By Nakeem Grant
The 12th annual Grand Slam Challenge between Nassau and Suffolk was a pitcher’s duel through-and-through as Suffolk defeated Nassau by a score of 1-0. Both teams made remarkable defensive plays, turning several double play balls, and flagging down pop-ups and fly balls in Farmingdale State College’s spacious foul grounds.
Dylan Rooney was named the Rawlings MVP for the Grand Slam Challenge. He drove in the game’s only run with a sacrifice fly to left field in the top of the 6th after fighting off multiple curveballs from Nassau’s Joe Minucci.
Dylan Rooney collecting his MVP Award
“He threw me three straight curveballs and I fouled them off,” Rooney said. “I said to myself that if he throws me one more, I’m going to sit back and try to get this run in and that’s exactly what I did.”
Rooney, senior from Bayport-Blue Point, also made the defensive play of the game in the bottom of the 5th with a diving stop in the hole between first and second to record the out at first. There was a runner in scoring position when he made the play so he robbed Nassau’s chance to get on the scoreboard and helped to keep Suffolk’s shutout intact.
“I just wanted to get the win for Suffolk County,” Rooney said. “I think we have a better county at baseball. I made that play to save a run and we got the win.”
Fordham-bound Brian Weissert entered the game in the 9th for Suffolk and he wasted no time against Nassau, striking out the side to get the save and secure the win for his team.
“I was just trying to throw my fastball for strikes and try to mix in my secondary stuff also,” Weissert said. “Those are the best hitters in Nassau County so I knew that I had to be on top of my game.”
Weissert received a brand-new Rawlings glove for his performance in the bottom of the 9th. He explained that he was elated to earn a new mitt.
“It feels awesome,” Weissert said. “I get to add another glove to my collection.”
It caps a nice week for the Weissert family, as his brother, Greg, was selected in the 18th round by the New York Yankees on Saturday.
The last seven days have been quite the thrill for the 6’10” left-hander, Kyle Young. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 22nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft and he got to represent St. Dominic High School in the Grand Slam Challenge.
“It’s been crazy— it’s surreal,” Young said. “It’s really awesome. Getting drafted is a dream come true.”
Young opened the game on the mound for Nassau, pitching a scoreless inning to set the tempo early on.
“It’s a fun atmosphere here,” Young said. “I love the stadium and I know some of the kids from the team so it was fun.”
Nassau turned three double plays including one of them being induced by Young. He had nothing but great things to say about his team’s defense.
“I got to sit back, relax and watch all of these great players,” Young said. “There’s a lot of great players out here and they made some great plays.”
Straton Podaras (Nassau) and Kyle Strovink (Suffolk) received the 2016 Catchermtrx Award, an award that recognizes the best catcher in each county. They received a sparkling gold catcher’s mask to go along with their plaques.
Another Grand Slam Challenge is in the books. Both teams showcased great talent for their counties and their respective high schools and Suffolk gets to walk away bragging rights as they shutout Nassau in both the high school and college All-Star Games.
Shaun
Straton Podaras was also the Nassua MVP in this game.