by Matthew Cataruzolo
Yaphank, NY – The East Coast Lumberjacks defeated Beast Apicella by a score of 9-1 on Friday night to kick off the Northeast Elite 16u Tournament at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank, New York.
Apicella’s starting pitcher Matthew Brienza faced off against Lumberjack’s pitcher Matthew DeStefanis in what would eventually become a lopsided victory.
Both pitchers held their competition in check for the first two innings. Apicella getting on the board first courtesy of an RBI single off the bat of Thomas Ford.
C.J. Forman answered back quickly for the Lumberjacks with a sacrifice fly to even the score at 1-1 in the top of the second inning.
After DeStefanis issued a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the second, the Lumberjacks offense exploded in the top of the third inning.
Beginning with a two run RBI double off the bat of Nick Mirabile, the offensive rhythm of the Lumberjacks began to gain traction. Derek Menechino plated another run with an RBI single, causing Apicella to make a pitching change.
Even with new Apicella pitcher Zachery Winter on the mound, the Lumberjacks did not miss a beat. After issuing a walk to Rob Melo, the Lumberjacks found themselves in a bases loaded, one out situation.
C.J. Forman once again came through for the Lumberjacks with a two RBI double, followed by an RBI single by Kyle Lubben, bringing the score to 7-1 in favor of the Lumberjacks.
Kyle Lubben caps off a six run top of the third for the Lumberjacks. They lead 7-1. pic.twitter.com/uHH15ocFdP
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 15, 2021
DeStefanis holding Apicella scoreless once again, the Lumberjacks tacked on two more runs in the top of the fifth inning with two RBI single from Mike Lazaridis.
The mercy rule was enforced, and the Lumberjacks emerged victorious after five innings by a score of 9-1.
