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| Photo Credit: Vinny Messana |
Yesterday was Suffolk County’s equivalent of the Elite 8. There was three great games and one blowout. Here’s a quick recap:
East Islip 1, Hauppauge 0: For most of the season, Hauppauge was close to unbeatable. When Nick Fanti was on the mound, they were definitely unbeatable. He had allowed only four ER on the season, but he was facing East Islip’s ace, Mike Demarest, who is heading to Adelphi in the fall. He entered with eight wins but was pitching on two-days rest. Both pitcher’s brought their ‘A’ game and the score remained tied into the eighth inning. Tyler Clehane smacked a solo HR in the eighth inning of Fanti, which was only the second XBH he has allowed all season.
Demarest recorded his ninth victory of the season which is tied for LI lead. He allowed only seven hits while striking out eight and allowing one walk. In the bottom of the eight, Fanti (3-for-3) was thrown out attempting to steal second base by catcher Brendan Dowd.
The Redmen will take on League I champion Ward Melville in a three game series beginning tomorrow at noon.
Ward Melville 6, Smithtown West 5: The Patriots entered with a 17-2 record and the best player on the island. They jumped out to a 5-1 lead thanks to home runs by Jeff Towles and Dominick Lamonica. West would not go down easily, however. They battled back and tied the game up. In extra innings, Joe Flynn scored on a passed ball to win it for the Patriots. Joe Barbieri recorded the victory.
They will host Smithtown East in a three-game set beginning Saturday at noon.
Connetquot 11, Hills East 2: The Thunderbirds had entered coming off back-to-back blowout wins in the playoffs while outscoring their opponents 21-2. They knew that wouldn’t be the case against a 19-2 team.
Brandon Bonomo was on the hill for Hills East. The Marist-bound RHP entered with an unblemished 6-0 record on the season.
Connetquot was up to the task on this day–Brandon Morse smacked a grand slam and Marc Wangenstein hit a HR to bust the game open. Travis Bruinsma won his ninth game of the season to tie Demarest of EI.
Connetquot improves to 20-2 on the season while Hills East terrific ride is over.
Smithtown East 8, Hills West 6: We covered the game, you can read the recap here.
