Matt Franco

It’s tough to have a more competitive, intense baseball game between two Suffolk County powerhouses than the one we just saw at Ward Melville to send the Patriots into the Class AA semifinals next week. Trailing 6-5 in the bottom of the sixth, right fielder Matt Franco crushed a game-winning three-run home run to left center field to give Ward Melville an 8-6 lead, one that they would not relinquish. The game was the definition of back-and-forth as the Patriots jumped out to an early 1-0 lead on a solo home run by Ethan Farino in the first inning. They added to that in the bottom of the third when Brady Doran led off with a double to right center field and advanced to third when Matt Maurer laid down a perfect bunt and reached first safely. After a walk to Ethan Farino, Anthony Pasca...