By Chris Amato
All season, Mount Sinai knew they held the upper hand when Sam Kessler went to the mound.
In front of a capacity crowd at home, the West Virginia-bound ace fired a complete game against Rocky Point in a 4-1 win to crown the Mustangs as Suffolk County Class A champs for the first time in their program history.
Coming off his previous win against Miller Place, Kessler took to the mound on 4 days rest looking to shut the door on his crosstown rivals. The righty was dominant throughout, only allowing 1 run that came off of a throwing error in the first inning. Kessler did not give any breathing room after that. The Eagles were able to gather just two hits and two walks off of him.
Having a clear game plan and more than enough preparation was major factor in Kessler’s win. Having faced them before he knew just what to expect from some of their big bats, and exactly how to keep them quiet.
“Knowing they were first pitch fastball hitters, having to get ahead in the count and mixing in some off speed stuff was definitely a major key in the game.”
Kessler would allow just 2 hits, 2 walks while striking out 7.
Although the rest of the game seemed to be a breeze for Sam, the first inning was definitely the messiest. Rocky Point coming out fired up, got their second hitter, James Wiesman aboard with an infield single. After stealing second base, Wiesman took off for third and the throw from Mount Sinai catcher, George Rainer, somehow found its way out of play. Due to the errant throw, Wiesman was given home, scoring their first and only run of the game.
Taking the mound for Rocky point was Paul Dominguez–who is committed to Lynn University. Dominguez was able to get through the first inning without any harm, but it was the second inning when Mt. Sinai’s offense would get going. After James Sarno was able to reach base after being hit by a pitch, Jake Leonard drove him in on an RBI fielder’s choice to tie the game.
Later on in the third, the Mustang offense would heat up again to tack on three more runs which would prove to be the different. DJ Gatz led the inning off with a single, and was scored on a RBI double from Will Esposito. Esposito would then be scored on a RBI base hit from Sarno. Sarno would also come around to score later on in the inning.
Dominguez finalized his performance with 4 ER on 6 hits and 1 walk while striking out 5.
Kessler finished the game off by striking out the final batter, which sealed Mt. Sinai’s first ever Suffolk County Championship. He has eight wins on the season and appears to be a lock for All-State.
Mt. Sinai will now play in the Long Island Championship Game at Dowling Sports Complex. According to Sinai head coach, Eric Reichenbach, they are on fire, and with enough preparation and practice, they will be extremely confident going into their big game next week.
