by Mike Merolle
LUHI WALKS IT OFF IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP. Matthew Muzikant drives in the games only run in the seventh inning to win it 1-0. pic.twitter.com/tOTIn8YKzE
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 9, 2024
Portledge traveled to Brookville on Thursday in hopes of taking down the defending PSAA champions, Long Island Lutheran (LuHi). A seven-inning pitcher’s duel kept the game scoreless for the majority of the game and made for a suspenseful ending.
LuHi’s Matthew Muzikant came on in the bottom of the seventh with zero outs and Marcus Harrison standing on second base. Muzikant took a 1-1 offering down the third base line scoring Harrison easily for the walk-off win securing their fourth straight PSAA title.
“I was looking for a pitch middle-in and I got it. I turned on it and hit it down the line,” said Muzikant, co-MVP of the playoffs. “We played a tough game, we stayed in the game the whole time. Troy kept us in the game and we came out on top in the end.”
Troy Vigilis, the other co-MVP of the playoffs, was stellar on the mound for LuHi. Vigilis pitched a complete game shutout with nine strikeouts.
“I felt great. I had a good defense behind me. Anytime I made a mistake pitch, they were behind me to back me up to make sure we win the game,” said Vigilis.
B4: Both Vigilis and Sabatino are dealing keeping it a scoreless game. pic.twitter.com/iU6ZLLrCbO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 9, 2024
Portledge’s pitcher Christian Sabatino was dealing in his complete game performance. He shut down the LuHi bats limiting them to four hits on the day until the seven-inning dramatics.
LuHi’s fourth straight title year was one to remember for the roster and coaching staff. Ivan Epps won the regular season MVP in PSAA and head coach Shaun Manning won PSSA coach of the year. Manning praised his senior leadership for their impact on the winning culture in LuHi.
“Troy Vigilis, Marcus Harrison, and Ivan Epps really helped the program with the leadership and culture. The school has never won four in a row, it’s the first time in school history,” said Manning.
Manning also thanks his coaching staff for their crucial effect on the program. “Really couldn’t have been done without those guys. They’re an integral part in what we do,” he said.
The next step for LuHi is the NYSAIS tournament and they await the seeding announcement on Monday.
