News and Announcements
Hicksville, NY – The NBNM Rebels swept a double-header from the Hicksville Hurricanes in NJBL Spring League play today, 6-0 and 6-3. While the Rebels play was again a little inconsistent, it was surely more good than bad and showed clear signs of what’s to come when they get to mid-season form.
The Hurricanes’ starting pitcher in game one struggled early with his control and yielded an early lead that the Rebels took and didn’t give back. Meanwhile, Rebels starter Nick Valeriano was solid and economical and Mike Proios’s relief work kept things well in hand. NBNM’s offense did an excellent job of putting balls in play and many were hit hard even when they weren’t falling in. This game also featured some sparkling Rebels’ defense. A play made by Matt Conry on a ball ripped down the left field line that he speared on a diving backhand and popped up to make the long throw to Eric Solomon at first base to end the third inning was the early favorite for today’s web gem. But later in the fifth inning with a Hicksville runner on third, NBNM managed a 5-3-2 double play that went from Kevin McCleneghan to Valeriano for the out at first with Valeriano firing to Conry (debuting at catcher) who put the tag on the baserunner at the plate to take a share of the day’s top honors for defensive beauty.
In game two, the Hurricanes struck first and jumped to a 3-0 lead. But Rebels starter Jack Delaney soon settled down and NBNM chipped away. The Rebels defense was solid all-around in contrast to some shaky play by Hicksville. On the backs of strong relief pitching from McCleneghan, productive ABs throughout the lineup, and big hits from Valeriano, Alec Acri, and Solomon, the Rebels took the lead by the third inning and were ahead to stay.
Special thanks to Felix Perez who was called up to replace injured players on the Rebels roster. Perez made solid contributions including, offensively, a two-base hit to left field and, defensively, a catch of a rocket line drive in left that might still be rolling in that open field if Felix hadn’t snagged it!
The Rebels are back next Sunday to face Massapequa Coast at Anchor Field in Massapequa.
Still 4th on LI
Lets see what we can do about that this weekend.
North Bellmore, NY – The NBNM Rebels kicked-off their 2011 season today splitting a double-header with Elwood Storm at Gunther Field.
On a day featuring two key injuries in the Rebels’ lineup, North Bellmore North Merrick got off to a slow start in game one falling behind early and were shut-out through four innings. Rebels pitchers Nick Valeriano and Kevin McCleneghan battled well to minimize damage long enough for NBNM’s bats to awaken and in the fifth Matt Conry lined a sharp base hit to center to get things tied up. Valeriano singled up the middle to put the Rebels ahead in the top of the sixth. But the Storm answered back with two to retake the lead in the sixth. In the Rebels’ final at-bat they did well to put the tying run into scoring position. With two out, Eric Solomon hit a hard shot up the middle that looked to be a game-tying single but Elwood’s pitcher made a fine play to snag it and preserve the win for the Storm, 6-5.
In game two the Rebels took a 1-0 lead in the first and went on to keep and extend their lead throughout the ballgame as the offense started really clicking. Alec Acri continued his hot hitting with a double hit deep to the left-centerfield alley. Mike Valentino, whose bat was on fire all day, missed a homerun by five feet hitting a double off the wall to go with four hits on the day. Matt Nilsen broke the game open in the fourth when he ripped a double to left-center. Jack Delaney provided the defensive gem of the day when, on what appeared to be an error by Conry with a ball going under his glove at third, Jack kept with the play, went way deep into the hole on his backhand and nailed the batter with the long throw to first. With pitcher Mike Proios bearing down and keeping the Elwood offense mostly quiet, the Rebels cruised to a convincing 10-4 victory.
Though the Rebels’ play was a little bit up and down, it appeared they settled in as the day went on and are on the right track for the successful 2011 season we all expect.
Special thanks and shout-out to Mike Valentino for his necessary help today who was a welcome addition in every way!
The Rebels return next Sunday for a 1:30pm double-header with Hicksville at Abe Levitt field.
Can all parents please increase the remaining players calcium intake for the next few months, I can’t take anymore of these broken finger phone calls.
I only hope the boys enjoy being together on the field half as much as I enjoy watching them.
Today’s practice is exactly what I hoped it would be, it looks like we are ready for the next step our growth as players and as a team.
Some of you boys might remember a few years ago, at the beginning of the 9 year old season to be exact, that I had 3 major goals for the team to achieve prior turning 13. I told them that I would not tell them what the goals were until they were accomplished. As the boys know the first goal was completed when we won the South Shore Championship at age 9, and, as we all know, they did it again at 10 but it still only counts as completing one of the goals.
Based on the effort shown during today’s practice I know achieving goal # 2 is going to be an easy task.
Keep up the hard work!
Coach Sam
