Malverne played another tough fought game tonight against a well rounded tournament team from Baldwin. Patrick was the starting pitcher tonight and after giving up a lead off double, settled in nicely and only gave up two runs in the first two innings. Franklin, catching tonight, helped out his pitcher by throwing out a speedy runner attempting to steal in the second inning. Bart lead off the bottom of the first for Malverne with a hard hit single to right field. Bart advanced to second on a passed ball. Connor then hustled out an infield hit and stole second base. But with runners at second and third with no outs Malverne was unable to bring any runs across. The bottom of the second was more of the same for Malverne, leaving two runners on base with a lead off walk by Franklin and a well hit single by Chris. At the end of two, it was Baldwin 2 Malverne 0.
Connor came in to pitch in the top of the third inning an put together a 1-2-3 inning, with one strikeout in front of his proud father and the rest of the supportive Malverne crowd. In the bottom of the inning Malverne put two runs across the plate. Brendan was hit by a pitch, then Liam hit a frozen rope into center field. Bart followed up with a hard hit double to left center which scored the two runs.
Connor pitched another terrific inning in the fourth with one strikeout and no runs. Malverne got into a little trouble with the bases loaded, but Bart made a nice play in center field making a catch and doubling the runner up at first. In the bottom of the fourth, Malverne couldnt put anything together, and went down quietly.
In the top of the fifth, Joe entered the game in relief. To his credit Joe threw hard strikes, but some well placed outfield hits, and some sloppy infield play by Malverne gave Baldwin the opportunity to break the game open. Baldwin put up five runs in the inning. Malverne made a run at it in the bottom of the fifth with a couple of two out base runners. Liam had his second hit of the night, but with runners at first and second, Malverne got caught stealing by the talented throwing arm of Baldwins tournament team catcher.
Joe pitched strong again in the sixth, retiring the heart of Baldwins lineup in order. In Malvernes last at bat Pat hit a bullet two out double into right field, but got tagged out at home on the next and last play of the game.
FINAL SCORE BALDWIN 9 - MALVERNE 2
Photos Below |
