Sunday June 4
CT Gamecocks 2 Amenia Monarchs 1
The gamecocks narrowly defeated the Amenia monarchs 2-1 to earn their first victory of the 2023 campaign. In what was mostly a pitching duel that held both teams scoreless into the late frames the gamecocks were lead by Josh Dobratz on the hill going six strong innings scattering 4 hits and striking out two. The gamecocks got out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth following an rbi single by hunter simpson. The monarchs quickly responded in the top of the sixth with three consecutive hits to even the score. Finally in the bottom of the seventh the gamecocks were started by Pat Raymond’s (1-3) line drive single followed by a long AB by Angel Torres (1-2) resulting in a walk. A wild pitch allowed gamecocks runners to advance and set up a Vic Desimone (1-1 ) walk off sac fly. A much needed win for our squad and hopefully something to build momentum on . Moren pitched well giving up 1 run over 6 innings for Amenia . Foley added a walk and extra base hit.
Bethlehem Plowboys 12 Winsted Whalers 6
Plowboys win a tough one up in Winsted on a frigid June Sunday morning 6-2! George “the professor” Bielizna got the W going 7 strong innings on the bump and hitting an RBI double about 400 feet that’s out at most parks. On the bump, George allowed 2 unearned runs striking out 7 to keep the Whalers at bay. Ricky Descoteaux made his season debut and even with a bum shoulder went 4-4 on the day scoring 2 of the Plows 6 runs, Alex James aided the plow attack with 2 hits and a run scored as well. Kyle Banche came on and shut the door in the 8th and 9th, throwing a perfect 2 innings. The Whales bats were led by Jonny Lippincott who also hit a double that would’ve been a homer at a fenced field while Austin Brochu and Owen McMahon also reached base a few times. Isaiah Johnson left the Plow with a farewell 2 RBI double in the 8th to give Banche a little cushion as he takes off for an internship in New York that runs right up to a week before the playoffs start, we miss you already Isaiah! The Plow is back at it Thursday at home vs the new look Valley Ducks!
In dramatic fashion the Hunters walk-off against the Ducks 12-11 in a wild back and fourth game. The Ducks jumped out to an early 7-3 lead through the first four innings thanks to offensive performances from Steve Marinaro (3/5, 2R), Shane Fusco (2/4, 2R, Double), and Donny EK (3/5 Triple, 1 Run scored). In the 5th inning the Hunters started their comeback to eventually take the lead back from the Ducks. The Ducks would then come back to eventually tie the game at 11 going into the bottom of the 9th. In the bottom of the 9th the Hunters would load the bases with 1 out. Chad Lavelle stepped to the plate and delivered with a Sac Fly to center, which allowed the winning run to score.
The Hunters were led offensively by Chris Rossi (2/4, Double, 2 Runs Scored) Chad Lavelle (2/3, 2 Doubles, 2 BB, 3R, 2 RBI) and George Zaruba (2/4, Double, 2 RBI). Making his Hunters debut, Dave Alarcon was credited with the victory on the mound tossing 6 innings, giving up 2 earned runs, and striking out 8.
Fun facts of the game include: George Zaruba, probably spending too much time with Josue Lopez, did not know that a batter could be intentionally walked, Zack Martin hit a foul homerun and made sure to tell everyone that he “just missed it”, Chad Lavelle pimped a double thinking it would clear the fence, and Duck’s Ty Pelletier brought back the mustache hoping to scare the Hunters.