by Trevor Dugan
The Legends dominate from start to finish, earning a run rule victory over the Red Devils
FINAL: Legends 16 – Red Devils 0 @EcybTournaments pic.twitter.com/LY3WCIDpeY
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 6, 2024
The 10u Port Washington Legends and Moriches Red Devils played Sunday as part of the ECYB 10u Stars and Stripes tournament.
Drew Theoharris got the ball to start for the Legends. The Red Devils started Nate Freddo.
It was a dominant display by the Legends from the very beginning as they scored six runs in the top of the first. Jackson Gorynski got the scoring started with an RBI triple down the right field line. Gorynski would finish 2-3 with three runs scored and an RBI.
In the bottom of the first Theoharris worked out of a bases-loaded jam in impressive fashion, striking out three straight Red Devils to end the inning. The Legends led 6-0 heading into the second.
Jackson Gorynski gets a big first inning started with an RBI triple
Legends 6 – Red Devils 0
Mid first pic.twitter.com/xNOxc7RLQm— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 6, 2024
Red Devils starter Freddo bounced back to pitch a scoreless top of the second. In the bottom of the frame, the Legends sent Marco Polodouro out to take over on the mound.
With a runner on first, Polodouro allowed a bouncing ball up the middle which deflected off of his glove. It was fielded off the ricochet by shortstop Brandon Kien, who then turned an impressive 6-3 double play.
In the top of the third, Kien would impress again with an RBI double. He would finish the day 2-3 with two RBI and three runs scored.
The Legends would score a total of seven runs in the third, with just about everyone contributing to the offensive outburst. They led 13-0 halfway through the inning.
Polodouro had his best stuff on Saturday, and fired a 1-2-3 shutdown inning in the bottom of the third. He demonstrated exceptional control and noticeable movement on his pitches.
The Legends kept their foot on the gas in the fourth, and scored three more runs to make it 16-0. Catcher Carlo Cafferata drove in two with an RBI single to right field. He went 1-3 with three RBI and two runs scored.
After another shutdown inning from Polodouro, the game ended due to mercy rule at the end of four innings.
Coach Dave Gabriel and shortstop Brandon Kien spoke to Axcess after their victory@EcybTournaments pic.twitter.com/kp7fv3OYCP
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 6, 2024
Legends Head Coach Dave Gabriel was delighted with his team’s dominant performance on Saturday. He singled out the exceptional play of his defense as a key to victory.
“Good pitching and defense is going to win games,” Coach Gabriel said. “That’s what we’re always looking to do.”
Port Washington will move on in the Stars and Stripes tournament, while the Red Devils have been eliminated.
The Legends will play again Sunday morning against the EEP Bandits at Pops Field in Farmingdale.
