Gators take the win 17-0 on mercy rule. Nico Dimitrikakis threw a complete game no hitter with 9 K’s. pic.twitter.com/X7HMXjmpBb
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 5, 2020
by Chris Amato
As many travel teams around Long Island are approaching the home stretch, it is important for coaches to keep their players focused during these dog days of summer. Time and time again we see that games in early August can be the deciding factor for teams during their final playoff push. When asked how he keeps his team in check, Coach Vin Punzone of the Gators said, “when you come to the ballfield you forget about everything else, you enjoy the 2 hours and do the best you can.”
It was clear that his players took to this message in their 17-0 mercy rule victory over Freeport on Wednesday afternoon. Coming into the game 4-4 and sitting on the playoff bubble within the Hot Stove League, the Gators desperately needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
To start the game, Long Island sent Nico Dimitrikakis to the mound. Dimitrikakis came out of the gate hot sitting down the first 3 batters in order. His only blemish came in the second inning where he walked the leadoff batter, who was soon after gunned down trying to steal second by catcher, Zak Paitzik. This walk would prove to be the only base runner allowed, as Dimitrikakis went on to finish game with a line of 4.0IP, 0ER, 0H, 1BB, 7K.
The scoring started early for the Gators as they kicked off the game by putting up a 5 spot in the first. Mike Zacharias and Luke Beinstein both had RBI base hits in the inning. Zacharias would finish going 2-3 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI’s.
The Gators picked up in the 2nd right where they left off as they put up 6 runs mainly coming off the bats of Ryan Kang and Israel De Jesus who combined for 4 RBI’s in the inning. Kang would go 2-2 with a walk and 3 RBI’s.
Long Island would put on the finishing touches in the 3rd by adding another 6 runs to an already mighty lead.
The Gators were led by their high-powered offense that was complimented by the incredible outing from their starter. They will look to continue their search for a playoff berth on Monday as they are set to take on Freeport once again.
