by Andy Smith
Ryan Conk was today’s Game Changer by throwing a complete game shutout to lead the Bulls of Smithtown West to a 3 – 0 victory. pic.twitter.com/JbDOfWLewy
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 24, 2023
Pitching was the story today as only three players rounded the bases, and all were Smithtown West Bulls. Ryan Conk was the star of the show, throwing a complete game shutout with eight punchouts while surrendering only three hits and two walks.
Conk was resilient today and got out of a few jams with runners in scoring position multiple times to keep this game scoreless. Catcher John Dwyer (MIT-commit) drew a one-out walk in the opening frame and then stole second base. However, Conk would retire the next consecutive batters via a groundout and a strikeout.
In the second inning, right fielder Steven Blazevich reached via a base on balls and advanced to second off a fielder’s choice but could not score as Conk recorded the final out via a strikeout.
In addition, both first baseman Dylan Hammer and shortstop Thomas Hardick hit doubles but were unable to cross home plate.
Despite the defeat, Northport received a strong showing from southpaw Max Donecea. Donecea threw six innings of three run ball and tallied five strikeouts along the way.
The Bulls opened the scoring in the fourth inning as center fielder LaPrarie and designated hitter Connor Catania hit back-to-back singles with no one out. Second baseman Chase then knocked an RBI single to open the scoring and shortstop Cascione followed up with an RBI single to double the Smithtown lead. However, Northport held strong and was able to get out of the jam, surrendering only the two runs.
Then in the sixth, LaPrarie hit another lead-off single and would eventually score the third run for Smithtown from another single by Cascione who tallied his second RBI of the game.
Cascione # 11 brings in his second run of the day to make it 3 – 0 Smithtown
Headed to the 7th pic.twitter.com/fkOJ1hmKSp
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 24, 2023
Conk was sent out to pitch the final inning to finish the job and did not disappoint. Despite surrendering a lead-off single to designated hitter Ty D’Amico he responded by retiring three consecutive batters via a strikeout and two ground outs to end the game.
Smithtown looks to build off of this big win going forward. A complete game shutout by an anchor of your rotation is a great way to do so. Smithtown West improves to 9-1 with the victory and are one win away from returning to the postseason.
