by Andrew Barbieri
Michael Cotto is our Muddy Locker Player of the Game. pic.twitter.com/QbbfFYaXSg
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2023
After tying earlier in the day at Eisenhower Park, CPD Baseball used some fortunate base running and a big 6th to give themselves a 7-2 win in the ECYB Stars & Stripes Tournament.
Though it was all CPD Baseball at the tail end of the game. LI Elite would get on the board in the 1st inning. First, Shane Harris would get off to a good start pitching as he overcame a leadoff single from Michael Cotto to get the next 3 CPD batters. He then was given an opportunity at the plate to help his own cause with Chase Lavacca on third and only 1 out. Harris grounded one into the hole at short and was thrown out but still came through with an RBI to get LI Elite out in front after an inning of play.
After pitching a scoreless 1st, Shane Harris puts one in play that allows Chase Lavacca to score. End 1 it’s 1-0 LI Elite. pic.twitter.com/NJdfAMjXIx
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2023
A response from CPD didn’t take long as in the next half inning, Chase Valentine returned the favor with his own ground out to short to level the game at 1. LI Elite got right back to work in effort to get their back, however. They loaded the bases and with 2 outs, Aidan Shearin worked a walk with a full count to give them a 2-1 lead.
From that point on though it was all CPD Baseball. Jack O’Leary, CPD’s starter, doubled and later scampered home on a ball that got to the backstop to once again the score. An RBI single from Joey Pacciano got a speedy Fred Klonek home to give CPD their first lead of the ballgame.
Through 2 1/2 Game is now at 3-2 CPD Baseball. Jack O’Leary came home on a ball that got to the backstop and Joey Pacciano singled home after Klonek. pic.twitter.com/nl3UUySBHj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2023
The next inning, a chaotic rundown resulted in John Daab coming across to make it a CPD 2-run lead. LI Elite would threaten and chase O’Leary out of the game. Larry Kinkella came in and held the fort, something he would the rest of the way to neutralize any chances for LI Elite offensively.
Through 2 1/2 Game is now at 3-2 CPD Baseball. Jack O’Leary came home on a ball that got to the backstop and Joey Pacciano singled home after Klonek. pic.twitter.com/nl3UUySBHj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2023
The 6th inning was where CPD Baseball put the game out of reach. Matteo Grasso, Daas, and Valentine all touched the plate that frame as CPD got RBI singles from Valentine, Cotto, and O’Leary.
Now with a 5 run cushion, Kinkella used the defense behind him to get a double play to conclude the game with a final of 7-2.
