The LI Jr. Ducks would clinch a playoff spot with their two wins over the Slammers by decisive scores of, 5-1, and, 9-5. The first game of the DH went slightly long causing the second game to be shortened by two innings due to PAL Stadium’s lack of lights. Five innings is all the Jr. Ducks offense needed, though, to bring nine runs across.
Their main contributor was their three hitter, Alex Russo. The incoming junior at Chaminade would have an impressive day at the plate with his biggest hit coming in the fifth inning when he would step into the left hand side of the box with bases loaded and no outs. The tall power hitter would drive a long and high fly ball over the right fielder’s head clearing the bases.
“I really just kept my normal swing, I wasn’t thinking about hitting it over anyone head,” said Russo. “I just tried to drive the ball where I can.”
Despite the five-run difference in the second game, the two teams battled back-and-forth scoring runs in every inning. The Slammers would take the lead in the bottom of the first after leading off with a single and a double back-to-back. They would score a run in each of the next three innings and two in the fourth to take a 5-4 lead.
The fifth inning would prove to be the biggest of the game. The Jr. Ducks took smart and deep at bats working walks and hitting singles to load the bases. The scoring, however, was not done after Russo cleared the bases. Josh McGee would follow with a double of his own to bring in Russo.
Russo’s monster day was almost matched by his starting pitcher, Mark Schnitzer. Schnitzer would go 2-for-2 with a walk (identical to Russo) but with one RBI and a run, Russo would drive in four Jr. Ducks on the day and score a run as well.
“This definitely boosts the team’s confidence,” Russo said. “Since we clinched a playoff spot I think a lot of the tension is eased.”
Even though the Slammers played the Ducks extremely closely the Ducks still persevered. Their strong coaching could have something to do with it. SWR Varsity Assistant, Brian Fergerson, coaches the Jr. Ducks. After a costly overthrow the Ducks would fall behind again, by one run.
It seemed as the Duck’s momentum was lost, but the strong lineup was not deterred. They went with an 11 man lineup, and the ten hitter, James Mauren, would lead off the inning with a great at bat that led to a single. The 11-hitter would draw a walk and after a bang bang out at first on a bunt the two hitter would draw a walk setting the table for Russo.
“I try to be aggressive on first pitch strikes, he threw me one right in my wheelhouse and I just turned on it.” Russo said.
The Jr. Ducks have some time off and are set to pick up play Sunday. They are scheduled to face the PAL Nationals in a double header. The Slammers are set to pick up play Saturday in a double header in their regular season finale against Diamond Baseball Academy.
Anthony
Not only did Alex Russo provide the decisive blow in the night cap. He pitched his team to victory in the first game of the DH. Allowing only one unearned run through six innings. Leaving the 5-1 game for second baseman Jack to close out in the 7th in a 1,2,3 inning