Final: Next Level 3, Real Ballers 2
Erik Paulsen strands runners on 2nd & 3rd with a strikeout to close out the Axcess World Series pic.twitter.com/vSRnqug5F9
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 11, 2022
You couldn’t have scripted this one any better.
The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds squaring off against each other in the Axcess World Series. With runners on second and third and 2 out, Next Level LHP Erik Paulsen Jr – who came on in relief from 1st base – recorded a strikeout to end the game after 6 consecutive foul balls to start the at bat. Paulsen painted the inside corner with a fastball to end it. The game could’ve ended a batter before as Adam Agresti grounded a chopper to short but it snuck under the glove of Paul Napolitano to allow a run to score and cut the deficit to 3-2.
Paulsen, who was named Co-MVP of the tournament, showed why he’s one of the best players on Long Island with the big strikeout. Next Level had extended their lead to 3-1 in the top of the inning on a sac fly to left by Sean Sweeney which turned out to be a crucial run.
Mid 6: Sean Sweeney hits a sac fly to extend the lead to 3-1 but the third out is made at third to end the inning pic.twitter.com/db1c1sjdJX
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 11, 2022
Runs were at a premium in this game – as you could’ve expected with ace pitchers on the mound. The Real Ballers, who entered as the No. 1 seed after a 3-0 record with 0 runs allowed in pool play, sent RHP Joey Tonnoti to the mound. Tonnoti attends IMG Academy and was sitting in the upper 80s with his heater. He was opposed by Ryan Marton, a Canada native, who was also pumping upper 80s heat.
Joey Tonnoti gets the start for the Real Ballers against Next Level. They went 3-0 with 0 runs allowed in pool play pic.twitter.com/zXmxhtNnPq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 11, 2022
The Real Ballers were the talk of the tournament. They had Division-I commits all over the field. They even won 10-0 in the morning against a really talented East Coast Lumberjacks team in which they hit two grand slams, and their starter, Daniel Ciprian, was dominant. Additionally, they sent an uncommitted LHP to the mound on Saturday, Alex Tawa, who was sitting in the mid 80s and will be a Division-I commit soon.
The weather gods cooperated just long enough.
The day began with 830am games at Wantagh Park and the rain was on-and-off for the first couple innings before stopping. We continued the day at Charles Wang Complex at noon and it was a steady drizzle the entire day. The 12pm and 2pm games were able to get in without any issues. The rain stopped for a while but picked up towards the end of the championship game.
The turnout of college coaches was very impressive. On Sunday alone, the following schools were represented
- St. John’s
- Stony Brook
- LIU
- Iona
- Molloy
- Queens
- Felician
- Maritime
- St. Joseph’s-BK
Over the course of the weekend, we had several college head coaches in attendance, including St. John’s on Saturday. At various points over the three days, close to 15 schools were in attendance to watch the tournament.
There were some outstanding performances on the field. Erik Paulsen Jr (7 hits, 5 RBIs, 2 saves) and Sean Britt (5 hits, great defense behind the dish) were named Co-MVPS.
Overall, just a great weekend of baseball and we hope to make it an annual tournament.
