Announcement
Long Island Champs!
Dix Hills, NY – The North Bellmore North Merrick LL Rebels are the 2011 Williamsport 10/11 Section 6 (Long Island) Champions. They claimed the title in defeating Huntington Tri-Village LL, 4-2, last night at Otsego Park. The victory completes the Rebels perfect 6-0 run through the Section tournament.
After postponement due to weather on Monday night and a late start behind an earlier game last night, the Rebels were more than a little anxious to get this game started. Despite the delays, though, NBNM portrayed the loose group they’re known to be, and were ready to claim what they’ve worked so hard for.
The Rebels struck first when Alec Acri was driven in by a ground ball from Nick Valeriano and NBNM led 1-0 after one. With key base hits by Jack Delaney and Brian Porricelli, the Rebels extended their lead to 4-0 after two.
Rebels’ starting pitcher Porricelli was very effective en route to his complete-game victory. The only runs he allowed came by way of two hits, including a single and a three-base error, in the fourth inning that brought HTV to within two runs.
Then pitching and defense took over on both sides.
The defensive play of the game came on its final out. With two away and Porricelli bidding to retire the side in order in the HTV sixth, the clean-up hitter drove a ball deep toward the warning track in left-center. Centerfielder Kevin McCleneghan read the ball right off the bat and, with a great first step, streaked into the alley and, at full gait and full stretch, made a spectacular grab to seal the win for the Rebels.
Having brought the Section banner back to North Bellmore, the Rebels will head up to Pine Bush, NY to represent Long Island in the State tournament beginning Saturday 8/3.
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