by Benjamin Diamond
Post Game Interview with Anthony LoGiacco: pic.twitter.com/wK372CVGPV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 19, 2021
Game 1:
The first game of the Saturday two game set did not have a lot of fireworks. The pitching in this game took the spotlight. Tri-State Arsenal’s starter Chris Leavey had a day to remember, going 5.0 innings with only 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, no runs allowed and even better, no hits allowed. His start set up the bullpen to only need to take care of two innings to secure the no-hitter. Unfortunately, they were unable to do so when the Tides were able to get two hits in the bottom of the seventh inning while also knocking in the game-tying run locking the game at 1. The game would end in a tie but the pitching was undoubtedly the highlight.
On the other side, Tides starter Rob Wagner went a solid 4.0 innings, allowing only 1 run, which was unearned due to two throwing errors on an Arsenal stolen base attempt allowing Dan Molina to score all the way from first base. Wagner also only let up 1 hit, while walking 2 and striking out an impressive 7 batters. The two important batters this game had to offer were Dan Moline who singled in the first and ended up scoring the Arsenal’s only run of the game, and the Tides Mike Rothstein, who reached base three times, walking twice, and knocking in the game tying run in the seventh on a single.
Game 2:
2-out 2 RBI single for Anthony LoGiacco in the second inning, 3-0 Tides. pic.twitter.com/dqGtgDGryw
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 19, 2021
The Tides were able to continue their hot seventh inning hitting in the second inning of game two. Matt Schlanger walked to open up the inning, he then quickly stole second to put the pressure on. Nick Cavallo followed up right after with a single of his own, scoring Schlanger to take an early 1-0 lead. Two batters later, catcher Anthony LoGiacco would put the nail in the Arsenals coffin in the second inning with a two RBI single to right center field. Those would be the only scoring plays of the game, but other batters had good games themselves. For the Arsenal, Nick Campagnuolo was 1-2 with a single and two stolen bases, Chris Giardino was 1-1 with a single and two walks, and Max Weinstein was 2-3 with 2 singles. For the Tides, Nick Piazza was 1-3 with a double, Will Romano was 1-3 with a single and a stolen base, and Joe Ricciardi was 1-3 with a single and a stolen base.
Once again pitching was a huge factor in the outcome of the game. Tides starter Sal Velotti held the Arsenal hitters at bay with a line of 5.0 innings, 3 hits, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and no runs allowed. Josh Montenor followed him with more of the same, being credited with the save with a line of 2 innings, 4 strikeouts, 2 walks, 1 hit, no runs allowed. The Arsenal pitching staff started off cold, getting hit around for 3 runs early but was able to stabilize and keep the game within striking distance, but the offense never came through for them. They finished with a combined 7.0 innings pitched, 5 hits, 5 strikeouts, 3 runs, and 3 walks.
