Special to the Times-Free Press
On Wednesday night in sweltering heat the Yankees outslugged the Mariners in a very exciting game 21-20 to take the title in the best of three series.
Game one was won by the Yankees with Gianni Fabbo pitching well and making a great catch in center field. Frankie Cali came in to close the game which ended on an impressive catch by Noah Schnittjer in left field.
Game two was the best played game of the series and season with the Mariners winning 6 to 8. Nathan Droll and Leo Acosta engaged in a pitcher’s duel. The game was close all the way. Sebastian Cosme stranded the potential winning run for the Yankees in the bottom of the 6th inning, with a good defensive play by Toren Gleeson, setting up game 3.
Game three was back and forth with the Yankees scoring eight runs in the top of the sixth inning to take a 21 to 15 lead. The Mariners were not done however and rallied to score five. With no one out, bases loaded, and three runs already in Talia Forbes came in to pitch for the Yankees and calmly got the three outs the last being a ground ball out to JJ Tritto at second base. Schnittjer also pitched well for the Yankees.
The Mariners lead by coach Brandon O’Brien were attempting to repeat as Champs. The Acosta twins, Matias, and Leo as well as Sebastion Cosme were the batting stars for the Mariners each hitting several home runs. Ira Jones-Rivera, Jake Porier, and AJ Santiago each had several key hits with Santiago excelling at catcher. Jonathan Curet, Martha Cosme, Mason Johnson, and Gleeson had quality at bats during the series. In the opinion of the Yankees coaches Jason Figeroa was the Mariners most improved player from the beginning of the season.
Anthony Forbes and Josh Tritto coached the Yankees. JJ Tritto and Henry Forbes were the offensive stars. Together they combined for eighteen hits and multiple RBIs during the series. Sonny Screnci, Talia Forbes, and Sal Rinaldi, with several hits apiece, were consistently on base and along with JJ Tritto were the stars in the field. Delvin Hacket, Fabbo, Frankie Cali, and Droll also each had big extra base hits at crucial times contributing to the win. Luis Gavaria scored the winning run for the Yankees with good baserunning and received a game ball for his efforts.
Congratulations to all! Also, the coaches, players, and parents would like to recognize the efforts of league President Nick Free for the countless hours he put in.