by Eddie Lennon
Wantagh’s Tim Hennig is the Axcess Baseball Player of the Game powered by @GCsports. He got the win over Island Trees, 8-3, tossing 5 scoreless innings with 5 strikeouts. pic.twitter.com/vbHwd4Se1k
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 17, 2023
Going into this season, Wantagh had one goal: to make the playoffs. Last season was the first time they missed the playoffs since 1994. Their 8-3 win over Island Trees definitely helps them work toward their goal.
Binghamton-commit Tim Hennig was spectacular on the mound for Wantagh. He went five scoreless innings, striking out five and only allowing five hits. The Wantagh infield did turn two double plays to help Hennig hold the lead. Paul Fontana pitched the last two innings to seal with win for Wantagh.
B/2- Tom Wunderlich with a 2-run stand up triple in the bottom of the second. Wantagh leads 3-0. pic.twitter.com/83hYmZE8m3
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 17, 2023
Wantagh was authoritative at the plate. They scored one in the first when Colin Crispyn hit a double, stole third and then scored on an overthrow. Their bats exploded in the second, adding four runs. Tom Wunderlich started his big day at the plate by hitting a two-run triple. AJ Bardi drove in Wunderlich and Shane Russo with a double. Wunderlich would add another RBI in the third inning with a single. He finished the day with 3 RBIs and two runs scored. In the fifth, Crispyn drove in Bardi with a double to make it 8-0.
Even though they were down by 8 with only three outs left, Island Trees was relentless. Christian Taylor led off the seventh with a double, which sparked a three-run inning for Island Trees. Wantagh eventually ended the rally and finished on top of game one of, what will be, a very intense series.
Richie Montalvo was on the bump for Island Trees. He tossed the first two innings, allowing 5 runs and striking out a batter. Will Monohan came in was solid in long relief, allowing three runs over four innings.
With the victory, Wantagh improved to 5-2 and moved a bit closer to reaching their goal.
