by Trevor Dugan
The Saints advance on the strength of Lynn’s complete game shutout
FINAL: Saints 4 – Elite 0 pic.twitter.com/RGhJr6tHPz
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 15, 2024
The South Shore Elite and Long Island Saints faced off Wednesday night as part of the opening round of the Boys of Summer Varsity Division playoffs.
South Shore tapped Robert Grzelaczyk to start, while the Saints sent out Brandon Lynn. The two starters traded back-to-back scoreless innings to start the game.
Following the scoreless first inning, the Saints’ middle infield turned a 5-4-3 double play to end the top of the second. Grzelaczyk responded by retiring the next three Saints batters in order in the bottom of the frame.
After Lynn struck out two batters in a 1-2-3 top of the third, the Saints finally got the crooked number they were hoping for in the bottom half of the inning. Their first run came across on a fielder’s choice, and two more scored on an RBI double by Lynn. His two RBIs were a team high on the day.
The Saints led 3-0 heading into the top of the fourth and Lynn wasted no time getting his offense back on the field, firing a shutdown inning and striking out two more batters.
Another rally began in the bottom of the fourth for the Saints. A single by Eddie Beck drove in the Saints’ fourth run of the game to give them a 4-0 lead, but Grzelaczyk was able to avoid further damage.
The South Shore starter Grzelaczyk finished with four strikeouts and four runs allowed in his five innings pitched.
For the next three innings it was more of the same from Lynn as he continued to baffle the South Shore offense. He would end up with a complete game shutout, recording 14 strikeouts and walking just one, while allowing only two hits.
The Saints went on to win 4-0, with Lynn striking out the final batter. A fitting end to his exceptional performance.
Axcess spoke to the Saints after their playoff victory at Brentwood State Park @liboysofsummer pic.twitter.com/d0SLloNnIa
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 15, 2024
After the game, the Felician-commit Lynn discussed his approach on the mound, as well as how summer ball is helping him prepare for the next level.
“I’m just trying to get some work in before I go away for college,” Lynn told Axcess. “My pitching plan, I was just establishing the fastball and curveball early and then I cruised right through the game.”
The Saints will play again Saturday morning in the varsity division semifinals, although they will have to wait until after tomorrow’s playoff games to see who their opponent will be.
