NEAA Little League Baseball

Game One: Tigers Vs Cubs

On a glorious Saturday afternoon, the NEAA kicked off their 2013 Little League Baseball Season with the early season favorite Tigers playing against a very young but inspired Cubs team.  The Cubs surprised early, a thunderous double by Soto got the game started.  He later scored on a fielder’s choice to give the Cubs the lead.   Undeterred, the Tigers powerful offensive line up which has drawn early season comparisons to the “Murderer’s Row” of New York Yankee fame quickly responded and put up a quick a handful of runs to take control of the game.  Consecutive hard hit balls by Pagliuca, Leavitt, DiCenso, Alcott, and D’Amplo propelled the Tigers.  The Cubs continued battling all day long but just couldn’t get that timely hit on offense or make that key out on defense when needed.  All in all it was terrific way to start the season for both teams and the Cubs have certainly put the Tigers on notice that they will provide tough competition for them this year.

Game Two: Tigers vs. Cardinals

The season’s first game under the lights came with a cost, a very chilly Friday evening but by looking at the enthusiasm of players on both teams you would have thought it was 80 degrees.  The Cardinals, the 2012 Champions began defense of their title with a very different line up but the same experienced and wily coaching staff.   The Cardinals started the ace, Vin Santaniello but the Tigers were hungry and seeking to reverse the results of the 2012 finals.  Quickly, the Tigers offense struck and took an early lead, one they would never relinquish.  Again, as in their first game,  the core line up was too much for the Cardinal pitching to contain.  Powerfully hit balls by Robert Alcott, Richard Pagluica and DJ DiCenso echoed through the field.  Evan Frechette added three timely hits and the electric arm of Fortunato D’Ampoli was able to silence the Cardinals offense.  Throughout the game the Cardinals continued to show flashes of brilliance from their young players like Peter Pagliuca and Danny Scibelli. 2012 rookie of the year, Francesca Rubino was her usual high energy self and full of positive production both offensively and defensively.  But the Tigers rookies shined as well. Amanda Forziati, had a two run single notching her first hit and two rbi’s as a NEAA Major Leaguer and both Daniel Toscano and Valentina D’Ampoli reached base. Without question, the Cardinals and Tigers rivalry will continue to grow with every game this season.

Game Three: Tigers vs. Indians

Nick Seaver, Richard Pagluica and Anthony DiCenso combined for five solid innings of pitching to help the Tigers get by the young, upstart Indians.  The Tigers were able to impose their offensive will on the Indians despite a very gutsy and determined effort by Indian pitcher Charlie Griffin.  The Tiger’s Eddie Ardolino hit the hardest ball of the day that was almost defended by Brianna Woods which might have made ESPN plays of the day if she was able to finish it.  Though the Tigers took control off the game early, there was no quit in the Indians as in the last at bat they pushed two runs across to give them some momentum for their next game.

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