The Aviators trailed the Bucks, 5-3, going in to the home half of the sixth. A clutch three-run rally put the Aviators ahead, 6-5, going in to the seventh inning; from that point on it was their game.
The rally was started when Westhampton catcher, Chris Dutra, struck out on a pitch in the dirt but managed to advance to first on a bad throw from the Bucks catcher. AJ Montoya of Toledo responded with a single, and then with one out third baseman, Chaney Dodge (Northwestern State) roped a double down the third base line to clear the bases.
“I was really just trying to see the ball deep, work into counts; we knew we couldn’t all with one swing.” said Dutra.
The double came after Dodge was hit by an inside pitch but was told by the umpire to stay at the plate because he didn’t avoid the pitch. The result was in Westhampton’s favor, as that double tied the game. Dodge then stole third and Westhampton Beach ’15 grad Ernie Geraci brought him in with a deep fly ball to center giving the Aviators their first lead of the game.
“I just tried to swing at anything close and protect out there and I would up staying through a few good ones there, got some runs, and the boys are going home happy today.” Geraci said.
Dutra is a product of Iona Prep and he plays his college ball at Duke University. He was behind the plate 29 times for the Blue Devils starting 13 games as a freshman. His monster day at the plate was capped off in the eighth when he left the park for the second time and fourth on the summer. Dutra would finish 3-for-5 with five RBI, two dingers, a double, and three runs.
“Coach was telling me to stay through the ball, thinking right-center, but I just happened to put two good swings on balls and it turned our way.” Dutra said.
Geraci ended up being a big part of the Aviators 7-run eighth inning when he smoked a ball into the gap for a double to lead it off. He would come to the plate twice that inning and finish 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI. This is Geraci’s second summer with the Aviators, who happen to use his high school’s varsity home field for the summer. The College of Saint Rose sophomore is primarily an outfielder but he was given the start at first today; turning one of Westhampton’s four double plays in the third going 3-2-3.
“It feels great coming back here and I’ve got a lot of memories here and I definitely want to make another this summer and bring home another championship.” Geraci said.
The winning pitcher was Braeden Holub, who just came off his sophomore season at New Mexico Community College. Holub threw 3.1 scoreless against a strong Bucks lineup that was hitting the ball well off the starter, TJ Harmon. This was Holub’s first win on the season as the Texas native has been primarily used in a relief role for the Aviators; he is also still searching for a school to transfer to as he will be a junior next year. He would finish with five Ks, walking just one batter and allowing three hits.
Nick Bottari was given the start at DH while he recovers from fouling a ball off his foot badly. The Wading-River native quietly contributed scoring two runs, drawing two walks and a knocking a base hit.
Westhampton has a quick turnaround and will be home again tomorrow, they are scheduled to take on Southampton at 5 p.m. Shelter Island is also scheduled to play a home game tomorrow at 5 p.m. but against Riverhead.
