pitch that got away from Ciccotti for a passed ball. Carcone hit a hard grounder at Stevens that squeeked through the second baseman's legs for an error, allowing Carcone to reach first safely and Sheridan to score from second to tie the game. NH 7, Smith 7. Matt struck out swinging for the second out and was then called for interference to end the inning as Ciccotti threw to second trying to catch a stealing Carcone.
New Hartford 7, Smith 7
*Every batter in the game, except New Hartford's Doyle, has reached base at least once.
Top 8th: Hendrington drew a four-pitch walk to lead off. Stevens gave himself up with a sacrifice bunt, moving Hendrington to second (runner on second, one out). Richardson grounded out on a chopper to Nelson for the second out. Hedrington went to third on the play. Kramer walked on four-pitches to put runners on the corners with two outs. New Hartford manager John Randall just strolled out to the mound for a meeting with his pitcher and infielders. Mallinder hit the first pitch from Giovannone for an RBI single up the middle to put Smith back on top. Smith 8, NH 7. Nowicki grounded out 5-3 on a nice play by Nelson as he ranged deep to his right and then made an accurate throw to Verbickas to get the third out.
*Dustin Colgan has come to to replace Melioris on the mound.
Bottom 8th: Verbickas walked on four pitches to lead off. Smith manager Tony Abone Sr. just came out to mound to talk with Colgan after his reliever started with six straight balls. Desens walked on four pitches to put runners on first and second with no outs (eight straight balls from Colgan). Smith coach Tony Abone Jr. just came out to the mound to relieve Colgan after only eight pitches (all balls). Nate Mallinder has come on to pitch for Smith. Cooke took Mallinder's spot in left field. Nelson chopped a full-count pitch to Kramer for a 6-3 groundout, moving the runners to second and third with one out. Calli grounded right back to Mallinder for the second out (runners on second and third, two outs). Doyle flew out to Nowicki in right to end the inning, stranding two runners in scoring position.
*New Hartford has now stranded 11 runners in scoring position through eight innings.
Smith 8, New Hartford 7
Top 9th: Ciccotti popped out to Verbickas for the first out. Cooke struck out swinging for the second out. Marquette flew out to center for the third out.
*New Hartford needs to score one run to extend the game and two to win. It has its 9-1-2 hitters due up.
Bottom 9th: Betar ripped a 1-2 fastball to the gap in left-center for a double. Kramer's throw to second was wide for an error, allowing Betar to advance to third (it was a very close play Betar was called safe on a wild slide, just beating the throw from Ciccotti and tag from Hendrington). With the infield drawn in, Sheridan grounded out to Hendrington for the first out. Carcone hit a fly ball single to center to bring home Betar and tie the game. NH 8, Smith 8. The ball was just out of the reach of a diving Richardson who had to run a long way as the outfielders were playing pretty deep to avoid any extra base hits. Richardson was slow to get up after the play and will come out with an apparent injury. Ryan Grogg came in to left field and Cooke slid over to center. Carcone stole second and advanced to third on an error as Ciccotti's throw sailed into center field. The winning run is just 90 feet away for New Hartford. Matt drew an intentional walk (his fourth walk of the game). Verbickas was also intentionally walked to load the bases with one out. Desens struck out swinging on a full-count fastball for the second out. Nelson grounded to Hendrington who tagged out Matt trying to get to third to end the inning and send the game into extra innings.
New Hartford 8, Smith 8
*Nelson has come on to pitch in place of Giovannone. Desens went from right field to third base. Calli went from DH to right field.
Top 10th: Hendrington struck out looking for the first out. Stevens grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Grogg struck out swinging at a full-count fastball for the third out.
Bottom 10th: Calli grounded out 6-3 for the first out. Doyle hit a hard grounder that skip off Hendrington's fully extended glove for a double, putting the game-winning run at second with one out. Betar flew out to Grogg in left for the second out. Sheridan hit a grounder at Stevens that looked like it would end the inning, but a bad hop sent the ball sailing over Stevens' head and into right field for a game-winning, RBI single.
FINAL: New Hartford 9, Smith 8 (10 innings)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Smith wins on walk-off
Smith scored four runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to overcome a 4-1 deficit and beat Ilion 5-4 in the District V tournament. Smith advances to the best-of-three series final against New Hartford. Game one is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at DeLutis Field.
Ilion Post had Smith Post on the ropes, leading 4-1 entering the bottom of the ninth inning. Just when it looked like Ilion would force a third and decisive game tomorrow, Smith cut the lead to 4-2 and then used a Nate Mallinder - get ready for this one - INSIDE THE PARK homerun to win it in walk-off fashion.
Kyle Richardson pitched seven innings for Smith tonight, a night after Smith ace Garrett Baker threw nine. Thus it would appear that No. 2 starter Joe Melioris will likely throw against New Hartford in the Friday's first game.
This sets up an interesting scenario as New Hartford still has its top two pitchers (possibly the third as well, but there are grumblings of a sore arm) rested and ready to go.
Obviously it's good for Smith that it has Melioris ready to go as he combined with Baker to hold New Hartford scoreless over 29 innings against its rival this season. But, it will be interesting to see what happens if Baker (and No. 3 starter Richardson) can't go in the finals. While I think both of would buck up and throw on short rest, I can’t help but think this puts New Hartford in the driver’s seat to make the trip to Newburgh.
What do you guys think? Is New Hartford now the team to beat? Is Smith still in control? How in the world did Smith pull off the comback? Were any of you there tonight? Let’s hear it…what do you guys think?
FINAL: New Hartford 4, Sackets Harbor 3
I'm here for the second game of the best-of-three series between New Hartford and Sackets Harbor. New Hartford leads one game to nothing.
New Hartford is putting its youngest player in the spotlight today as 15-year-old Tyler Porter gets the start on the mound. Porter played varsity as an eighth grader at West Canada Valley this past spring. It will be interesting to see how the young guy performs in today's game as a spot in the District V final is on the line.
New Hartford is without catcher Mike Doyle as he's having trouble throwing after taking a foul tip off the bicep of his throwing arm in yesterday's game. That means New Hartford will go with Tim Whalen behind the plate. Whalen, who just turned 16 last month, was the starting catcher for the New Hartford JV team this past spring. He's seen some limited playing time this year, but none as big as today.
Starting lineups
New Hartford (16-7)
1. Erik Sheridan, LF
2. Joe Carcone, 2B
3. Mike Matt, CF
4. Eric Verbickas, 1B
5. Tim Whalen, C
6. Dan Nelson, 3B
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Joe Desens, DH
9. Joe Betar, SS
Pitcher: Tyler Porter, LHP
Sackets Harbor (22-5)
1. Dan Magovney, SS
2. Brian Magovney, LF
3. Josh Cox, P
4. A.J. Capone, C
5. Brandon Cavalet, 3B
6. Jarod Mattingly, 2B
7. Will VanHoutten, 1B
8. Sam Cavallario, CF
9. Matt Roggie, RF
Pitcher: Josh Cox, RHP
Top 1st: Sheridan grounded out to the first baseman for the first out. Carcone grounded out 4-3 for the second out. Matt lined a single to left field and then stole second to put a runner in scoring position with two outs. Verbickas struck out swinging at a curveball in the dirt to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: D. Magovney struck out swinging but reached first safely as the ball got away from the catcher. B. Magovney grounded into a 1-6 fielder's choice for the first out. Cox grounded out to Verbickas at first for the second out. B. Magovney went to second on the play. Capone grounded out 4-3 to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Sackets Harbor 0
Top 2nd: Whalen struck out swinging for the first out. Nelson grounded out 4-3 for the second out. Calli grounded out to the shortstop for the third out.
Bottom 2nd: Cavalet grounded out to the shortstop for the first out. Mattingly walked. Porter struck out VanHoutten on a big breaking ball for the second out. Cavallario struck out looking to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Sackets Harbor 0
*Today's game has a weird feel to it. It's really quiet (I feel like I'm at a golf tournament) and the crowd is pretty sparse (the 4 p.m. start time probably has a lot to do with that as many people have yet to get out of work). It definitely doesn't feel like a district tournament game. Maybe that will change as the game goes on and more people show up though (let's hope so).
Top 3rd: Desens drew a leadoff walk. Betar laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Desens to second with one out. Desens stole third on a ball in the dirt. Sheridan poked an RBI bloop single into right field and went to second on an error as the right fielder bobbled the ball. NH 1, Sackets 0. Carcone grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Sheridan went to second on the play. Matt grounded out to the shortstop, stranding Sheridan at third.
Bottom 3rd: Porter beaned Roggie to put the leadoff batter on for Sackets. D. Magovney bunted Roggie to second on a 1-3 sacrifice for the first out. B. Magovney grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Roggie went to third on the play. Roggie scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Sackets 1, NH 1. Cox struck out to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 4th: Verbickas walked to lead off. Whalen struck out swinging for the first out. Nelson grounded into a fielder's choice for the second out. Calli struck out looking for the third out.
Bottom 4th: Capone grounded out 6-3 for the first out. Cavalet walked. Porter struck out Mattingly for the second out. VanHoutten struck out looking to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 5th: Desens walked to lead off. Betar grounded out 5-3 for the first out. Desens went to second on the play. Sheridan walked to put runners at first and second. Carcone and Matt struck out back-to-back to end the inning, stranding two runners on base.
Bottom 5th: Cavallario grounded out to the shortstop for the first out. Sean Iles came in for Roggie. Iles flew out to center for the second out. D. Magovney lined out to left to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 6th: Verbickas struck out swinging for the first out. Whalen grounded out to the shortstop for the second out. Nelson and Calli hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with two down. Desens struck out looking for the third out.
Bottom 6th: B. Magovney grounded out 4-3 for the first out. Cox struck out looking for the second out. Capone grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 7th: Betar struck out swinging for the first out. Sheridan grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Carcone grounded out 5-3 for the third out.
*Porter has a no-hitter going through six.
Bottom 7th: Cavalet ripped a line drive to left to give Sackets its first hit of the game. Mattingly bunted Cavalet to second on a sacrifice for the first out. VanHoutten grounded out 4-3 for the second out, moving Cavalet to third. Kody Beach came in to hit for Cavallario. With the go-ahead just 90 feet away, Porter struck out Beach swinging to strand the runner and end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 8th: Matt struck out swinging for the first out (Cox's 10th strike out of the game). Verbickas drew a one-out walk. Whalen drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second with one out. VanHoutten came in to relieve Cox (he moved to third base). B. Magovney went to first for VanHoutten. Chandler Evans came on to pinch run for Verbickas. Nelson greeted VanHoutten with an RBI double to deep right-center field ot score Evans from second. NH 2, Sackets 1. Calli ripped a two-RBI single up the middle to plate two more runs, Whalen from third and Nelson from second. NH 4, Sackets 1. Desens reached on a bunt single and Calli went to third as the first baseman bobbled the late throw from Cox. Desens got picked off of first for the second out. Betar grounded out 1-3 to end the inning, stranding Calli on third.
*Alex Giovannone has replaced Verbickas at first.
Bottom 8th: Iles walked to lead off. D. Magovney hit into a 5-3 fielder's choice for the first out. He reached second on a throwing error by Carcone. B. Magovney grounded out 5-3 for the second out. D. Magovney went to third on the play. Cox hit an RBI single to right. NH 4, Sackets 2. Nelson came in to relieve Porter. Desens went to third for Nelson. Porter's final line: 7.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 Ks, 1 HBP. Capone greeted Nelson with an RBI double over the head of Sheridan in left. NH 4, Sackets 3. Cavalet grouned out to short to end the inning, stranding Capone at second.
New Hartford 4, Sackets Harbor 3
Top 9th: Sheridan grounded out 5-3 for the first out. Carcone grounded out to short for the second out. Matt drew a two-out walk. Giovannone grounded out 6-4 for the third out.
*New Hartford is three outs away from advancing to the District V finals. Sackets Harbor needs to score one to extend the game and two to win it.
Bottom 9th: Mattingly struck out looking for the first out. VanHoutten flew out to center for the second out. Anthony Magovney is pinch hitting for Beach. A. Magovney grounded out to Carcone at second to end the game.
FINAL: New Hartford 4, Sackets Harbor 3
*New Hartford advances to the district final best-of-three series. The finals will start tomorrow if Smith wins tonight. If Smith loses to Ilion, it will not start until Saturday. Check back later as I'll post an update on the Smith-Ilion game and more from this one.
New Hartford is putting its youngest player in the spotlight today as 15-year-old Tyler Porter gets the start on the mound. Porter played varsity as an eighth grader at West Canada Valley this past spring. It will be interesting to see how the young guy performs in today's game as a spot in the District V final is on the line.
New Hartford is without catcher Mike Doyle as he's having trouble throwing after taking a foul tip off the bicep of his throwing arm in yesterday's game. That means New Hartford will go with Tim Whalen behind the plate. Whalen, who just turned 16 last month, was the starting catcher for the New Hartford JV team this past spring. He's seen some limited playing time this year, but none as big as today.
Starting lineups
New Hartford (16-7)
1. Erik Sheridan, LF
2. Joe Carcone, 2B
3. Mike Matt, CF
4. Eric Verbickas, 1B
5. Tim Whalen, C
6. Dan Nelson, 3B
7. Pat Calli, RF
8. Joe Desens, DH
9. Joe Betar, SS
Pitcher: Tyler Porter, LHP
Sackets Harbor (22-5)
1. Dan Magovney, SS
2. Brian Magovney, LF
3. Josh Cox, P
4. A.J. Capone, C
5. Brandon Cavalet, 3B
6. Jarod Mattingly, 2B
7. Will VanHoutten, 1B
8. Sam Cavallario, CF
9. Matt Roggie, RF
Pitcher: Josh Cox, RHP
Top 1st: Sheridan grounded out to the first baseman for the first out. Carcone grounded out 4-3 for the second out. Matt lined a single to left field and then stole second to put a runner in scoring position with two outs. Verbickas struck out swinging at a curveball in the dirt to end the inning.
Bottom 1st: D. Magovney struck out swinging but reached first safely as the ball got away from the catcher. B. Magovney grounded into a 1-6 fielder's choice for the first out. Cox grounded out to Verbickas at first for the second out. B. Magovney went to second on the play. Capone grounded out 4-3 to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Sackets Harbor 0
Top 2nd: Whalen struck out swinging for the first out. Nelson grounded out 4-3 for the second out. Calli grounded out to the shortstop for the third out.
Bottom 2nd: Cavalet grounded out to the shortstop for the first out. Mattingly walked. Porter struck out VanHoutten on a big breaking ball for the second out. Cavallario struck out looking to end the inning.
New Hartford 0, Sackets Harbor 0
*Today's game has a weird feel to it. It's really quiet (I feel like I'm at a golf tournament) and the crowd is pretty sparse (the 4 p.m. start time probably has a lot to do with that as many people have yet to get out of work). It definitely doesn't feel like a district tournament game. Maybe that will change as the game goes on and more people show up though (let's hope so).
Top 3rd: Desens drew a leadoff walk. Betar laid down a sacrifice bunt, moving Desens to second with one out. Desens stole third on a ball in the dirt. Sheridan poked an RBI bloop single into right field and went to second on an error as the right fielder bobbled the ball. NH 1, Sackets 0. Carcone grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Sheridan went to second on the play. Matt grounded out to the shortstop, stranding Sheridan at third.
Bottom 3rd: Porter beaned Roggie to put the leadoff batter on for Sackets. D. Magovney bunted Roggie to second on a 1-3 sacrifice for the first out. B. Magovney grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Roggie went to third on the play. Roggie scored on a passed ball to tie the game. Sackets 1, NH 1. Cox struck out to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 4th: Verbickas walked to lead off. Whalen struck out swinging for the first out. Nelson grounded into a fielder's choice for the second out. Calli struck out looking for the third out.
Bottom 4th: Capone grounded out 6-3 for the first out. Cavalet walked. Porter struck out Mattingly for the second out. VanHoutten struck out looking to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 5th: Desens walked to lead off. Betar grounded out 5-3 for the first out. Desens went to second on the play. Sheridan walked to put runners at first and second. Carcone and Matt struck out back-to-back to end the inning, stranding two runners on base.
Bottom 5th: Cavallario grounded out to the shortstop for the first out. Sean Iles came in for Roggie. Iles flew out to center for the second out. D. Magovney lined out to left to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 6th: Verbickas struck out swinging for the first out. Whalen grounded out to the shortstop for the second out. Nelson and Calli hit back-to-back singles to put runners on first and second with two down. Desens struck out looking for the third out.
Bottom 6th: B. Magovney grounded out 4-3 for the first out. Cox struck out looking for the second out. Capone grounded out to the shortstop to end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 7th: Betar struck out swinging for the first out. Sheridan grounded out 6-3 for the second out. Carcone grounded out 5-3 for the third out.
*Porter has a no-hitter going through six.
Bottom 7th: Cavalet ripped a line drive to left to give Sackets its first hit of the game. Mattingly bunted Cavalet to second on a sacrifice for the first out. VanHoutten grounded out 4-3 for the second out, moving Cavalet to third. Kody Beach came in to hit for Cavallario. With the go-ahead just 90 feet away, Porter struck out Beach swinging to strand the runner and end the inning.
Sackets Harbor 1, New Hartford 1
Top 8th: Matt struck out swinging for the first out (Cox's 10th strike out of the game). Verbickas drew a one-out walk. Whalen drew a four-pitch walk to put runners on first and second with one out. VanHoutten came in to relieve Cox (he moved to third base). B. Magovney went to first for VanHoutten. Chandler Evans came on to pinch run for Verbickas. Nelson greeted VanHoutten with an RBI double to deep right-center field ot score Evans from second. NH 2, Sackets 1. Calli ripped a two-RBI single up the middle to plate two more runs, Whalen from third and Nelson from second. NH 4, Sackets 1. Desens reached on a bunt single and Calli went to third as the first baseman bobbled the late throw from Cox. Desens got picked off of first for the second out. Betar grounded out 1-3 to end the inning, stranding Calli on third.
*Alex Giovannone has replaced Verbickas at first.
Bottom 8th: Iles walked to lead off. D. Magovney hit into a 5-3 fielder's choice for the first out. He reached second on a throwing error by Carcone. B. Magovney grounded out 5-3 for the second out. D. Magovney went to third on the play. Cox hit an RBI single to right. NH 4, Sackets 2. Nelson came in to relieve Porter. Desens went to third for Nelson. Porter's final line: 7.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 Ks, 1 HBP. Capone greeted Nelson with an RBI double over the head of Sheridan in left. NH 4, Sackets 3. Cavalet grouned out to short to end the inning, stranding Capone at second.
New Hartford 4, Sackets Harbor 3
Top 9th: Sheridan grounded out 5-3 for the first out. Carcone grounded out to short for the second out. Matt drew a two-out walk. Giovannone grounded out 6-4 for the third out.
*New Hartford is three outs away from advancing to the District V finals. Sackets Harbor needs to score one to extend the game and two to win it.
Bottom 9th: Mattingly struck out looking for the first out. VanHoutten flew out to center for the second out. Anthony Magovney is pinch hitting for Beach. A. Magovney grounded out to Carcone at second to end the game.
FINAL: New Hartford 4, Sackets Harbor 3
*New Hartford advances to the district final best-of-three series. The finals will start tomorrow if Smith wins tonight. If Smith loses to Ilion, it will not start until Saturday. Check back later as I'll post an update on the Smith-Ilion game and more from this one.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
District Tournament starts Wednesday
This week's District V American Legion baseball tournament schedule is set. All games in the four-team tourney will be played at DeLutis Field in Rome with the winner earning a berth in next week's New York State championship tournament in Newburgh.
Oneida County is represented by two teams, league champion Smith Post (22-0) and league runner-up New Hartford Post (15-7). Herkimer County champion Ilion Post and Jefferson County's Sackets Harbor round out the tournament field.
Here's a look at the complete schedule for the series-style tournament:
Wednesday, July 30
Game 1A: Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 1B: Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 31
Game 2A: Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 2B: Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
Friday, August 1
Game 3A (if necessary): Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 3B (if necessary): Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
If Games 3A and 3B are not needed, the championship series (Game 1C) will begin Friday at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
Game 1C/2C: Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 4 p.m.
Sunday, August 3
Game 2C/3C: Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 1 p.m.
Game 3C (if necessary): Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 4 p.m.
*So what do you guys think? Are we in store for a Smith-New Hartford three-game series to decide who moves on to Newburgh? Or, will Ilion and Sackets Harbor come in and make some noise? Let's hear what you think...
Oneida County is represented by two teams, league champion Smith Post (22-0) and league runner-up New Hartford Post (15-7). Herkimer County champion Ilion Post and Jefferson County's Sackets Harbor round out the tournament field.
Here's a look at the complete schedule for the series-style tournament:
Wednesday, July 30
Game 1A: Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 1B: Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
Thursday, July 31
Game 2A: Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 2B: Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
Friday, August 1
Game 3A (if necessary): Sackets Harbor vs. New Hartford, 4 p.m.
Game 3B (if necessary): Smith vs. Ilion, 7 p.m.
If Games 3A and 3B are not needed, the championship series (Game 1C) will begin Friday at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 2
Game 1C/2C: Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 4 p.m.
Sunday, August 3
Game 2C/3C: Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 1 p.m.
Game 3C (if necessary): Winner of Series A vs. Winner of Series B, 4 p.m.
*So what do you guys think? Are we in store for a Smith-New Hartford three-game series to decide who moves on to Newburgh? Or, will Ilion and Sackets Harbor come in and make some noise? Let's hear what you think...
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