Proud Seahawks Fall Short
Holding a 6-0 lead entering the bottom of the 6th the Seahawks
looked primed to bring game three of their 'AA' Semi-Final contest back to Carey, but like the day before the promise of such
glory was sadly and disappointingly disposed of as yet another nine run inning by the Massapequa Chiefs buried the Hawks season
once and for all as they closed another chapter in the H. Frank Carey history books with a 9-6 loss.
Hard luck loser Erick Vilchez was simply brilliant before some missed
opportunities and errors turned his gutty performance into the heartbreak kid inning.
Chipping away early, the Hawks took a 1-0 lead after a first inning Andrew
Ris Sac Fly. Two more runs were added in the fifth as the Hawks bunted three straight times to set up a 2nd and 3rd situation,
a Ris walk was followed up by an Anthony Catapano Sac Fly and a Jon Heyer RBI single. The Hawks scored three more runs in
the sixth with Nick Conte leading off with a single, a Joe Davide Sac Bunt followed before a Darren Rodriguez double and Nick
Zuvic single and then a perfectly executed double delay steal of home moved the lead to six. It would be the Hawks last moment
of glory.
Rehashing what went wrong in that final defensive inning won't change
the outcome now and more importantly it shouldn't in any shape or form be the last thing discussed when mentioning this easy
to root for squad. It would be a disservice to the tremendous accomplishments they achieved along the way.
Beginning in late November of 2012 nearly 50 young men showed up regularly
on Tuesday and Friday nights for nearly four months with no promise of even making one of the two Carey teams. Infused in
that group was just one returning Varsity starter, Nick Zuvic, from a below .500 2012 team and exactly zero returning pitchers
as the projected number one and number pitchers Andrew Ris and Tom Dente would be lost for the year. Fortunately for Ris he
was able to contribute as a DH for most of the season before he got back to at least an infield spot in early May. After a
sluggish start and some unevenness between Upper and Underclassmen the Hawks found themselves at 1-4. Instead of allowing
the downward spiral to continue the Hawks locked arms and began working harder and longer in practice. Pitchers began to work
deeper in games. Hitters started to warm up and seize their opportunity when placed in the lineup. A short season and lack
of patience may have doomed a worse team but this one began to gel. Ultimately, the Hawks would claim the school's record
tying 8th straight playoff appearance. They would participate in a memorable Bob Walpole Classic/Field Dedication. They would
post an 11-1 Conference AA-IV only record. They would snag the school's first regular season title in five years. But above
all else they would become a team as players accepted their roles, albeit sometimes begrudgingly, to do whatever it took to
win. And with that winning came a remarkable playoff run and individually the most post season awards ever as six different
Hawks grabbed personal hardware. Nick Zuvic, in addition to earning All County status was also named Conference AA-IV Player
of the Year. Darren Rodriguez, a year from being removed from the infield also had a dream season in Centerfield that ended
with an All County nod. Rounding out that trio of plaques was Erick Vilchez who was the only 11th grader in the Conference
to be named All County. Even with one healthy arm for most of the season Andrew Ris was nominated All Conference. He was joined
by Frosh Phenom Anthony Catapano while Frank Licciardi filled out the All League title. And although no awards accompanied
several other Hawks they should be recognized: Mid season call up Mike Rutigliano boosted the pitching staff when more injuries
beset the Hawks. His 3-0 record played a pivotal part in seizing the AA-IV title. JV Catchers Mike Castel and Chris Stevens
unselfishly bounced back from team to team. James Harrison with just three months of experience became a stellar Left Fielder.
Soph callups Rob Kelly, Ryan Hensley and Jon Heyer blended nicely as the rest of the infielder/pitcher combos that would help
the Hawks along the way.
Lastly Senior leadership came from Nick Zuvic, Darren Rodriguez, James
Harrison, Vinny Fortunato, Mike Senese, as these players passed the torch in another great year.
Ambushed!
To say the opening game of the Nassau County 'AA' Semi-Finals was a disappointment
would be an understatement as the Seahawks couldn't seem to get anything right in a 17-1 massacre at the hands of the Massapequa
Chiefs.
Poor pitching, poor fielding, untimely hitting and a general malaise struck
the Hawks like a battering ram as they dropped their first game in 32 days to put their season on the brink. The Hawks will
head to Massapequa tomorrow for a 4:15PM start in their first attempt at righting the ship and keeping their season alive.
Having faced adversity numerous times during the season the Hawks will
look to those experiences to wipe the slate clean and return to Carey Baseball.
Seahawks Sweep to Semis
Not looking to have anything to do with a do or die third game the Seahawks
convincingly disposed of the defending Champion Calhoun Colts 9-4 in game two of the 'AA' Quarterfinals to advance to the
Semi-Finals which will start next Monday May 20th against an unnamed opponent as of press time.
As for this one Erick Vilchez baffled the powerful Calhoun lineup as he
took a two hit shutout into the 7th before a desperation rally by the Colts netted four runs. Vilchez' line on the day was
an impressive six strikeouts, five hits allowed and two walks on the way to his 6th win of the year.
At the dish the first seven batters in the Hawk lineup cashed in with
multiple hits as they racked up a whopping 16 hits. James Harrison had two singles. Darren Rodriguez had a single, double
and a Home Run. Nick Zuvic had a single and a double. Andrew Ris added two singles. Anthony Catapano had a single and a Home
Run. Jon Heyer laced two singles and a double and Vilchez had two singles to complete the offensive onslaught.
Web gems on the day went to a diving Harrison in left field, a hanging
tough double play by Zuvic and two stabs at the 'Hot Corner' by Rob Kelly as this team effort confidently moves the hungry
Hawks to the next round.
Hawks Out-Slug Colts
Mens Sunday Softball came to Carey on
Tuesday as the Seahawks outlasted and out-slugged the Calhoun Colts 13-9 in game one of their three game Quarterfinals series.
The Hawks 12 hit attack was led by Andrew Ris who recorded a school record
6 RBI's on a 4 for 4 day that included a double, two singles and a three run Home Run that put the Hawks up for good in the
fifth inning. James Harrison contributed two doubles and a single to finish his day 3 for 5. Darren Rodriguez reached base
all four times on three walks and a hit by pitch as he scored runs all four times. Erick Vilchez had two hits while Anthony
Catapano and Jon Heyer each had one hit and two RBI's. Joe Davide also had a single while Mike Senese chipped in with a sacrifice
fly.
In the field Rodriguez had an amazing 7 putouts in center while Davide
threw out two runners at second to squash Colt rallies. On the hill Frank Licciardi gutted out seven innings doing just what
he had to do to get the win and preserve the bullpen for game two.
The series now heads to Calhoun on Tuesday as the Hawks take aim for game
two. Game time is 4:30PM.
Hawks Cage Cougars
With playoff seedings at stake, the Seahawks kept up their winning
ways as they battled back from 3-0 and 4-3 deficits to defeat Bellmore JFK 7-5 and in the process sweep the season series.
The win appears to have moved the Seahawks to the #3 seed with one week of action remaining for the other first place teams
but that will not become official until next week's playoff meeting on Wednesday night.
This one started rather inauspiciously for the Hawks as they spotted a
three run two out rally in the bottom of the first to trail 3-0. Anthony Catapano's second Home Run in as many games, albeit
a disputed one, cut the lead to 3-2 after two innings. In the third Andrew Ris safely legged out the back end of a potential
double play ball to allow James Harrison to score to make 3-3.
A fielding miscue in the bottom half of the frame gave the lead back to
the Cougars at 4-3 which stood until the 6th. Nick Zuvic worked a walk and Ris perfectly placed a Hit-N-Run bloop to right
for a double. Catapano was intentionally walked to load the bases. Rolling the dice Nick Conte's squeeze bunt almost imploded
as it flew over the mound fortunately it found a home on the ground and the score was tied. Two batters later Jon Heyer singled
as did Mike Castel to make it 6-4. Darren Rodriguez then worked a 10 pitch bases loaded walk to make it 7-4.
Heyer replaced Rutigliano on the mound and then ran into some trouble
but eventually got out of his own jam by getting a strike out and inducing a flyout with the tying run at second. He then
shut down the Cougars in the 7th to earn his first career save.
The Seahawks next host Chaminade in a scrimmage on Friday May 10th before
commencing the 2013 Playoffs at Home on Monday May 13th. Game time will be 4:30PM.
Conference Champs!
Playing before an enthusiastic crowd in their regular season home finale
the 2013 Seahawks wrote their way into the Carey High School record book as they became only the 7th team in 56 seasons to
claim a Conference Championship after drubbing the Bellmore JFK Cougars 13-0.
The newly minted Conference AA-IV Champions were led once again by an
outstanding pitching performance as Erick Vilchez went the distance striking out 10 while allowing just three hits. Vilchez
also added a double and an RBI.
Nick Conte trail-blazed the 13 hit attack as he went 4 for 4 with a triple
and 2 RBI. Anthony Catapano, who after a scary beaning recovered nicely with his first Home Run of the season to go along
with 4 RBI's. Nick Zuvic added a double and 3 RBI's. Darren Rodriguez boosted his team leading run totals with three more.
Andrew Ris doubled and plated two. Mike Senese walked twice, scored twice and singled. Joe Davide notched his first multi-hit
game of the year to round out the rest of the offense.
For the past seven years all of the Seahawks goals have been the same:
Earn a playoff berth, shoot for a Conference Championship and make a run at a County Title. So far, so good as the Hawks have
completed two out of three to date. Before going for the last big step the Hawks will close out the series with Bellmore on
Thursday, sit through their bye week next week, and then finally play host to their yet to be determined Quarterfinals opponent
on Monday May 13th. Stay tuned for updates.
Nine Lives!
Like a house cat almost getting caught shredding the furniture the Hawks
narrowly escaped disaster as they blew a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 7th on three unearned runs before bouncing back in
the 9th with three winning runs to double up Bellmore JFK 6-3 in game one of the League Title deciding series.
Frank Licciardi gutted out all nine innings striking out 10 while walking
none in what was easily his best performance of the season. Working ahead in nearly every count while executing just the fastball
and curve he kept the Cougars at bay all game long.
As for the Hawks hitters, the first inning was a run and gun prototype
as singles by Nick Zuvic, Andrew Ris and John Heyer squeezed into two hit and runs peaked with Erick Vilchez' first of two
doubles to help the Hawks race out to a 3-0 lead. The strikeout bug caught wind in the middle innings as the Hawks whiffed
nine times before finally putting balls in play in the ninth to eventually win it.
After Rob Kelly reached on a two base error, Joe Davide perfectly sacrificed
him to third before James Harrison smoked the eventual game winner to right center. Looking to tack on more, Zuvic reached
on an error and James Carr worked a 10 pitch walk to set up Anthony Catapano's heroics as his double plated two more.
In the bottom of the 9th Licciardi allowed just a soft single before setting
down the last two batters on a backwards K and a slow roller to first to finally seal the deal for the Seahawks.
The first place Hawks return home tomorrow at 4:45PM as they hope to clinch
AA-IV supremacy.
Hawks Halt Highlanders
After two close games the Seahawks finally swatted away the pesky Highlanders
of Herricks 12-1 to earn their second sweep of the season. The win moves the Hawks record to 10-4 in Conference AA-IV league
play with the battle for first to be decided once and for all as they meet rival Bellmore JFK starting on Monday.
Sophomore call up Mike Rutigliano notched his second win of the year as
he posted six innings of six hit ball, seven strikeouts while allowing no earned runs.
At the dish, amazingly, all nine Seahawk starters contributed an RBI while
Darren Rodriguez and Nick Zuvic went the identical twins route as they both went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored, one double each,
one stolen base each and two walks apiece. Andrew Ris in his season debut at Shortstop had four assists in the infield while
also smacking a single and a double. James "Hetfield" Harrison added two steals and two singles. Nick Conte had a double and
an RBI and Mike Castel had his first RBI of the year to round out the scoring.
Hawks Win 'Classic'
On a day the Hawks honored former Coach Bob Walpole with a
sparkling ceremony, the 2013 Seahawks did their own sparkling as they tied a school record by clinching their eighth consecutive
playoff appearance in a 4-2 win over Herricks in the Bob Walpole Classic.
Erick Vilchez led the way with his fourth victory on the mound as he went
6 1/3 innings, striking out a career high twelve batters while allowing only five hits. James "Enter Sandman" Harrison earned
his second save in as many games by whiffing the final batter with the tying run on first base.
Jon Heyer paved the way on offense as his two run Home Run in the fourth
following an Anthony Catapano team leading 8th double pushed the lead to 3-0.
The 9-4 Hawks head to Herricks tomorrow with a sweep in their sites as
they now lead idle Bellmore JFK by a full game in the Conference AA-IV title chase. Game time is 4:30PM.
A Special Thanks to the Following People for
Making the Bob Walpole Classic a Day to Remember:
Sewanhaka Central School District Superintendent:
Dr. Ralph Ferrie
Carey Principal: Valerie Angelillo
Carey Athletic Director: Matt McLees
Carey Graduate: Al Trautwig
Carey Head Custodian: Steve Vitale and Staff
Carey Audio Club: Lead by Barbara Priester
Carey Dads' Club
D'Anna's Pizzeria
Nancy Loesel Sign Company
John Filardo of Your T-Shirt Company
and to all of Bob Walpole's Family, Friends and Former Students.
Hawks Edge Herricks 6-5
In an attempt to induce as much gray hair as possible for both of their
coaches, the cardiac Seahawks played yet another tight contest as they battled back from a 5-1 deficit to defeat the Herricks
Highlanders 6-5 in the series opener.
Erick Vilchez, who only two innings earlier got snagged in a first to
third move atoned for his 'oops' by lacing a single up the middle to score James Carr with the eventual winning run in the
top of the seventh.
In the bottom of the seventh James Harrison bull-dogged his way to his
first career save as he struck out the side while also stranding the bases loaded as a few fielding miscues almost derailed
the comeback.
For starter Frank Licciardi, it was his day to battle as he spotted the
Highlanders five runs after two innings before stemming the tide with six 'can of corn' flyouts and one sensational running
grab by Harrison in the middle innings before giving way in the seventh.
Offensively, the contact challenged Hawks whiffed nine times but not before
Andrew Ris, Rob Kelly and Jon Heyer each contributed run scoring singles to help the first place Hawks climb their way back.
After all was said and done this thrilling comeback was spearheaded by
James Harrison as the Senior Leftfielder-Pitcher had two hits, a sacrifice bunt that set up the tying run and his first career
save. Well Done!
The Hawks return home for the sandwich game on Wednesday as the Bob Walpole
Classic returns after a one year absence. Game time is 4:30PM.
Hawks Streak Ends
No heroics this time around as the Elmont Spartans averted the sweep by
tripping up the Seahawks 4-2 in eight innings. Despite getting a third straight spectacular pitching performance this time
by Mike Rutigliano, seven innings, nine strikeouts and just two earned runs, the Hawks couldn't close the deal as a seventh
inning bases loaded situation ended with a 'K' in the Hawks last serious threat of the game.
There were, of course, some positives on the day with Darren Rodriguez'
County tying fourth Home Run of the year, Anthony Catapano's fifth consecutive game with a double and Nick Zuvic's game tying
single in the seventh. Unfortunately, in the end the Hawks m.o. of leaving teams hanging around finally came back to bite
them as nine more runners, making that 21 in two games, were left on base.
After a brief respite, the Hawks resume their League play on Monday at
Herricks as the Hawks finish up with six of their final eight games on the road.
*A special Thanks to Mrs. Sabatino for the Heros!!!!
Hawks Slay Spartans
Excelling at both the plate and on the mound, Erick Vilchez spearheaded
the Seahawks to a 10-0 whitewash over Elmont in game two of their three game set.
Coming in on emergency relief when starter Ryan Hensley's shoulder tightened
up, Vilchez was simply brilliant as he went 5 1/3 innings on just 54 pitches, striking out 9 and walking none to garner his
second win in as many days. To cap off his memorable day he doubled and homered
(3 RBI's) to help lead the offensive onslaught that took until the seventh
inning to get going as the Hawks stranded a small village (12 Men Left on Base) before Vilchez' spark.
Also adding some thunder at the plate was Darren Rodriguez (single and
a double), Anthony Catapano (single and a double), and Rob Kelly who all tasered line drives off the outfield fence. Nick
Zuvic and Andrew Ris also added two hits apiece.
In the field, Thomas Sabatino flashed the leather in the fourth inning
on a diving stop while Joe Davide shot down two would be base stealers from behind the dish.
The Hawks return home on Thursday as they go for the sweep. In attendance
as always will be Hawks season ticket holder John Montalto who continues to shine as Hawk Supporter #1.
Walk Off Hawks
Anthony Catapano's ground rule double plated James Harrison in the bottom
of the 8th as the Seahawks earned their first walk off win of the year 4-3 over Elmont.
Harrison began the inning by reaching on an error. He was perfectly sacrificed
to second on a great bunt by Darren Rodriguez, who Homered earlier in the game, three batters later after a flyout and an
intentional walk, Catapano slammed the first pitch he saw for the game winner. It was Catapano's second double of the game.
He scored on the first one after some great base running and a Sacrifice Fly by Erick Vilchez in the second inning.
On the hill Frank Licciardi went seven innings striking out nine in a
no-decision. Erick Vilchez threw a 1-2-3 8th to get the win.
The Hawks head to Elmont for game two tomorrow at 4:30PM.
Scuffling Seahawks Sweep
In recent memory the word scuffling in the lexicon of Major League Baseball
has gotten legs as an expression used to fight your way through adversity when you don't have your best stuff on the mound
or at the plate. For four innings the Seahawks played the role of the scuffling Seahawks before they finally shook free of
a tenacious Long Beach team 11-1 to lay claim to a series sweep while retaining a share of first place with Bellmore JFK in
the Conference AA-IV standings.
Ryan Hensley, in his first home start, fought through some early mound
discomfort as well as some porous defense (3 errors) to keep the Hawks within striking distance despite a 1-0 deficit after
four innings before settling down to retire nine in a row from the third to the sixth inning. He eventually registered his
second win of the year by going six full innings allowing just four hits while striking out three.
Also bouncing back nicely was Anthony Catapano whose first base scoop
with runners on second and third after a nice stop by Jon Heyer followed two earlier errors that he calmly rebounded from.
It also served as a springboard for the Hawks offense that may have never really gotten going hit-wise but it certainly sparked
good at-bats as 11 Hawk hitters came to the dish in an eight run fifth.
The highlights of the inning were Nick Conte's perfectly executed squeeze
to make it 3-1 which preceded Heyer's Grand Salami that put this one out of reach for good at 8-1. For the Hawks it was their
fourth straight game with a Home Run.
So in spite of only getting three hits while committing three errors the
Hawks confidently held the fort down before executing a signature win. One that will serve them well as the season progresses.
*A speedy recovery to Vinny Fortunato who dislocated his right shoulder
during today's action.
Beach Ball!
Making the most of their one trip to the
shore the Seahawks blasted Long Beach 25-6 as the Hawks reached the quarter century mark for the first time since 2006.
The win ensures a series win as the Hawks return home with a sweep in
their sites as they remain in the catbird seat of the Conference AA-IV standings with Bellmore.
All 16 of the Hawks hitters reached safely via the hit or free pass. Darren
Rodriguez hit his second consecutive Home Run in as many days as his fourth inning Grand Slam moved the score to 13-3. He
also added a single. James Harrison went 3 for 4 with three singles, two RBI's and two steals. Ryan Hensley double dipped
with two singles and two RBI's. Joe Marinello stroked two singles. Nick Conte also had two singles. Nick Zuvic added two singles
and two RBI's. Andrew Ris had two singles. Anthony Catapano had a double and three RBI's. Kevin McComsey laced two singles.
Catchers Joe Davide and Chris Stevens each had a hit. Erick Vilchez, Mike Senese and Rob Kelly all had one hit apiece.
On the hill, Sophomore call-up Mike Rutigliano earned his first career
victory as he went five innings striking out six while allowing just four earned runs.
The 4-3 Hawks close out the series at home on Thursday 4:45PM.
Seahawks Storm Beach 9-6
Frank Licciardi went six innings striking out six while allowing just
two runs to lead the Hawks to a 9-6 league win over the Long Beach Marines.
Darren Rodriguez went 2 for 2 with a Home Run, Double and four runs scored.
Nick Zuvic added two hits and two RBI's while Rob Kelly chipped in with two singles and an RBI to lead the Hawks offense.
Erick Vilchez nailed down the win with his first career save as a 9-2
seventh inning lead got a bit dicey before Vilchez put out the fire.
The Hawks travel to Long Beach on Tuesday for game two of the three game
set.
Roadblock!
Playing their third straight road game, as well as their fourth game of
the week, the wheels came off early and often as the Seahawks were trampled 18-3 by the Syosset Braves in the Non League finale.
The Hawks committed a mind boggling 11 errors as nothing went right on
the defensive side of the game. Despite committing 7 of those errors in the first three innings the Hawks offense was one
swing away from getting back into the game as they only trailed 7-3 in the fourth. Yet a rally was not to be as the 'clutch'
hit was also absent from the action as 7 Hawk runners were left stranded in scoring position. One positive on offense was
the first dinger of the year as Mike Senese went yard in fourth to provide the last glimmer of hope in this forgettable clunker.
After one month of cold, cold weather and weary road games and various
other distractions the ever-maturing first place Seahawks still find themselves in the driver's seat as Conference AA-IV league
play begins this week with the opener against Long Beach. Game time is 4:45PM.
Late Surge Lifts Hawks
Hanging tough defensively for four innings the Hawks offense finally broke
through an inning later when they plated four runners as they took advantage of a crucial two out-two base error. An inning
later the floodgates opened completely as the Hawks sent fourteen batters to the plate in a ten run sixth to put this one
to bed once and for all as they defeated the Port Washington Vikings 14-0.
Darren Rodriguez, a double, Nick Zuvic, a single, Andrew Ris, a single,
Joe Marinello, a single, Erick Vilchez, a single, all had one hit apiece while Anthony Catapano, a single and a double, Vinny
Fortunato, two singles and Joe Davide, a single and a triple, all chipped in with a pair to lead the blowout.
Shining on the hill was Sophomore Ryan Hensley who pitched six scoreless
innings allowing just one hit while striking out 10. Kudos to his first battery mate fellow Sophomore Chris Stevens on three
solid innings while throwing out a would be base stealer in the third.
The up and down 2-3 Seahawks end the crossover series with a push as they
sit in first place tied with Bellmore JFK as they now move forward to their three game sets starting next Monday at home against
Long Beach. The top three in the league will qualify for the playoffs. Before that however is the Non League finale on Friday
as the Hawks travel up north to face Syosset. Game time is 4:45PM.
Sloppy Seahawks Routed
A promising start quickly turned ugly as the Hawks, after leading 1-0,
never gave themselves a chance as the learning curve continued in an 11-2 wipeout at MacArthur.
Eight errors, fours walks in the first eight batters, poor baserunning
and a host of timid play led to an extremely disappointing showing that will need to quickly get wiped from the slate as the
Hawks move forward on the road to improvement.
The three game road swing enters game two on Thursday as the Hawks head
to Port Washington for the crossover finale. Game time is 4:45PM.
Hawks Win First 14-4
After three straight losses the Hawks took their frustrations out on the
Eagles of Valley Stream Central 14-4 to move their league record to 1-2, good enough for a share of first place in the Conference
AA-IV standings.
A nine run third sparked the rout as every player in the starting lineup
came around to score. Mike Senese and Ryan Hensley each knocked in two runs in the frame. Adding to the hit parade were Nick
Zuvic (3 Singles), James Harrison, Darren Rodriguez, Anthony Catapano, Jon Heyer, Andrew Ris (a Double) and Vinny Fortunato
(a Single and a Double) as the Hawks reached double digits for the first time as well.
Erick Vilchez picked up the win with two scoreless innings in relief of
Frank Licciardi who battled out of a bases loaded no one jam in the first before reaching his pitch count limit in the fifth.
The Hawks return to school and return to the road on Tuesday as they head
to MacArthur for a 4:45pm showdown between division leaders.
Pirates Pillage Hawks
After a second straight day scuffling, the Hawks once again found themselves
on the losing end as they fell via the walk-off, 5-4 to the Mepham Pirates to drop to 0-2 in league play.
For the young Hawks the growing pains are still present as are some real
positives as the close games will only make the Hawks stronger as the season progresses.
Ryan Hensley in his first career start pitched four hitless innings striking
out six before things unraveled in the fifth as has been the case in three straight games. Erick Vilchez threw two solid innings
in a losing effort as the Hawks staff still struggles to nullify the free pass as three of those eight walks came around to
score. Still the promise of the young staff is extremely encouraging.
Nick Zuvic led the offense again as he went 2 for 4 with two RBI's. Jon
Heyer had a key pinch hit single while Nick Conte had an RBI single. Excitement at the dish came in form of a Darren Rodriguez
swipe of home that gave the Hawks an early lead. Unfortunately, with the Hawks bats cooling off from yesterday's affair the
presence of small ball was needed and three failed bunt attempts, 10 strikeouts and land locked baserunning made 'stealing'
a run difficult.
With a few days off to fine tune the Hawks engine, the second half of
the crossover season will need to yield better results starting with VS Central on Monday. Game time is 4:30PM due to VS Central's
make up day of school on Monday.
Hawks Fall In 9
Despite pounding out 15 hits, the Seahawks couldn't keep the cover on
the lid as they squandered several early leads before finally falling 14-9 in 9 innings.
After two weeks of struggling with the sticks in the pre-season the 'Orange'
bats came to life as five different Hawks notched multiple hits. Andrew Ris scorched three doubles to go along with 3 RBI's.
Vinny Fortunato added a single and a double while bringing home four baserunners. James Harrison had a single and a double.
Nick Zuvic also added a single and double with two Ribbies, and Darren Rodriguez had two singles and what appeared to be a
safe steal of home for the game winner only to see the call go the wrong way as the Hawks were caught up in the 'Quinlan Rule'
as several other tough calls also didn't go their way.
Still it's tough to pin the blame on the men in blue when mental and physical
mistakes plagued the Hawks in the field while flat-out scared baserunning doomed the Hawks in nearly three different innings.
Four errors in the field, misplayed flyballs, failure to keep Colt runners from taking extra bases via steals and tags-up,
not knowing where to throw and a rare Superfecta as the Hawks runners were thrown out at every base made the 'little things'
become a big thing and negate what should have been a thrilling opening day win.
However, if the Hawks can put the offensive effort and defensive effort
together on the same day they will, as expected, be a formidable force in the Conference AA-IV League Title scramble which
continues tomorrow at Mepham at 10:30AM.
Hawks Grounded
Still not quite thawed out from the long winter, the sleepy Seahawks were
trounced in their season opener 11-1 against Floral Park.
The Hawks were only able to muster three singles, two by Nick Zuvic and
one by Erick Vilchez. A first inning bases loaded threat ended with a strikeout as it set the tone for the first of several
setbacks.
The Hawks committed five errors while the pitching staff issued six free
passes and two hit batsmen as the Knights reached base in every inning except the third. Going to the well one time too often
the Knights pushed five across in the fifth inning to break the game wide open as even the calls went against the Hawks as
a clear foul ball resulted in a two run double that gave the Knights the lead for good.
Lost in the shuffle was the 10 strikeout performance by Frank Licciardi
who ran out of gas in the fifth as he took the hard luck loss.
The Hawks open league play at home next Wednesday against defending Long
Island Champion Calhoun. Game time is slated for 10:30AM.
