North Bellmore, NY – The Rebels defeated the Wantagh Warriors yesterday, 11-5, in a South Shore Tournament quarter-final match-up under steady, light rains at Gunther Field.

The Rebels employed five different pitchers in an effort to conserve pitch counts anticipating a run to the final. Eric 4, Alec 14, Mike 13, Matt 7, and Matt 11 all contributed to a pitching effort that, while yielding far too many bases-on-balls, did enough to keep the Warriors behind throughout the contest.

North Bellmore North Merrick jumped out to an early lead with a 5-run burst in their half of the first including a bomb over the centerfielder’s head by Matt 11 for a 2-RBI double.

While the Rebels did a fair job of putting the ball in the play, some shoddy defense by Wantagh helped the Rebels keep several innings alive and produce runs. Matt 26 took advantage with a clutch, 2-out single to drive in two in the fourth.

The Rebels defense was good and their middle infield of Alec 14 and Billy 20 platooning at second-base with Jack 8 at short, converted many fielder’s choices and some bang-bang plays at first on attempted double-plays.

All in all, it was a serviceable effort that sets the stage for a semi-final game tomorrow night 6:00pm at Gunther Field against the winner of tonight’s Baldwin Blue Rays/Glen Cove Comanches match-up.