WF White 11s Win District 12, Bridgewater, N. Edison Tourneys
The Westfield White 11U baseball team completed a tremendous season by placing first in the Cal Ripken District 12, Bridgewater and North Edison 11U-50/70 tournaments and they com-piled an overall record of 28-6-1.
The district title was a repeat championship and they compiled an 18-3 record in tournament play. Five of the team’s losses were by a single run. The tie and all but one of the losses were avenged by defeating those same opponents later in the season.
Westfield White also made a strong run at the Cal Ripken Northern NJ State title where they finished 4-1 in pool play and received the top seed in the playoff round. Westfield led Bridgewater, 2-0, going into the final inning of the championship game but
lost 3-2. Westfield bounced back in its last game of the year with a come from behind, walk-off, 7-6 victory in the finals of the Bridgewater 50/70 tournament, over a very strong Flemington team that was previously undefeated in the tournament.
The team was comprised of Eric Varakian, Christopher Rinaldi,
Vincent Difilippo, Nick Mele, Devin Anderson, Christopher Boutsikaris, Christopher Varano, Hopper Murray, Scott Tupper, Michael Mobarakai, Brett Robertshaw and Tommy Summers. Joe Rinaldi, Glenn Anderson, Rich Varakian, Vin Difilippo and Mike Varano coached Westfield White.
“The boys played very smart, aggressive, team baseball throughout the year and their focus and commitment to the team and to one another really paid off. I’m extremely proud of the team, their collective and their individual accomplishments, but most importantly with how well they conducted themselves throughout the
season,” coach Rinaldi said. “They gave 110 percent each time out and they always behaved as gentlemen. They did a truly great job of representing the Town of Westfield.”
The team maintained a blog covering their entire season at westfield11white.blogspot.com.
Showing posts with label recaps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recaps. Show all posts
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Westfield Finishes Season With Bridgewater 11U 50/70 Chamionship
Westfield White completed their summer travel season with an impressive, come from behind win against a very strong Flemington team in the championship game of the Bridgewater 11U, 50/70 "A" tournament. Westfield finished the Bridgewater tournament with an unblemished 6-0 record and an overall record of 28-6-1.
Westfield jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. Eric Varakian and Vin Difilippo drew walks (Difilippo was actually hit by a pitch) and Nick Mele delivered an RBI single. Devin Anderson and Chris Boutsikaris (RBI) also walked and Boutsikaris' walk forced in Difilippo for the 2-0 lead.
Michale Mobarakai took the mound for Westfield and he held Flemington scoreless over the 1st two innings of play. In the 3rd, Flemington began to break through and after a walk, a couple of hits and an error, Westfield was trailing 4-2. Scott "T-Rod" Tupper relieved Mobarakai with the bases loaded and two outs and Tupper got the final out of the inning on a first pitch, breaking ball of some kind that induced a harmless fly ball to right field. Tupper also threw a scoreless 4th inning and a solid 5th in which he only allowed an unearned run. When he left the mound after the 3rd out in the 5th, Westfield trailed 5-2.
Westfield came to bat in the bottom of the 5th and immediately proceeded to rally. With 1 out, Brett Robertshaw, Tommy Summers and Eric Varakian each singled to load the bases. Chris Rinaldi then lofted a fly ball to deep left center that banged off of the top of the fence. Rinaldi was held to a long single, but two runs scored on the play. Vin Difilippo followed with a hard grounder up the middle which brought in another run, tying the score at 5.
Nick Mele came on to pitch the 6th and he threw very well, but he was victimized by an error which allowed Flemington to score an unearned run and to take a 6-5 lead. There was no quit in the Westfield offense as they came to bat trailing by 1 run in the bottom of the 6th. Chris Boutsikaris started the inning with a walk and then Chris Varano lined a single to right field to put runners on 1st and 2nd and Hopper Murray drew a walk to load the bases. Tupper then came up and ripped a line drive to left field for an RBI single which knocked home Boutsikaris who was the tying run. Michael Mobarakai stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in a 6-6 tie game and quickly found himself with a 1-2 count. He fouled off a pitch and then lined an RBI single right field to drive in Varano with the winning run. Westfield White mobbed Mobarakai as he rounded first base after his walk off RBI single and the boys then claimed the championship trophy to close out what has been a truly amazing season.
Westfield's year end party is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Westfield jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 1st. Eric Varakian and Vin Difilippo drew walks (Difilippo was actually hit by a pitch) and Nick Mele delivered an RBI single. Devin Anderson and Chris Boutsikaris (RBI) also walked and Boutsikaris' walk forced in Difilippo for the 2-0 lead.
Michale Mobarakai took the mound for Westfield and he held Flemington scoreless over the 1st two innings of play. In the 3rd, Flemington began to break through and after a walk, a couple of hits and an error, Westfield was trailing 4-2. Scott "T-Rod" Tupper relieved Mobarakai with the bases loaded and two outs and Tupper got the final out of the inning on a first pitch, breaking ball of some kind that induced a harmless fly ball to right field. Tupper also threw a scoreless 4th inning and a solid 5th in which he only allowed an unearned run. When he left the mound after the 3rd out in the 5th, Westfield trailed 5-2.
Westfield came to bat in the bottom of the 5th and immediately proceeded to rally. With 1 out, Brett Robertshaw, Tommy Summers and Eric Varakian each singled to load the bases. Chris Rinaldi then lofted a fly ball to deep left center that banged off of the top of the fence. Rinaldi was held to a long single, but two runs scored on the play. Vin Difilippo followed with a hard grounder up the middle which brought in another run, tying the score at 5.
Nick Mele came on to pitch the 6th and he threw very well, but he was victimized by an error which allowed Flemington to score an unearned run and to take a 6-5 lead. There was no quit in the Westfield offense as they came to bat trailing by 1 run in the bottom of the 6th. Chris Boutsikaris started the inning with a walk and then Chris Varano lined a single to right field to put runners on 1st and 2nd and Hopper Murray drew a walk to load the bases. Tupper then came up and ripped a line drive to left field for an RBI single which knocked home Boutsikaris who was the tying run. Michael Mobarakai stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in a 6-6 tie game and quickly found himself with a 1-2 count. He fouled off a pitch and then lined an RBI single right field to drive in Varano with the winning run. Westfield White mobbed Mobarakai as he rounded first base after his walk off RBI single and the boys then claimed the championship trophy to close out what has been a truly amazing season.
Westfield's year end party is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Westfield Loses 3-2 Heart Breaker To Bridgewater in State Finals
Westfield and Bridgewater played an outstanding baseball game tonight in the championship game of the Cal Ripken Northern NJ State tournament. Westfield led 2-0 going into the 6th inning but could not hold off a late Bridgewater rally and Westfield lost 3-2.
Westfield pitcher Vin Difilippo was superb all night, throwing 5 1/3 innings of 6 hit ball and he did not walk anyone. The Westfield defense played one of their strongest games of the year behind their starting pitcher and there were several "Blue Ball" worthy plays made in the field (The "Blue Ball" is an award for outstanding defensive effort). Nick Mele made at least 4 spectacular plays in center field on line drives and fly balls, Chris Rinaldi and Chris Boutsikaris teamed up for a back hand stab of a grounder deep in the hole at short and a scoop for the out at first, Eric Varakian made two great plays -- one diving to knock down a grounder at 2nd and the other a diving catch in right field, Michael Mobarakai and Brett Robertshaw both made very good plays at 3rd base on hard hit balls and Chris Varano made a strong play at 2nd to rob a hit in the early innings. Devin Anderson caught all 6 innings and was extremely solid behind the plate all night for the Blue Devils. Westfield flashed the leather all night and it was one of the best defensive showings of the season.
While Difilippo was holding the Bridgewater bats in check, the Bridgewater pitcher was doing the same to the Westfield bats. Nick Mele broke through in the 2nd and missed a home run by less than a foot when his line drive to left center banged very high off of the fence. Mele was stranded on the bases in the 2nd, but Westfield scored 2 runs in the 3rd to take a 2-0 lead. Michael Mobarakai reached on a fielder's choice and then Eric Varakian and Chris Rinaldi singled to load the bases. Vin Difilippo's hard grounder to short allowed Mobarakai to score and then Mele drove in Varakian with an RBI single. Westfield threatened further in the inning but they were not able to plate any additional runs.
The score remained 2-0 going into the 6th. Bridgewater led off with a single and a stolen base. The runner advanced to 3rd on a single by the next batter, but the batter was thrown out at 2nd trying to advance to 2nd on the throw home. The runner on 3rd scored on a called balk to cut the Westfield lead to 2-1. Bridgewater's clean up hitter singled and Difilippo was relieved by Chris Rinaldi. The Bridgewater hitter worked the count to 3-2 and then tomahawked a high fastball over the bag at first for an RBI double which tied the game at 2. The next batter grounded out and the go ahead run advanced to 3rd. The batter then fouled off a bunch of pitches and lined a 3-2 pitch into center field to bring the go ahead run home.
Westfield came to bat in the bottom of the 6th and took some good cuts, but they were not able to muster much offense and Bridgewater recorded the final out on a ground ball to 1st to secure the win and the state title.
Game notes...Difilippo and Mele were both 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Westfield plays their last game of the year in the finals of the Bridgewater tournament vs Flemington on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in Bridgewater.
Westfield pitcher Vin Difilippo was superb all night, throwing 5 1/3 innings of 6 hit ball and he did not walk anyone. The Westfield defense played one of their strongest games of the year behind their starting pitcher and there were several "Blue Ball" worthy plays made in the field (The "Blue Ball" is an award for outstanding defensive effort). Nick Mele made at least 4 spectacular plays in center field on line drives and fly balls, Chris Rinaldi and Chris Boutsikaris teamed up for a back hand stab of a grounder deep in the hole at short and a scoop for the out at first, Eric Varakian made two great plays -- one diving to knock down a grounder at 2nd and the other a diving catch in right field, Michael Mobarakai and Brett Robertshaw both made very good plays at 3rd base on hard hit balls and Chris Varano made a strong play at 2nd to rob a hit in the early innings. Devin Anderson caught all 6 innings and was extremely solid behind the plate all night for the Blue Devils. Westfield flashed the leather all night and it was one of the best defensive showings of the season.
While Difilippo was holding the Bridgewater bats in check, the Bridgewater pitcher was doing the same to the Westfield bats. Nick Mele broke through in the 2nd and missed a home run by less than a foot when his line drive to left center banged very high off of the fence. Mele was stranded on the bases in the 2nd, but Westfield scored 2 runs in the 3rd to take a 2-0 lead. Michael Mobarakai reached on a fielder's choice and then Eric Varakian and Chris Rinaldi singled to load the bases. Vin Difilippo's hard grounder to short allowed Mobarakai to score and then Mele drove in Varakian with an RBI single. Westfield threatened further in the inning but they were not able to plate any additional runs.
The score remained 2-0 going into the 6th. Bridgewater led off with a single and a stolen base. The runner advanced to 3rd on a single by the next batter, but the batter was thrown out at 2nd trying to advance to 2nd on the throw home. The runner on 3rd scored on a called balk to cut the Westfield lead to 2-1. Bridgewater's clean up hitter singled and Difilippo was relieved by Chris Rinaldi. The Bridgewater hitter worked the count to 3-2 and then tomahawked a high fastball over the bag at first for an RBI double which tied the game at 2. The next batter grounded out and the go ahead run advanced to 3rd. The batter then fouled off a bunch of pitches and lined a 3-2 pitch into center field to bring the go ahead run home.
Westfield came to bat in the bottom of the 6th and took some good cuts, but they were not able to muster much offense and Bridgewater recorded the final out on a ground ball to 1st to secure the win and the state title.
Game notes...Difilippo and Mele were both 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Westfield plays their last game of the year in the finals of the Bridgewater tournament vs Flemington on Tuesday at 6:00 PM in Bridgewater.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Rain Kills Westfield's NJASBL Season
Westfield White was forced to withdraw from the New Jersey All Star Baseball League Playoffs as a result of scheduling conflicts and playoff deadlines. Westfield was in the 4th inning of a quarter final round game with South Orange Maplewood and they had just started to come alive offensively when thunder halted play. Shortly afterwards lightening and heavy rains came forcing a cancellation of the game. The NJASBL mandated that all semi-final round games be completed by Monday, July 27th and because the quarter and semi final round games could not be completed today, Westfield had no choice but to withdraw due to conflicts with the Cal Ripken State Tournament Championship game on Monday.
Westfield plays next against Bridgewater on Monday at 6:00 PM in Hillsborough in the Cal Ripken State Tournament Championship game.
Westfield plays next against Bridgewater on Monday at 6:00 PM in Hillsborough in the Cal Ripken State Tournament Championship game.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Westfield Rallies and Anderson Powers White Into Bridgewater Tournament Finals
Devin "The Animal" Anderson's bat came alive in a big way this afternoon in the Bridgewater Tournament sem-final game vs Bridgewater American. Anderson was 3 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 5 RBIs.
Westfield's offense scored 14 runs in a game against South Brunswick a couple of hours earlier and it kept rolling in the bottom of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi and Vin Difilippo walked and stole bases. Rinaldi scored on Nick Mele's RBI ground out and then Anderson stepped to the plate and proceeded to smash a fastball over the left field fence for a 2 run home run and 3-0 Westfield lead.
Scott Tupper took the mound for Westfield and held the powerful Bridgewater bats in check over the 1st 2 innings of play. Bridgewater broke through in the 3rd and tied the game by scoring 3 runs on 4 hits. Tupper kept his composure though and he worked out of the innings with a strikeout and ground out.
Hopper Murray relieved Tupper and threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 4th and Murray made a great play on a slow roller down the 1st base line to record the 2nd out. He received a "Blue Ball" aware for the play. Westfield took a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 4th when Rinaldi and Difilippo scored on a 2 run single by Anderson.
Bridgewater stepped to the plate with a purpose in the 5th and following a couple of misplayed balls, Bridgewater rattled off 6 consecutive hits, including a 3 run home run. Nick Mele came on in relief and got the final two outs of the inning, but Bridgewater scored 8 times to take a 11-5 lead.
Westfield coaches and players convened a quick conference at the start of the bottom of the 5th to talk about the loss of focus and the bats came alive quickly afterwards. Murray, Tupper and Mobarakai hit 3 consecutive singles. Brett Robertshaw walked and then Tommy Summers, Eric Varakian and Chris Rinaldi hit 3 more consecutive singles. Vin Difilippo then doubled to deep right field to clear the bases. Nick Mele followed with a walk and then Anderson knocked in his 5th run of the game with a line drive single to left field. Chris Boutsikaris knocked in Anderson with an RBI single, but was thrown out on a close play at 2nd trying to extend the hit to a double. 8 Westfield players scored in the inning to give Westfield a 13-11 lead.
Mele closed out the game with a strong inning of pitching in the 6th to secure the victory.
Westfield advances to the Championship game of the Bridgewater tournament on Tuesday at 6:00 PM. They will face Flemington in that game.
Westfield plays next on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Gumbert Field #3 against South Orange Maplewood in the NJASBL playoffs.
Westfield's offense scored 14 runs in a game against South Brunswick a couple of hours earlier and it kept rolling in the bottom of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi and Vin Difilippo walked and stole bases. Rinaldi scored on Nick Mele's RBI ground out and then Anderson stepped to the plate and proceeded to smash a fastball over the left field fence for a 2 run home run and 3-0 Westfield lead.
Scott Tupper took the mound for Westfield and held the powerful Bridgewater bats in check over the 1st 2 innings of play. Bridgewater broke through in the 3rd and tied the game by scoring 3 runs on 4 hits. Tupper kept his composure though and he worked out of the innings with a strikeout and ground out.
Hopper Murray relieved Tupper and threw a 1-2-3 inning in the top of the 4th and Murray made a great play on a slow roller down the 1st base line to record the 2nd out. He received a "Blue Ball" aware for the play. Westfield took a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the 4th when Rinaldi and Difilippo scored on a 2 run single by Anderson.
Bridgewater stepped to the plate with a purpose in the 5th and following a couple of misplayed balls, Bridgewater rattled off 6 consecutive hits, including a 3 run home run. Nick Mele came on in relief and got the final two outs of the inning, but Bridgewater scored 8 times to take a 11-5 lead.
Westfield coaches and players convened a quick conference at the start of the bottom of the 5th to talk about the loss of focus and the bats came alive quickly afterwards. Murray, Tupper and Mobarakai hit 3 consecutive singles. Brett Robertshaw walked and then Tommy Summers, Eric Varakian and Chris Rinaldi hit 3 more consecutive singles. Vin Difilippo then doubled to deep right field to clear the bases. Nick Mele followed with a walk and then Anderson knocked in his 5th run of the game with a line drive single to left field. Chris Boutsikaris knocked in Anderson with an RBI single, but was thrown out on a close play at 2nd trying to extend the hit to a double. 8 Westfield players scored in the inning to give Westfield a 13-11 lead.
Mele closed out the game with a strong inning of pitching in the 6th to secure the victory.
Westfield advances to the Championship game of the Bridgewater tournament on Tuesday at 6:00 PM. They will face Flemington in that game.
Westfield plays next on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Gumbert Field #3 against South Orange Maplewood in the NJASBL playoffs.
Westfield Clinches #1 Seed in State Playoffs With Win Over South Brunswick
Westfield White completed Cal Ripken State tournament pool play with a 4-1 record which was good enough to clinch them the #1 seed in the playoff round and spot in Monday's championship game.
Westfield got on the board in the top of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi singled with one out and stole 2nd. He advanced to 3rd base on a single by Vin Difilippo and then stole home on a passed ball. South Brunswick responded immediately in the bottom of the 1st and took a 2-1 lead after the lead off single and the 2nd hitter connected for a home run. Westfield starter did not let the adversity get to him and he stayed focused and got out of the inning without further damage.
Westfield scored 3 more times in the 2nd. Boutsikaris singled, stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. Tupper lined an RBI single to knock home Boutsikaris and then he stole 2nd and scored on Tommy Summer's RBI single. Summers stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on Eric Varakian's single and then Summers used his speed to swipe home on a passed ball. Westfield led 4-2 following Summers' theft.
South Brunswick bounced back and scored 3 in the 2nd to take a 5-4 lead, but Westfield bats sounded loudly in response in the top of the 3rd. They scored 6 times in the 3rd with the big blow coming off of the bat of Chris Rinaldi who connected for a 3 run home run to deep left center field. Nick Mele, Hopper Murray, Vin Difilippo and Summers all singled in the inning for Westfield who took a 10-5 lead as a result of the rally.
Westfield held South Brunswick scoreless in the 3rd, but South Brunswick scored two in the 4th to pull within 3 runs at 10-7. Westfield's offense got right back to work in the top of the 5th and scored two more runs. With 2 outs and no one on, Varakian and Rinaldi singled and Difilippo walked. Mele's hard ground ball was misplayed by South Brunswick and 2 runs scored to make it 12-7. Westfield then added 2 more runs in the 6th to make it 14-7 with the last run scoring on an RBI sac fly by Varakian.
Boutsikaris, Difilippo and Michael Mobarakai each threw 2 innings a piece for Westfield. Mobarakai did not allow a hit.
Westfield plays next at 4:00 PM today against Bridgewater American in the Bridgewater tournament semi-finals.
Westfield got on the board in the top of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi singled with one out and stole 2nd. He advanced to 3rd base on a single by Vin Difilippo and then stole home on a passed ball. South Brunswick responded immediately in the bottom of the 1st and took a 2-1 lead after the lead off single and the 2nd hitter connected for a home run. Westfield starter did not let the adversity get to him and he stayed focused and got out of the inning without further damage.
Westfield scored 3 more times in the 2nd. Boutsikaris singled, stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. Tupper lined an RBI single to knock home Boutsikaris and then he stole 2nd and scored on Tommy Summer's RBI single. Summers stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on Eric Varakian's single and then Summers used his speed to swipe home on a passed ball. Westfield led 4-2 following Summers' theft.
South Brunswick bounced back and scored 3 in the 2nd to take a 5-4 lead, but Westfield bats sounded loudly in response in the top of the 3rd. They scored 6 times in the 3rd with the big blow coming off of the bat of Chris Rinaldi who connected for a 3 run home run to deep left center field. Nick Mele, Hopper Murray, Vin Difilippo and Summers all singled in the inning for Westfield who took a 10-5 lead as a result of the rally.
Westfield held South Brunswick scoreless in the 3rd, but South Brunswick scored two in the 4th to pull within 3 runs at 10-7. Westfield's offense got right back to work in the top of the 5th and scored two more runs. With 2 outs and no one on, Varakian and Rinaldi singled and Difilippo walked. Mele's hard ground ball was misplayed by South Brunswick and 2 runs scored to make it 12-7. Westfield then added 2 more runs in the 6th to make it 14-7 with the last run scoring on an RBI sac fly by Varakian.
Boutsikaris, Difilippo and Michael Mobarakai each threw 2 innings a piece for Westfield. Mobarakai did not allow a hit.
Westfield plays next at 4:00 PM today against Bridgewater American in the Bridgewater tournament semi-finals.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Westfield Drops First State Game to Bridgewater Americans
Westfield White lost to Bridgewater American tonight by the score of 8-2 in a Cal Ripken State tournament game. Westfield fell behind early on a couple of defensive miscues and some timely hits by Bridgewater. Westfield could not get anything going offensively for most of the game. The Westfield offense began making some noise in their final at bat, but it was too little, too late.
Vin Difilippo and Scott Tupper pitched well for Westfield.
Westfield plays next on Thursday, 7/23 in Hillsborough against South Brunswick in a Cal Ripken State tournament game.
Vin Difilippo and Scott Tupper pitched well for Westfield.
Westfield plays next on Thursday, 7/23 in Hillsborough against South Brunswick in a Cal Ripken State tournament game.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Westfield White Wins North Edison Tournament!
The fans that came out to watch Westfield White play North Edison in the finals of the North Edison Invitational, 11U 50/70 tournament were treated to a great baseball game. Westfield prevailed 5-4 in a very exciting contest that had North Edison threatening all the way until the final out was recorded.
Westfield jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning when lead off batter Eric Varakian was hit with the 1st pitch and took first base. Varakian made his way to 3rd base on a steal and a passed ball and then he scored on Vin Difilippo's RBI ground out.
Michael Mobarakai took the mound for Westfield and he held North Edison quiet through the 1st two innings. He was assisted in the 2nd inning on a great defensive play by catcher Nick Mele on a near perfect bunt attempt. Mele, who received the defensive "Blue Ball" award for the play, jumped out and fielded the bunt in front of the plate near the 3rd base line and he fired a bullet to 1st baseman Chris Boutsikaris for the out.
Westfield added 2 more runs in the 3rd to take a 3-0 lead. Scott Tupper continued his hot hitting by leading off with a single. Michael Mobarakai walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd and then after a ground out to 3rd by Brett Robertshaw where Tupper got tagged out, Westfield White capitalized on a North Edison miscue. With 2 outs, Varakian's ground ball to 3rd was thrown wild past 1st base allowing Mobarakai and Robertshaw to score.
The North Edison bats came alive in the 3rd and began making noise. They recorded 4 consecutive hits and forced Mobarakai from the mound. Chris Rinaldi relieved Mobarakai and recorded 3 outs but not before North Edison scored 3 runs in the inning to tie the score 3-3. North Edison did not score in the 4th, partly thanks to a great play by Hopper Murray at first base. Murray knocked down a hard line drive, scrambled to pick up the ball near the fence and flipped to Rinaldi who slid into first, tagging the bag a split second before the runner. Both players shared a "Blue Ball" award for the play.
Westfield's bats came alive in the 5th and Chris Varano jump started the offense with a line drive single down the left field line off of North Edison's fireballer. Hopper Murray advanced Varano to 2nd with a ground out and then Scott Tupper unloaded on a fast ball and sent it deep into the left center field gap for an RBI double and his second hit of the game. Brett Robertshaw then smashed a line drive RBI single to left center field which drove Tupper home, giving Westfield a 5-3 lead.
North Edison did not score in the bottom of the 5th and Westfield threatened in the 6th when Varakian and Rinaldi reached on singles and stole their way to 2nd and 3rd with no one out, but Westfield could not capitalize, setting the stage for a very exciting finish.
Trailing 5-3 going into the bottom of the 6th, North Edison did not intend to go down quietly. The lead off hitter lofted the first Rinaldi fastball to right field. Westfield right fielder Brett Robertshaw tracked the ball and made a diving attempt at it but he just missed it. The ball rolled to the fence and the runner hustled to 2nd with a lead off double. The next batter singled in the lead off batter and the score was 5-4. Rinaldi struck out the next batter for the 1st out and then Scott Tupper made a great catch of a fly ball in right center field for the 2nd out. Tupper was awarded a "Blue Ball" for that catch and one made earlier in the game. Rinaldi walked the next batter, putting runners on 1st and 2nd and the potential tying run into scoring position, but he struck out the last batter for the final out of the game.
Westfield plays next on Wednesday, 7/21 at 6:00 PM in Hillsborough against Bridgewater American in Cal Ripken State tournament play.
Westfield jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st inning when lead off batter Eric Varakian was hit with the 1st pitch and took first base. Varakian made his way to 3rd base on a steal and a passed ball and then he scored on Vin Difilippo's RBI ground out.
Michael Mobarakai took the mound for Westfield and he held North Edison quiet through the 1st two innings. He was assisted in the 2nd inning on a great defensive play by catcher Nick Mele on a near perfect bunt attempt. Mele, who received the defensive "Blue Ball" award for the play, jumped out and fielded the bunt in front of the plate near the 3rd base line and he fired a bullet to 1st baseman Chris Boutsikaris for the out.
Westfield added 2 more runs in the 3rd to take a 3-0 lead. Scott Tupper continued his hot hitting by leading off with a single. Michael Mobarakai walked to put runners on 1st and 2nd and then after a ground out to 3rd by Brett Robertshaw where Tupper got tagged out, Westfield White capitalized on a North Edison miscue. With 2 outs, Varakian's ground ball to 3rd was thrown wild past 1st base allowing Mobarakai and Robertshaw to score.
The North Edison bats came alive in the 3rd and began making noise. They recorded 4 consecutive hits and forced Mobarakai from the mound. Chris Rinaldi relieved Mobarakai and recorded 3 outs but not before North Edison scored 3 runs in the inning to tie the score 3-3. North Edison did not score in the 4th, partly thanks to a great play by Hopper Murray at first base. Murray knocked down a hard line drive, scrambled to pick up the ball near the fence and flipped to Rinaldi who slid into first, tagging the bag a split second before the runner. Both players shared a "Blue Ball" award for the play.
Westfield's bats came alive in the 5th and Chris Varano jump started the offense with a line drive single down the left field line off of North Edison's fireballer. Hopper Murray advanced Varano to 2nd with a ground out and then Scott Tupper unloaded on a fast ball and sent it deep into the left center field gap for an RBI double and his second hit of the game. Brett Robertshaw then smashed a line drive RBI single to left center field which drove Tupper home, giving Westfield a 5-3 lead.
North Edison did not score in the bottom of the 5th and Westfield threatened in the 6th when Varakian and Rinaldi reached on singles and stole their way to 2nd and 3rd with no one out, but Westfield could not capitalize, setting the stage for a very exciting finish.
Trailing 5-3 going into the bottom of the 6th, North Edison did not intend to go down quietly. The lead off hitter lofted the first Rinaldi fastball to right field. Westfield right fielder Brett Robertshaw tracked the ball and made a diving attempt at it but he just missed it. The ball rolled to the fence and the runner hustled to 2nd with a lead off double. The next batter singled in the lead off batter and the score was 5-4. Rinaldi struck out the next batter for the 1st out and then Scott Tupper made a great catch of a fly ball in right center field for the 2nd out. Tupper was awarded a "Blue Ball" for that catch and one made earlier in the game. Rinaldi walked the next batter, putting runners on 1st and 2nd and the potential tying run into scoring position, but he struck out the last batter for the final out of the game.
Westfield plays next on Wednesday, 7/21 at 6:00 PM in Hillsborough against Bridgewater American in Cal Ripken State tournament play.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Summers, Difilippo and Rinaldi Power Westfield Past South Orange Maplewood in State Play
Tommy Summers must really love playing South Orange Maplewood (SOM). A few weeks back it was Summers who capped off a 4 run, 6th inning, come from behind rally against SOM with a walk off line drive single to win a key District game. Today he came off the bench to deliver 2 key RBI singles as Westfield defeated SOM 11-6 in the Cal Ripken NJ State tournament. Difilippo came on in relief and threw 3 solid innings, holding SOM scoreless through the first 2 innings of work and allowing Westfield to come from behind and take the lead. Difilippo also drew 3 walks, singled and scored 3 times. Shortstop Chris Rinaldi made three key plays defensively, including a diving stab of a hard smash up the middle to halt a SOM rally in the 5th and a backhand stab of a ground ball deep in the hole at short and a great throw to nip the batter at 1st base.
Westfield jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st when Rinaldi walked, stole his way to 3rd and scored on an RBI ground out by Nick Mele. SOM responded with 3 runs in the 2nd courtesy of 4 walks an error and a hit. Westfield came right back though, scoring 2 runs in the 3rd inning to even the score at 3. Eric Varakian singled and after reaching 3rd base, he came around to score a walk on a balk. Difilippo walked and eventually stole home on a wild pitch.
Westfield added 3 more runs in the 4th. Michael Mobarakai led off with a single and stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. Tupper and Rinaldi walked to load the bases and then Difilippo came up with a big hit to drive in Mobarakai, but Tupper was thrown out at the plate attempting to score. Rinaldi stole home on an attempted pick off and then Mele followed with a single to advance Difilippo to 3rd. Difilippo scored a few pitches later on a passed ball. When the inning finished, Westfield held a 6-3.
SOM threatened in the 5th and added 2 runs via a couple of hits and a couple of balks. SOM's offense looked liked it was poised for a very big inning, but Rinaldi made a diving stop of a one hop line drive up the middle, got up and thew the SOM batter out a 1st base to stop the rally.
Westfield put the game out of reach in the 6th. Lead off hitter Tupper reached 1st base on a hard grounder to the right side. Varakian re-entered the game to run for Tupper and he was advanced to 2nd on a sac bunt. Difilippo walked and then Mele lofted a fly ball to very deep right center field which banged off of the top of the fence. Varakian scored and Difilippo was held at 3rd as Mele scooted into 2nd with an RBI double. Devin Anderson hit a long fly ball to center field and Difilippo tagged up and scored. Boutsikaris and Summers then each added RBI singles to give Westfield an 11-5 lead. Rinaldi came onto pitch the 6th and he allowed one run before recording the final out for an 11-6 Westfield win.
Westfield plays next on Monday at 7:45 PM in the finals of the North Edison tournament against North Edison.
Westfield jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1st when Rinaldi walked, stole his way to 3rd and scored on an RBI ground out by Nick Mele. SOM responded with 3 runs in the 2nd courtesy of 4 walks an error and a hit. Westfield came right back though, scoring 2 runs in the 3rd inning to even the score at 3. Eric Varakian singled and after reaching 3rd base, he came around to score a walk on a balk. Difilippo walked and eventually stole home on a wild pitch.
Westfield added 3 more runs in the 4th. Michael Mobarakai led off with a single and stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. Tupper and Rinaldi walked to load the bases and then Difilippo came up with a big hit to drive in Mobarakai, but Tupper was thrown out at the plate attempting to score. Rinaldi stole home on an attempted pick off and then Mele followed with a single to advance Difilippo to 3rd. Difilippo scored a few pitches later on a passed ball. When the inning finished, Westfield held a 6-3.
SOM threatened in the 5th and added 2 runs via a couple of hits and a couple of balks. SOM's offense looked liked it was poised for a very big inning, but Rinaldi made a diving stop of a one hop line drive up the middle, got up and thew the SOM batter out a 1st base to stop the rally.
Westfield put the game out of reach in the 6th. Lead off hitter Tupper reached 1st base on a hard grounder to the right side. Varakian re-entered the game to run for Tupper and he was advanced to 2nd on a sac bunt. Difilippo walked and then Mele lofted a fly ball to very deep right center field which banged off of the top of the fence. Varakian scored and Difilippo was held at 3rd as Mele scooted into 2nd with an RBI double. Devin Anderson hit a long fly ball to center field and Difilippo tagged up and scored. Boutsikaris and Summers then each added RBI singles to give Westfield an 11-5 lead. Rinaldi came onto pitch the 6th and he allowed one run before recording the final out for an 11-6 Westfield win.
Westfield plays next on Monday at 7:45 PM in the finals of the North Edison tournament against North Edison.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tupper Puts Out Fire As Westfield Advances to NE Finals
Westfield White and their fans were tired after two State tournament games in less than 24 hours and they found themselves facing a very good opponent in Hazlet who they faced in the North Edison tournament semi-finals. Scott Tupper had plenty of gas left in the tank though and he threw 2 and 2/3 innings of spectacular shutout baseball, keeping the game close and providing Westfield's offense the opportunity to overtake Hazlet.
Westfield found themselves down by 3 runs after the top of the 2nd inning after a long 3 run homer by Hazlet's Sheehan. Westfield immediately responded in their half of the 2nd by scoring 4 runs to take the lead. Nick Mele led off the 2nd with a monster home run to deep center field to put Westfield on the board. After an out was recorded, the next 5 Westfield batters reached base, including Chris Boutsikaris, Chris Varano, Hopper Murray and Michael Mobarakai who all came up with hits. Murray crossed the plate with the 4th run to give Westfield a 4-3 lead.
Hazlet came roaring back with 3 runs in the top of the 3rd via another long 3 run home run to left center field. Scott Tupper was called on to take the mound and he escaped the 3rd without any further damage. Westfield's offense went to work immediately and they scored 3 runs in their half of the 3rd inning to take a 7-6 lead. Eric Varakian led off with a walk and Chris Rinaldi followed with a single. After both runners stole bases, Mele hit another long drive to deep center field and this one banged off of the fence for a 2 RBI double. Mele then scored on a Devin Anderson single.
Tupper took the mound in the 4th and the 5th and he threw a mix of pitches to keep Hazlet off balance and they were unable to get anything going. Westfield extended their lead to 10-6 in the bottom of the 4th with 3 more runs. Hopper Murray started the rally with his 2nd hit of the night and a stolen base. Mobarakai singled in Murray and then Brett Robertshaw singled as well. Eric Varakian knocked in 2 runs with a key single to right center and Chris Rinaldi followed with an RBI single to center.
Varakian relieved Tupper in the 6th and he threw a 1-2-3 inning to secure the win.
Westfield plays next on Sunday at 12:00 PM in Hillsborough against South Orange Maplewood in Cal Ripken State tournament play.
Westfield found themselves down by 3 runs after the top of the 2nd inning after a long 3 run homer by Hazlet's Sheehan. Westfield immediately responded in their half of the 2nd by scoring 4 runs to take the lead. Nick Mele led off the 2nd with a monster home run to deep center field to put Westfield on the board. After an out was recorded, the next 5 Westfield batters reached base, including Chris Boutsikaris, Chris Varano, Hopper Murray and Michael Mobarakai who all came up with hits. Murray crossed the plate with the 4th run to give Westfield a 4-3 lead.
Hazlet came roaring back with 3 runs in the top of the 3rd via another long 3 run home run to left center field. Scott Tupper was called on to take the mound and he escaped the 3rd without any further damage. Westfield's offense went to work immediately and they scored 3 runs in their half of the 3rd inning to take a 7-6 lead. Eric Varakian led off with a walk and Chris Rinaldi followed with a single. After both runners stole bases, Mele hit another long drive to deep center field and this one banged off of the fence for a 2 RBI double. Mele then scored on a Devin Anderson single.
Tupper took the mound in the 4th and the 5th and he threw a mix of pitches to keep Hazlet off balance and they were unable to get anything going. Westfield extended their lead to 10-6 in the bottom of the 4th with 3 more runs. Hopper Murray started the rally with his 2nd hit of the night and a stolen base. Mobarakai singled in Murray and then Brett Robertshaw singled as well. Eric Varakian knocked in 2 runs with a key single to right center and Chris Rinaldi followed with an RBI single to center.
Varakian relieved Tupper in the 6th and he threw a 1-2-3 inning to secure the win.
Westfield plays next on Sunday at 12:00 PM in Hillsborough against South Orange Maplewood in Cal Ripken State tournament play.
Mele, Mobarakai and Varakian Power Westfield Past Hillsborough 15-3 in State Play
Michael Mobarakai threw 5 strong innings and held Hillsborough bats in check and Nick Mele and Eric Varakian each went 3 for 3 to lead Westfield past Hillsborough by the score of 15-3 in Cal Ripken State tournament play. Mobarakai only allowed 4 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs in an outstanding outing on the mound.
Westfield jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning courtesy of a couple of walks, aggressive base running from Scott Tupper and Devin Anderson and timely hits from Vin Difilippo and Nick Mele. Hillsborough got one back on a long solo home run by the #3 hitter, making the score 4-1. Hillsborough added a run in the bottom of the 3rd with a lone single, a sac bunt and some good base running.
White entered the 4th with a 2 run lead and they quickly extended that lead to 7-2. Devin Anderson reached base on an error and then Brett Robertshaw, Varakian and Mobarakai connected on consecutive singles. Those hits coupled with some aggressive base running allowed Westfield to plate 3 runs in the inning.
Mobarakai was cruising through the middle innings and the Hillsborough hitters could not get anything going against him. Westfield blew the game open with 8 runs in the top of the 6th. There were too many hits to report on, but Chris Boutsikaris, Robertshaw, Rinaldi, Mele and Varakian each had big hits in the inning. Boutsikaris and Varakian had two hits apiece in the inning.
Westfield is now 2-0 in State tournament play. They play next tonight against Hazlet in the semi-finals of the North Edison tournament.
Westfield jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the 1st inning courtesy of a couple of walks, aggressive base running from Scott Tupper and Devin Anderson and timely hits from Vin Difilippo and Nick Mele. Hillsborough got one back on a long solo home run by the #3 hitter, making the score 4-1. Hillsborough added a run in the bottom of the 3rd with a lone single, a sac bunt and some good base running.
White entered the 4th with a 2 run lead and they quickly extended that lead to 7-2. Devin Anderson reached base on an error and then Brett Robertshaw, Varakian and Mobarakai connected on consecutive singles. Those hits coupled with some aggressive base running allowed Westfield to plate 3 runs in the inning.
Mobarakai was cruising through the middle innings and the Hillsborough hitters could not get anything going against him. Westfield blew the game open with 8 runs in the top of the 6th. There were too many hits to report on, but Chris Boutsikaris, Robertshaw, Rinaldi, Mele and Varakian each had big hits in the inning. Boutsikaris and Varakian had two hits apiece in the inning.
Westfield is now 2-0 in State tournament play. They play next tonight against Hazlet in the semi-finals of the North Edison tournament.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Varano and Difilippo Lead Westfield Past Matawan in State Opener
Chris Varano often speaks and walks softly, but he usually carries a very big stick and tonight was no exception. Varano went 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored and he blasted a solo home run to deep right center field in tonight's 9-6 win over Matawan in a Cal Ripken state tournament game. While Varano was inflicting damage with his bat, Vincent Difilippo was overpowering Matawan hitters with his arm. Difilippo threw 5 strong innings holding Matawan to 4 runs, some of which were unearned.
Westfield took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st when Eric Varakian, Chris Rinaldi and Difilippo walked. With 1 out, Devin Anderson drew an RBI walk to drive in the 1st run. It looked like Westfield would break the game open, but Matawan recorded a double play on a hard liner to the shortstop to stop the rally. Matawan scored 1 run in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 1, but Difilippo battled out of the inning and he was helped with a nice back hand play in the hole by shortstop Rinaldi.
Westfield's offense went right back to work in the 2nd when the lead off hitter in the inning, Chris Varano sent a 1-0 offering to deep right center field for a home run. Varano was mobbed by his teammates as he crossed the plate. Matawan responded immediately though and they scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 3-2 lead.
Difilippo started more scoring for Westfield in the 3rd when he led off with a walk. Nick Mele followed with a hard grounder that was misplayed and then both players stole to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Difilippo scored on Devin Anderson's RBI ground out. Chris Boutsikaris followed with a walk and then Mele scored on a wild pitch. Varano then came up an RBI single, his 2nd of 3 hits on the day, to drive in Boutsikaris. Westfield now led 5-3. Matawan would not quit though and they pulled within one in the bottom of the 3rd inning on 2 hits and some aggressive base running.
Neither team scored in the 4th, but Westfield extended the lead to 6-4 in the 5th on another Varano hit -- this time with 2 out and no one on -- and a huge RBI double off of the bat of Michael Mobarakai.
Westfield then added 3 more runs in the top of the 6th. Tommy Summers led off the inning with a hard line single up the middle. Chris Rinaldi singled and both runners stole bases to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Summers got a great jump off of 3rd on a hard smash to the Matawan 1st baseman from Difilippo and he beat the 1st baseman's throw to the plate. Nick Mele then hit a long fly ball to deep center which Rinaldi tagged up on and scored from 3rd base. Difilippo advanced to 2nd on the play and then stole 3rd. He later scored on an RBI groundout from Anderson.
Chris Boutsikaris came on in relief in the 6th inning and Matawan began to rally but 2 nice defensive plays at 2nd base by Chris Varano took the steam out of Matawan. Boutsikaris made a great diving catch on a short pop up in front of the mound for the final out.
Game notes...Varano had 3 hits, Rinaldi had 2 and Mobarakai and Summers each added hits. Difilippo only walked one batter in his 5 innings. Hopper Murray and Nick Mele both made very nice running catches on fly balls to the outfield and Mele and Anderson were strong behind the plate. Eric Varakian made two very strong plays at 2nd base.
Westfield next plays Hillsborough on Saturday at 11:30 AM in the State tournament which is being hosted in Hillsborough.
Westfield took a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st when Eric Varakian, Chris Rinaldi and Difilippo walked. With 1 out, Devin Anderson drew an RBI walk to drive in the 1st run. It looked like Westfield would break the game open, but Matawan recorded a double play on a hard liner to the shortstop to stop the rally. Matawan scored 1 run in the bottom of the first to tie the game at 1, but Difilippo battled out of the inning and he was helped with a nice back hand play in the hole by shortstop Rinaldi.
Westfield's offense went right back to work in the 2nd when the lead off hitter in the inning, Chris Varano sent a 1-0 offering to deep right center field for a home run. Varano was mobbed by his teammates as he crossed the plate. Matawan responded immediately though and they scored 2 runs in the bottom of the 2nd to take a 3-2 lead.
Difilippo started more scoring for Westfield in the 3rd when he led off with a walk. Nick Mele followed with a hard grounder that was misplayed and then both players stole to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Difilippo scored on Devin Anderson's RBI ground out. Chris Boutsikaris followed with a walk and then Mele scored on a wild pitch. Varano then came up an RBI single, his 2nd of 3 hits on the day, to drive in Boutsikaris. Westfield now led 5-3. Matawan would not quit though and they pulled within one in the bottom of the 3rd inning on 2 hits and some aggressive base running.
Neither team scored in the 4th, but Westfield extended the lead to 6-4 in the 5th on another Varano hit -- this time with 2 out and no one on -- and a huge RBI double off of the bat of Michael Mobarakai.
Westfield then added 3 more runs in the top of the 6th. Tommy Summers led off the inning with a hard line single up the middle. Chris Rinaldi singled and both runners stole bases to put runners on 2nd and 3rd. Summers got a great jump off of 3rd on a hard smash to the Matawan 1st baseman from Difilippo and he beat the 1st baseman's throw to the plate. Nick Mele then hit a long fly ball to deep center which Rinaldi tagged up on and scored from 3rd base. Difilippo advanced to 2nd on the play and then stole 3rd. He later scored on an RBI groundout from Anderson.
Chris Boutsikaris came on in relief in the 6th inning and Matawan began to rally but 2 nice defensive plays at 2nd base by Chris Varano took the steam out of Matawan. Boutsikaris made a great diving catch on a short pop up in front of the mound for the final out.
Game notes...Varano had 3 hits, Rinaldi had 2 and Mobarakai and Summers each added hits. Difilippo only walked one batter in his 5 innings. Hopper Murray and Nick Mele both made very nice running catches on fly balls to the outfield and Mele and Anderson were strong behind the plate. Eric Varakian made two very strong plays at 2nd base.
Westfield next plays Hillsborough on Saturday at 11:30 AM in the State tournament which is being hosted in Hillsborough.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tupper and Anderson Combined on Shutout of Bridgewater National
Westfield's Scott Tupper was penciled in as the starting center fielder for tonight's game against Bridgewater National but with the scheduled pitcher out due to an illness Tupper was called on for an emergency start on the mound. Tupper, who sometimes carries the nickname of the "The Strike Machine", responded with 5 spectacular innings of shut out, 4 hit ball. Devin Anderson came on to pitch a scoreless 6th inning to preserve the shutout.
Westfield threatened in the 1st inning, but a great play by the Bridgewater center fielder cut down a runner at the plate attempting to tag up on a fly ball to end the inning. Tommy Summers and catcher Devin Anderson teamed up and returned the favor during Bridgewater's at bat in the 2nd. With a runner on 3rd and 1 out, the Bridgewater batter hit a fly ball to fairly deep left field. Summers settled under it and threw a one-hop strike to Anderson at the plate who snagged the ball to the 3rd base dug out side of the line and dove to tag out the runner attempting to score and that ended the inning. Both players were awarded a "Blue Ball" (award for great defensive work) for the play.
The score remained 0-0 going into the top of the 3rd, but Westfield's offense quickly put up 3 runs in the frame. Michael Mobarakai and Brett Robertshaw both hustled out grounders and stole bases to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out. Tommy Summers RBI single knocked in Mobarakai and then Robertshaw scored on Scott Tupper's RBI ground out to 2nd. Summers then made it 3-0 when he scored on Christopher Rinaldi's 2nd single of the night.
Chris Varano hit an RBI single in the 4th to knock home Anderson who had walked and that gave Westfield a 4-0 lead.
Westfield extended their lead to 8-0 in the 5th by drawing a few walks and coming up with some timely hits. Vin Difilippo started the rally by leading off and drawing a walk. Nick Mele singled and both runners advanced on stolen bases. Difilippo then scored on an RBI ground out by Anderson. Chris Boutsikaris and Eric Varakian walked to load the bases and then Michael Mobarakai drove an RBI single up the middle to knock Mele home. Robertshaw then hit an RBI single to knock home Boutsikaris. Summers then forced in Varakian for an 8-0 lead when he drew a bases loaded walk.
Westfield enjoys a day off on Thursday and then they begin the Cal Ripken State tournament at 6:00 PM on Friday with a game against Matawan in Hillsborough.
Westfield threatened in the 1st inning, but a great play by the Bridgewater center fielder cut down a runner at the plate attempting to tag up on a fly ball to end the inning. Tommy Summers and catcher Devin Anderson teamed up and returned the favor during Bridgewater's at bat in the 2nd. With a runner on 3rd and 1 out, the Bridgewater batter hit a fly ball to fairly deep left field. Summers settled under it and threw a one-hop strike to Anderson at the plate who snagged the ball to the 3rd base dug out side of the line and dove to tag out the runner attempting to score and that ended the inning. Both players were awarded a "Blue Ball" (award for great defensive work) for the play.
The score remained 0-0 going into the top of the 3rd, but Westfield's offense quickly put up 3 runs in the frame. Michael Mobarakai and Brett Robertshaw both hustled out grounders and stole bases to put runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out. Tommy Summers RBI single knocked in Mobarakai and then Robertshaw scored on Scott Tupper's RBI ground out to 2nd. Summers then made it 3-0 when he scored on Christopher Rinaldi's 2nd single of the night.
Chris Varano hit an RBI single in the 4th to knock home Anderson who had walked and that gave Westfield a 4-0 lead.
Westfield extended their lead to 8-0 in the 5th by drawing a few walks and coming up with some timely hits. Vin Difilippo started the rally by leading off and drawing a walk. Nick Mele singled and both runners advanced on stolen bases. Difilippo then scored on an RBI ground out by Anderson. Chris Boutsikaris and Eric Varakian walked to load the bases and then Michael Mobarakai drove an RBI single up the middle to knock Mele home. Robertshaw then hit an RBI single to knock home Boutsikaris. Summers then forced in Varakian for an 8-0 lead when he drew a bases loaded walk.
Westfield enjoys a day off on Thursday and then they begin the Cal Ripken State tournament at 6:00 PM on Friday with a game against Matawan in Hillsborough.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Westfield Defeats Ridge American 12-8
Vin Difilippo and Chris Boutsikaris each drove in 3 runs to power Westfield White past a strong Basking Ridge American team 12-8. Westfield wasted no time in grabbing the lead with an impressive display of hitting in the top of the 1st inning. Scott Tupper led off with a single and he was followed by Chris Rinaldi who also singled. Vin Difilippo then reached 1st to load the bases. Nick Mele forced home a run with a hard grounder to short and then Devin Anderson drove in 2 more runs with a line single to left field. Chris Boutsikaris forced in a run with a ground out to 3rd and then Chris Varano drove in the final run of the inning with a hard single to right center field. When the dust cleared, Westfield led 5-0.
Ridge battled back and scratched away for 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st to make it 5-3, but Westfield extended the lead to 8-3 in the top of the 3rd with 2 more runs. Tommy Summers and Tupper walked and then Rinaldi singled. Difilippo's single to center field brought Summers and Tupper home. Later in the inning, Boutsikaris hit a sac fly to deep center field which allowed Rinaldi to tag up and score. Ridge countered with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the 3rd to make it a 8-6 game.
Westfield added a run in the 4th. Hopper Murray, returning to the lineup for the game after a brief illness sidelined him for the previous 2 games, walked and stole 2nd base. Michael Mobarakai singled to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Murray scored on an RBI ground out by Brett Robertshaw. Ridge added on of their own in the bottom of the 4th to make it 9-7. Westfield
Tupper got Westfield started in the 5th with his second single of the game. He stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on a ground out and then scored on a booming RBI triple to right center field by Vin Difilippo. Difilippo scored on an RBI single by Nick Mele and Mele scored on an RBI double by Chris Boutsikaris to make it 12-7.
Ridge did not quit and threatened in both the 5th and the 6th but Westfield's D bent but did not break. Westfield 2nd baseman made two spectacular plays in the 5th to prevent a big inning by Ridge. Varakian made a diving stop of a certain base hit in between 1st and 2nd and then threw to 2nd from his knees to get the lead runner at 2nd. Later in the inning he showed his range and snagged a hard liner up the middle for the final out in the 5th.
Ridge added a run in the 6th but Westfield recorded the final out for the 12-8 win. Game notes...Mele (3), Varakian (1), Boutsikaris (1) and Rinaldi (1) threw for Westfield. Tupper, Mobarakai, Rinaldi and Difilippo had 2 hits each and Tupper scored 3 times.
Westfield plays next on Wednesday at 6:00 PM against Bridgewater National in Bridgewater in a NJASBL league game.
Ridge battled back and scratched away for 3 runs in the bottom of the 1st to make it 5-3, but Westfield extended the lead to 8-3 in the top of the 3rd with 2 more runs. Tommy Summers and Tupper walked and then Rinaldi singled. Difilippo's single to center field brought Summers and Tupper home. Later in the inning, Boutsikaris hit a sac fly to deep center field which allowed Rinaldi to tag up and score. Ridge countered with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the 3rd to make it a 8-6 game.
Westfield added a run in the 4th. Hopper Murray, returning to the lineup for the game after a brief illness sidelined him for the previous 2 games, walked and stole 2nd base. Michael Mobarakai singled to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Murray scored on an RBI ground out by Brett Robertshaw. Ridge added on of their own in the bottom of the 4th to make it 9-7. Westfield
Tupper got Westfield started in the 5th with his second single of the game. He stole 2nd, advanced to 3rd on a ground out and then scored on a booming RBI triple to right center field by Vin Difilippo. Difilippo scored on an RBI single by Nick Mele and Mele scored on an RBI double by Chris Boutsikaris to make it 12-7.
Ridge did not quit and threatened in both the 5th and the 6th but Westfield's D bent but did not break. Westfield 2nd baseman made two spectacular plays in the 5th to prevent a big inning by Ridge. Varakian made a diving stop of a certain base hit in between 1st and 2nd and then threw to 2nd from his knees to get the lead runner at 2nd. Later in the inning he showed his range and snagged a hard liner up the middle for the final out in the 5th.
Ridge added a run in the 6th but Westfield recorded the final out for the 12-8 win. Game notes...Mele (3), Varakian (1), Boutsikaris (1) and Rinaldi (1) threw for Westfield. Tupper, Mobarakai, Rinaldi and Difilippo had 2 hits each and Tupper scored 3 times.
Westfield plays next on Wednesday at 6:00 PM against Bridgewater National in Bridgewater in a NJASBL league game.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mobarakai Pitches Gem Over Hillsborough, Westfield Wins 8-2
Westfield pitcher Michael Mobarakai scattered 5 hits and 1 run over 5 innings and Westfield's offense scored in 4 of its 5 at bats in an 8-2 victory over Hillsborough in their final Bridgewater pool play game. Westfield finished Bridgewater pool play with a perfect 4-0 record.
Westfield got on the board with 2 runs in the 1st inning when Devin Anderson singled home both Vin Difilippo who had walked and Nick Mele who had singled. Westfield was shut out in the 2nd at bat, but resumed the scoring in the 3rd. Chris Rinaldi singled, stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. He scored on an RBI sac fly to deep center by Difilippo to make it 3-1 Westfield. Westfield stretched the lead to 4-1 in the 4th on a Chris Boutsikaris double to deep center field and an RBI single by Scott "T-Rod" Tupper.
Mobarakai was cruising through the middle innings, changing speeds and throwing strikes. He kept Hillsborough hitters off balance and when they did manage to hit the ball, the Westfield defense was there to make the plays. The Hillsborough 4th inning at bats ended when Chris Varano, Nick Mele and Vin Difilippo combined to cut down a runner at the plate on a hard single to right. Varano charged the hit and fired a strike to Westfield 1st baseman Mele who then turned and threw a perfect throw to Difilippo at the plate. Difilippo applied the tag and hung on despite a hard slide by the Hillsborough runner. The trio were each awarded a "Blue Ball" award for the play.
Westfield extended the lead to 8-1 in the 5th inning. Tommy Summers led off with a walk and promptly stole 2nd. Rinaldi singled and then Difilippo walked to load the bases. Nick Mele drew an RBI walk and then Anderson, Boutsikaris and Varano each hit RBI singles to force runs across. The inning ended on a nice 6-4-3 double play by Hillsborough. Boutsikaris came on to pitch the 6th to close out the win.
Game notes...Tupper, Mele, Rinaldi, Anderson and Boutsikaris each had 2 hits and Anderson had 2 RBIs.
Westfield plays next on Tuesday at Basking Ridge in an NJASBL league game.
Westfield got on the board with 2 runs in the 1st inning when Devin Anderson singled home both Vin Difilippo who had walked and Nick Mele who had singled. Westfield was shut out in the 2nd at bat, but resumed the scoring in the 3rd. Chris Rinaldi singled, stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a passed ball. He scored on an RBI sac fly to deep center by Difilippo to make it 3-1 Westfield. Westfield stretched the lead to 4-1 in the 4th on a Chris Boutsikaris double to deep center field and an RBI single by Scott "T-Rod" Tupper.
Mobarakai was cruising through the middle innings, changing speeds and throwing strikes. He kept Hillsborough hitters off balance and when they did manage to hit the ball, the Westfield defense was there to make the plays. The Hillsborough 4th inning at bats ended when Chris Varano, Nick Mele and Vin Difilippo combined to cut down a runner at the plate on a hard single to right. Varano charged the hit and fired a strike to Westfield 1st baseman Mele who then turned and threw a perfect throw to Difilippo at the plate. Difilippo applied the tag and hung on despite a hard slide by the Hillsborough runner. The trio were each awarded a "Blue Ball" award for the play.
Westfield extended the lead to 8-1 in the 5th inning. Tommy Summers led off with a walk and promptly stole 2nd. Rinaldi singled and then Difilippo walked to load the bases. Nick Mele drew an RBI walk and then Anderson, Boutsikaris and Varano each hit RBI singles to force runs across. The inning ended on a nice 6-4-3 double play by Hillsborough. Boutsikaris came on to pitch the 6th to close out the win.
Game notes...Tupper, Mele, Rinaldi, Anderson and Boutsikaris each had 2 hits and Anderson had 2 RBIs.
Westfield plays next on Tuesday at Basking Ridge in an NJASBL league game.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Westfield Defeats Hazlet 2-0 in NE Tourney
Westfield White defeated Hazlet 2-0 in an exciting game that saw great pitching from both teams. Vin Difilippo started for Westfield and he was nearly unhittable. He pitched 3 innings and only allowed a single base runner while striking out 5. The lone runner who did reach base battled Difilippo for a walk but he was gunned down moments later by Westfield catcher Devin "The Animal" Anderson who made a great throw to Michael Mobarakai at 3rd who applied a quick tag.
Westfield got on the board in the bottom of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi came around to score on a Nick Mele RBI single.
Scott "The Strike Machine" Tupper took the mound in the 4th with Westfield leading 1-0. Tupper was crafty, changing speeds and locations and throwing mostly strikes. He allowed only a single in the 4th and that batter was quickly retired attempting to steal when catcher Mele fired a bullet to SS Rinaldi who applied the tag.
Westfield was able to add a run in the 4th to make it 2-0. Rinaldi led off with a single to left field and then he stole 2nd and 3rd. With 1 out, Difilippo hit a hard grounder back to the mound and Rinaldi headed home as soon as the pitcher threw to 1st base. The Hazlet first baseman made a nice throw to the plate, but Rinaldi slid under the tag to add to the Westfield lead.
Two Hazlet runners reached base in the 5th on walks, but the lead runner was erased by Mele on another laser of a throw this time to 3rd baseman Difilippo who applied a nice tag. Tupper began the 6th, but with 2 runners on (hit by pitcher and an error) and the lead off hitter at the plate, Westfield decided to make a pitching change. Rinaldi came on to relief Tupper and got the 1st batter to pop up to shallow right field. Brett Robertshaw made a great running catch to record the out. Rinaldi then walked the next batter to load the bases and Hazlet had the tying run on 2nd with 1 out. Rinaldi struck out the #3 hitter for the 2nd out. The clean up hitter sent a Rinaldi pitch into center but Scott Tupper was there to record the final out of the game.
Westfield plays next on Monday at 6:00 PM against Hillsborough in the Bridgewater tournament.
Westfield got on the board in the bottom of the 1st when Chris Rinaldi came around to score on a Nick Mele RBI single.
Scott "The Strike Machine" Tupper took the mound in the 4th with Westfield leading 1-0. Tupper was crafty, changing speeds and locations and throwing mostly strikes. He allowed only a single in the 4th and that batter was quickly retired attempting to steal when catcher Mele fired a bullet to SS Rinaldi who applied the tag.
Westfield was able to add a run in the 4th to make it 2-0. Rinaldi led off with a single to left field and then he stole 2nd and 3rd. With 1 out, Difilippo hit a hard grounder back to the mound and Rinaldi headed home as soon as the pitcher threw to 1st base. The Hazlet first baseman made a nice throw to the plate, but Rinaldi slid under the tag to add to the Westfield lead.
Two Hazlet runners reached base in the 5th on walks, but the lead runner was erased by Mele on another laser of a throw this time to 3rd baseman Difilippo who applied a nice tag. Tupper began the 6th, but with 2 runners on (hit by pitcher and an error) and the lead off hitter at the plate, Westfield decided to make a pitching change. Rinaldi came on to relief Tupper and got the 1st batter to pop up to shallow right field. Brett Robertshaw made a great running catch to record the out. Rinaldi then walked the next batter to load the bases and Hazlet had the tying run on 2nd with 1 out. Rinaldi struck out the #3 hitter for the 2nd out. The clean up hitter sent a Rinaldi pitch into center but Scott Tupper was there to record the final out of the game.
Westfield plays next on Monday at 6:00 PM against Hillsborough in the Bridgewater tournament.
Murray Throws a Complete Game Masterpiece Against Scotch Plains
Hopper Murray and the rest of the Westfield White team had to get up pretty early for today's 8:00 AM game in Bridgewater against Scotch Plains so he was likely a little tired. However, Hopper showed no signs of sluggishness and he turned in a spectacular pitching performance throwing a complete game 5 hitter and limiting Scoth Plains to a single unearned run over 6 innings. His performance was key to the weekend in which White was short on pitching because of a rough schedule which had them playing 5 games between Friday and Sunday.
Westfield's offense wasted no time in providing run support and they scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. Eric Varakian started the rally with a lead off walk and then Vin Difilippo singled. Nick Mele reached on a ground ball to 2nd and then Devin Anderson cleared the bases with a double to the right center field wall. Chris Boutsikaris followed with an RBI double and then after Chris Varano reached on a grounder to 3rd, Hopper Murray helped his own cause with a 2 run double to deep center. White added a run in the 2nd when Tommy Summers singled up the middle, stole 2nd and scored on Chris Rinaldi's RBI single to left.
Hopper and the Westfield defense cruised through the middle innings with Hopper throwing strikes and changing speeds to keep the Scotch Plains hitters off balance.
Westfield added two more runs in the 4th to make it 9-1 on back-to-back singles by Chris Varano and Hopper Murray. Varano scored on an RBI ground out by Brett Robertshaw and Murray scored on an RBI ground out by Scott Tupper.
Westfield's next game is against Hazlet at 12 PM today in the North Edison tournament.
Westfield's offense wasted no time in providing run support and they scored 6 runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. Eric Varakian started the rally with a lead off walk and then Vin Difilippo singled. Nick Mele reached on a ground ball to 2nd and then Devin Anderson cleared the bases with a double to the right center field wall. Chris Boutsikaris followed with an RBI double and then after Chris Varano reached on a grounder to 3rd, Hopper Murray helped his own cause with a 2 run double to deep center. White added a run in the 2nd when Tommy Summers singled up the middle, stole 2nd and scored on Chris Rinaldi's RBI single to left.
Hopper and the Westfield defense cruised through the middle innings with Hopper throwing strikes and changing speeds to keep the Scotch Plains hitters off balance.
Westfield added two more runs in the 4th to make it 9-1 on back-to-back singles by Chris Varano and Hopper Murray. Varano scored on an RBI ground out by Brett Robertshaw and Murray scored on an RBI ground out by Scott Tupper.
Westfield's next game is against Hazlet at 12 PM today in the North Edison tournament.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Difilippo HR Blasts Westfield Past Readington
Vin Difilippo connected on 2nd home run in as many days, this one a 3 run shot in the 6th inning of a tight game that allowed Westfield to open up a 7-2 lead over Readington. They went onto win by that score in a North Edison Tournament game.
Chris Boutsikaris was great on the mound for Westfield, holding Readington to 2 runs on 4 hits over 4 innings of work. Chris Rinaldi pitched a 1-2-3 5th and Scott "T-Rod" Tupper retired all 3 batters he faced in the 6th, including 2 by way of strike out.
Westfield took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Hopper Murray doubled to the wall in center field and then stole 3rd and advanced home on a passed ball. They extended that lead to 2-0 in the top of the 4th when Eric Varakian singled, stole 2nd and scored on an RBI double off of the left center field wall. Readington tied the game at two in the bottom of the 4th with a 2 run home run by their clean up hitter.
The tie game didn't last long as Westfield went up 3-2 in the top of the 5th courtesy of heads up, aggressive base running by Boutsikaris. "Boots" worked a walk, stole 2nd and 3rd and then scored on a passed ball.
Westfield came to bat in the top of the 6th leading 3-2 but with a strong desire to extend the lead. Scott Tupper got things started with a led off single and a stolen base. Tommy Summers then followed with a perfect bunt single to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Rinaldi singled to drive in Tupper to put Westfield ahead 4-2. Difilippo then stepped to the plate and blasted a 1-1 offering over the left center field fence for a 3 run homer and giving Westfield a 7-2 lead.
Westfield improves to 14-4-1 overall with the win and they are now 2-1 in the North Edison tournament. They have two games on Sunday -- an 8:00 AM game vs Scotch Plains in Bridgewater and a 12:00 PM game vs Hazlet in North Edison.
Chris Boutsikaris was great on the mound for Westfield, holding Readington to 2 runs on 4 hits over 4 innings of work. Chris Rinaldi pitched a 1-2-3 5th and Scott "T-Rod" Tupper retired all 3 batters he faced in the 6th, including 2 by way of strike out.
Westfield took a 1-0 lead in the 3rd inning when Hopper Murray doubled to the wall in center field and then stole 3rd and advanced home on a passed ball. They extended that lead to 2-0 in the top of the 4th when Eric Varakian singled, stole 2nd and scored on an RBI double off of the left center field wall. Readington tied the game at two in the bottom of the 4th with a 2 run home run by their clean up hitter.
The tie game didn't last long as Westfield went up 3-2 in the top of the 5th courtesy of heads up, aggressive base running by Boutsikaris. "Boots" worked a walk, stole 2nd and 3rd and then scored on a passed ball.
Westfield came to bat in the top of the 6th leading 3-2 but with a strong desire to extend the lead. Scott Tupper got things started with a led off single and a stolen base. Tommy Summers then followed with a perfect bunt single to put runners on 1st and 3rd. Rinaldi singled to drive in Tupper to put Westfield ahead 4-2. Difilippo then stepped to the plate and blasted a 1-1 offering over the left center field fence for a 3 run homer and giving Westfield a 7-2 lead.
Westfield improves to 14-4-1 overall with the win and they are now 2-1 in the North Edison tournament. They have two games on Sunday -- an 8:00 AM game vs Scotch Plains in Bridgewater and a 12:00 PM game vs Hazlet in North Edison.
Boutsikaris 2 Run HR Powers Westfield Past Hillsborough
Westfield sluggers continued the trend of hitting long home runs and Chris Boutsikaris' 2 run shot broke a 5th inning 1-1 tie and blasted Westfield past Hillsborough 3-1 in a Bridgewater tournament game.
The game was a very well played, well pitched contest and the hurlers for both teams kept the opposing hitters off balance. Michael Mobarakai started for Westfield and went 3 innings allowing only 4 hits and a single run. Mobarakai, Boutsikaris and Devin Anderson made a key double play in the 2nd inning to prevent a run from scoring. With a runner on 3rd and 1 out, a Hillsborough batter hit a ground ball to Mobarakai at the mound. Mobarakai fielded it and threw a strike to 1st for the 2nd out of the inning, but on the throw the runner on 3rd broke for home and Boutsikaris fired a strike to Anderson at the plate to nail the runner and end the inning.
Westfield got a run in the 3rd when the hot hitting Chris Varano singled and stole 2nd and 3rd. With 1 out, he scored on a Brett Robertshaw RBI ground out to tie the game at 1.
Chris Rinaldi came onto pitch in the 4th and threw the final 3 innings allowing only a walk and a single while striking out 5.
Devin Anderson got Westfield going in the 5th with a great at bat. Down 0-2, he kept his hands back on a very slow off speed pitch and got his bat on the ball for a single. Boutsikaris then stepped to the plate and sent an 0-1 offering screaming over the left center field fence to put Westfield up 3-1. Westfield shut down Hillsborough in the 6th for the win.
Westfield plays next in the North Edison tournament against Readington today at 4 PM.
The game was a very well played, well pitched contest and the hurlers for both teams kept the opposing hitters off balance. Michael Mobarakai started for Westfield and went 3 innings allowing only 4 hits and a single run. Mobarakai, Boutsikaris and Devin Anderson made a key double play in the 2nd inning to prevent a run from scoring. With a runner on 3rd and 1 out, a Hillsborough batter hit a ground ball to Mobarakai at the mound. Mobarakai fielded it and threw a strike to 1st for the 2nd out of the inning, but on the throw the runner on 3rd broke for home and Boutsikaris fired a strike to Anderson at the plate to nail the runner and end the inning.
Westfield got a run in the 3rd when the hot hitting Chris Varano singled and stole 2nd and 3rd. With 1 out, he scored on a Brett Robertshaw RBI ground out to tie the game at 1.
Chris Rinaldi came onto pitch in the 4th and threw the final 3 innings allowing only a walk and a single while striking out 5.
Devin Anderson got Westfield going in the 5th with a great at bat. Down 0-2, he kept his hands back on a very slow off speed pitch and got his bat on the ball for a single. Boutsikaris then stepped to the plate and sent an 0-1 offering screaming over the left center field fence to put Westfield up 3-1. Westfield shut down Hillsborough in the 6th for the win.
Westfield plays next in the North Edison tournament against Readington today at 4 PM.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Westfield Uses Long Ball to Hold off Cranford
Westfield White resorted to the long ball to defeat a tough Cranford squad 15-9. Westfield connected on 3 early HRs, including a grand slam, to build an 12-3 lead early but Cranford refused to quit and chipped away to make it close. Scott Tupper came on in relief and shut the door on a potential Cranford rally to preserve the win.
Eric Varakian got White started in the 1st inning with a lead off double to deep right field. Chris Rinaldi followed with a hard grounder to 3rd which ended up in left field and then Nick Mele cleared the bases with a towering 3 run HR to left center field. Westfield added a 4th run in the inning courtesy of a Devin "The Animal" Anderson double and a hard grounder by Chris Boutsikaris.
Vincent "Madman" kept the Westfield offense surging with a lead off bomb of a home run to deep left center field in the 2nd inning. The blast was a wake up call for Westfield who then rallied for 6 more runs in the inning. Following the "Shot Heard Around Gumbert", Scott Tupper worked a walk and Michael Mobarakai then singled. Tommy Summers battled for another walk to load the bases and then Eric Varakian hit an RBI single. Chris Varano worked an RBI walk and with the bases loaded Chris Rinaldi stepped to the plate. Rinaldi jumped on a 2-0 offering and hammered a shot over the left center field fence for a grand slam giving Westfield a 11-1 lead.
Eric Varakian started on the mound for Westfield and kept the strong Cranford hitters off balance for 2 solid innings. He recorded 4 strike outs in only 2 innings of work.
Westfield added two more runs in the top of the 3rd inning. Brett Robertshaw jump started the offense with his 1st of 2 singles on the night. He scored on an RBI double to right field by Tupper. Tupper scored shortly afterwards on an RBI ground ball by Eric Varakian.
Chris "Mariano" Varano threw a solid 3rd inning and he used his patented "lift and wheel" move to pick off a runner at 2nd base. Scott "The Strike Machine" Tupper relieved Mariano and closed out the last 2 and 2/3rds innings with very strong pitching. Tupper changed speeds and elevations consistently and he was instrumental in preserving the Westfield lead.
Game notes...Varakian, Rinaldi, Anderson. Difilippo, Robertshaw and Tupper each had at least two hits and Mobarakai generated 2 runs via very aggressive base running.
Westfield plays 4 games over the weekend and they start things on Saturday morning with a game against Hillsborough in the Bridgewater tournament (10 AM).
Eric Varakian got White started in the 1st inning with a lead off double to deep right field. Chris Rinaldi followed with a hard grounder to 3rd which ended up in left field and then Nick Mele cleared the bases with a towering 3 run HR to left center field. Westfield added a 4th run in the inning courtesy of a Devin "The Animal" Anderson double and a hard grounder by Chris Boutsikaris.
Vincent "Madman" kept the Westfield offense surging with a lead off bomb of a home run to deep left center field in the 2nd inning. The blast was a wake up call for Westfield who then rallied for 6 more runs in the inning. Following the "Shot Heard Around Gumbert", Scott Tupper worked a walk and Michael Mobarakai then singled. Tommy Summers battled for another walk to load the bases and then Eric Varakian hit an RBI single. Chris Varano worked an RBI walk and with the bases loaded Chris Rinaldi stepped to the plate. Rinaldi jumped on a 2-0 offering and hammered a shot over the left center field fence for a grand slam giving Westfield a 11-1 lead.
Eric Varakian started on the mound for Westfield and kept the strong Cranford hitters off balance for 2 solid innings. He recorded 4 strike outs in only 2 innings of work.
Westfield added two more runs in the top of the 3rd inning. Brett Robertshaw jump started the offense with his 1st of 2 singles on the night. He scored on an RBI double to right field by Tupper. Tupper scored shortly afterwards on an RBI ground ball by Eric Varakian.
Chris "Mariano" Varano threw a solid 3rd inning and he used his patented "lift and wheel" move to pick off a runner at 2nd base. Scott "The Strike Machine" Tupper relieved Mariano and closed out the last 2 and 2/3rds innings with very strong pitching. Tupper changed speeds and elevations consistently and he was instrumental in preserving the Westfield lead.
Game notes...Varakian, Rinaldi, Anderson. Difilippo, Robertshaw and Tupper each had at least two hits and Mobarakai generated 2 runs via very aggressive base running.
Westfield plays 4 games over the weekend and they start things on Saturday morning with a game against Hillsborough in the Bridgewater tournament (10 AM).
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