District 19 - 9/10: 7/3/03 Marple 4, Media 3 What a game. Both teams played great, but unfortunately for our boys, Marple eeked this one out. This game had a bit of everything. Good pitching, good defense, good baserunning and non-stop intensity. The game started with a 3 up, 3 down 1st inning for both teams. The second inning proved decisive. With one out Media's Julian Heller ripped a long double to center field. Ryan Myers then singled but Heller had to hold at third base. Myers promptly stole second. The next batter, Sean Mayo, then hit a slow roller to third. Julian Heller faked running home prompting the third baseman to hold the allowing Mayo to reach first base safely. Unfortunately two infield pop-ups ended the inning without a run. Marple's half of the inning started with two walks. Bosco then struck out the next batter but then Marples Dorso singled in a run. Another strike out later Marple scored again on a base hit by Butera. A third run then socred on a past ball. End of two, 3-0 Marple. Marple's Kevin Leon continued to pitch well, especially in terms of control (zero walks then entire game). This proved critical again in the third inning as Media's Conner McCarren and Jake Enterlin both singled with one out. Media's next two batter continued to hit but right at Marple defenders. Again, no runs for Media. Brian Bosco (with solid defensive help) really hit his stride in the third inning holding Marple scoreless for the next three innings. Media finally scored in the fourth inning on a single by Ryan Myers and an RBI double by Sean Mayo. Again Marple's Leon did not panick and got out of the inning with no further damage. After a scoreless fifth, Media was set for their last at-bat in the top of the sixth down 3 - 1. Media got it first break of the game with a seeing eye single to right by Julian Heller. Ryan Myers then beat out a slow grounder to put runners on 1st and 3rd with no outs. Ryan Myers then decided to create some havoc with his speed purposely getting into a pickle between 1st and 2nd base which allowed Julian Heller to score. Myers then worked his way around to third base with heads up baserunning and scored the tying run on a fielder choice to the pitcher by Chris Maharaj. Ben Davis then hit a double down the left field line but was unable to score. With the score tied Marple had a last at bat. The first batter ripped a drive to left field which Sean Mayo shagged for the first out. The second batter walked and advanced to second on a past ball. The next batter ripped a hit to deep left field and again, Sean Mayo, made a spectacular catch saving the game for Media. With two outs Marples next batter singled to left just out of the reach of Mayo. Sean still picked up the ball and fired home and nearly got the runner. Our boys played great outhitting Marple 11 to 4. Brian Bosco pitched the game of his life against a very good team (6 innings, 4 runs, 4 hits, 6K's & 4BB's), the offense was it's usual impressive self and the defense was very good (only one error and some great plays). Some defensive plays that come to mind - Ryan Myers catch of pop up behind 1st base, Sean Mayo's three catches in left field & Julian Heller's 5-3 putout in the 5th. Media now has the tough task of moving through the Losers bracket. Stay tuned because this team has talent, heart and lots of pitching. Media's next game is Monday night against Del Val at Larchmont's baseball complex. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!