North Bellmore, NY – The North Bellmore North Merrick LL Rebels remain undefeated in NJBL Fall League play after shutting out the Huntington Giants in both ends of a double-header at Gunther Field yesterday, 5-0 and 7-0. The games had some special purposes and NBNM rose to the occasion.

First and foremost, with Coach Sam in the hospital prepping for a surgical procedure, the team had a responsibility to perform well for their sidelined leader and make him proud. Second, in facing a Huntington team that was the NY Section 6 runner-up in the 2011 Williamsport tournament, the Rebels, with a target squarely on their collective back, needed to send a message that the two defeats they provided Huntington in the summer tourney were no fluke. They succeeded on both counts.

Game one featured dominant pitching by Rebels starter Brian Porricelli. He carried a bid for a no-no into the fifth inning when he finally allowed an opposite field single, the Giants only hit in the game. Defense behind him was rock-solid including a web-gem, backhand stab of a line drive by Matt Nilsen at third. The big blow by the Rebels offensively was a three-run homerun to centerfield by Mike Prois in the second inning that provided all the scoring they would need.

In game two, NBNM provided a similar recipe of quality pitching and defense, and timely hitting. After scratching out a run in the first, the Rebels’ Billy McAdam came through with a clutch, two-out single in the third for insurance. Starting pitcher Nick Valeriano was effective and, even when Huntington managed to create a couple of scoring chances, the defense behind him made fine plays to keep the Giants off the board. The Rebels offense tacked on and Mike Proios closed it to complete the sweep.

The Rebels’ next action will come in the 2011 Columbus Day Wood Bat Tournament at Baseball Heaven in Yaphank beginning Friday October 7. NJBL continues Sunday October 16, 1:00pm at Gunther Field against the Roslyn Bearcats.

GET WELL SOON COACH SAM!