NEAA Opening Day: Cardinals 8 – Indians 4

by Ralph Martignetti, Commissioner

After an emotional and well-planned Honorarium to Robert “Bobby” Simboli it was time for the 2012 NEAA Little League to begin: starring the Tigers and Cubs.

As expected, the lanky and talented Coleman Shea was able to keep the Tigers scoreless for two innings while also providing the game’s initial offense that gave the Cubs a 2-0.  Nine year old, Phil DiBlasi, completed his last of three innings of pitching for the Tigers giving up just the two runs and keeping the Tigers within striking distance.

After a pitching change for the Cubs, the Tigers found their stroke. They were able to put up seven runs in the bottom of the third as both Nick Seaver and Noah Foley got on base and started what would be an offensive outburst.  Key hits by Richard Paglurica, Fortunato D’Ampoli, Alex Delato and Edward Ardolino sparked the rally.

Meagan Leavitt came in for the Tigers and pitched two solid innings while the Tiger’s bats continued to roar in the 4^th and 5^th innings with DJ DiCenso clearing the bases with a three run double in the 4^th and in the following inning Evan Frechette’s Grand Slam put the game away.

The young Cubs have much to look forward to as Isabella “Izzy” DelPeschio showed she will be able to be a solid contributor.  Marcos Soto, although just nine years old, showed that he is ready and willing to compete with the older players.  The aggressiveness of Brianna Campochiaro, John Paul Anderson, Francis Shea and Mattea DelPeschio along with the core of Lawrence Chan and Michael Troiano assure that this team will be a contender and continue to improve.

More information on NEAA at NEAABaseball.org.