Announcement

NBNM Clinches Return to LI Final

Posted by Mike Conry on Jul 18 2012 at 01:49AM PDT in 2012 Summer
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Seaford, NY – The North Bellmore North Merrick Little League Rebels clinched their second consecutive appearance in the Long Island (Section 6) Williamsport Championship game tonight when they defeated Plainview LL 4-0 at Seamans Neck Park. The victory ensured their place in the top two seeds after the play-off round as they improved their Section record to 4-0.

At the outset of tonight’s game the Rebels defense hinted that Plainview would be hard-pressed to score. A fine play by Matt Conry to rob Plainview’s Franco of a lead-off hit was soon outdone when Brian Porricelli started a play by making a tough catch in center field fighting swirling winds. After getting aboard on a bad-hop infield hit and advancing when the ball reached dead area, the runner on second base attempted to tag up, and Porricelli threw what looked to be a strike to Conry at third. But the ball hit the runner in his shoulder and deflected well into foul ground beyond third base just short of that same dead area. When the runner then attempted to score, pitcher Nick Valeriano alertly chased down the ball and fired to catcher Matt Coster to nail the runner at home and end the inning. That was as close as Plainview would get, as just one other baserunner got as far as first base.

RBI singles by Matt Coster and Jack Delaney put the Rebels ahead 2-0 after two innings.

Meanwhile Valeriano settled into a serious groove and, with the solid Rebels defensive play, did not allow a Plainview batter to reach base the rest of his way. He was lifted to preserve his pitch count at 49 after 5 1/3 innings.

The Rebels added insurance when Billy McAdam led off the fifth inning with a base hit and Brian Porricelli turned on a 1-2 pitch to crush a majestic bomb to an adjacent field far beyond the right field fence.

In the closer role, Jack Delaney got a strike out and a fly to right to end it.

Boxscore and game details

The Rebels next play Thu night 8:00 pm in the last game of pool play against District 34 winner Commack South LL at Otsego Park. The Section final is Friday night 6:00 pm at Lions Field in Port Washington.

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