Westfield Picks Up 1st Win Over Clark

Westfield White's offense erupted for 12 runs in the 1st inning en route to a 19-5 win over Clark. The win was Westfield White's 1st of the 2009 season.

Eric "Bob" Varakian led off the game with a hard line out to the Clark shortstop who made a nice play and robbed Varakian of a hit. Chris Rinaldi followed with a single and Vin "Madman" Difilippo then walked. Nick "The Monster" Mele proceeded to hit a long, towering drive to deep left center field that seemed destined for the parking lot, but the ball got caught up in one of the overhanging trees leading to a RBI double and robbing Mele of a 3-run homer. Devin "The Animal" Anderson followed with a deep drive to right center field which bounced into the fence and cleared the bases. Chris "Boots" Boutsikaris walked and stole second and then Hopper Murray drove in both runs with a single. The next 9 Westfield batters reached base safely to finish the 1st inning, including Brett "?" Robertshaw and Tommy "Wheels" Summers who drew walks and Scott Tupper, Michael "Moby" Mobarakai, Varakian, Rinaldi, Difilippo, Mele and Anderson all of whom singled. Anderson was thrown out at a close play at 2nd to end the inning. Westfield sent 17 batters to the plate, scoring 12 runs on 11 hits.

Boots and Mobarakai pitched two innings a piece keeping the strong Clark hitters off balance and holding them in check. Mobarakai struck out the side in the 4th. Hopper "The Hawk" Murray closed the rain shortened contest by pitching a solid 5th inning. Chris "Mariano" Varano and Tommy Summers were strong defensively and Summers was awarded a Blue Ball award for a diving attempt at a line drive in right and his subsequent throw to 2nd base to nail the Clark batter who was attempting to stretch a single into a double.

Summers, Difilippo, Murray and Boutsikaris each reached base safely at least 3 times and Mele had 3 hits and Anderson and Rinaldi both added 4 hits.

The 2nd half of Westfield's scheduled doubleheader was postponed due to rain. Westfield plays next against South Orange Maplewood on Tuesday, June 23rd at 8:00 PM under the lights.