When members from the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 took the field and defeated the Hempstead Hitmen 18-6, all of them were anticipating a new homerun record would be set, and why not? All season, Anthony "Big Sausage" Curran has been hitting homeruns at a record pace. "This has been a breakout year for Anthony," said Lions captain Ed Bochynski. "Everything he hits just flies off his bat."

Curran, who entered the July 21 game batting .691, hasn't had much to be worried about this season. But entering this game, he was worried about his swing. In his last two contests, Curran had been getting jammed on inside pitches that resulted in weak ground ball outs. After Sunday's four-hit performance, which included two-homeruns and 6-RBIs, his worries are gone. "I guess I corrected my swing," concluded Curran.

In the first inning, Columbus Lodge centerfield Dave Saviano, whose 3-hits in the game raised his batting average to .644, drove in the first run of the game. With Saviano at first base, Curran stepped up to the plate. Curran entered the game tied with Ron Gandolfo's record for the most homeruns in a season by a Lodge member (18). On the first pitch, Curran connected on a two-run homerun (his 19th) that gave his team a quick 3-0 lead and established a new single season mark.

Although the new record was satisfying, Curran wasn't done. Entering the forth inning behind 4-3, he hit connected on his second home run of the game. Curran's 20th of the season was a grand slam that was part of a 14-run attack that gunned down the Hitmen and gave his team a 17-4 lead. "I guess the investment I made in a new bat paid off," said Curran modestly.

Dave Saviano scored the final run in the seventh inning, when he connected on his eighth homerun of the season. "I love batting behind Dave (Saviano), he's such a good hitter" said Curran. Saviano, who has been hampered in recent weeks with a leg injury, said, "This is the best my leg has felt in weeks." The 18-6 victory leaves Curran with two weeks of regular season games and the Arthritis Foundation Tournament, in which to add to his record.

The Golden Lions take to the field tomorrow morning (Saturday, Aug. 10) in a charity softball tournament to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The fun raising event will be at Cantaigue Park in Hicksville; first pitch is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. This year the Columbus Lodge's participation in charity softball events have helped various Long Island charities raise over $71,000 and since the team's inception their participation has helped raise over $509,000.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, located behind the Stuart Thomas Manor on Boundry Avenue in So. Farmingdale, is a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, a not-for-profit fraternal organization. The Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on the Lodge's softball program or on becoming part this organization one may call Ed Bochynski at 876-6611.

Other OSIA News: The Columbus Lodge Charity Golf Tournament will be on Aug. 29 at Bethpage Golf Course. For more information one may telephone Bill Iannone at 796-6321 or co-chairman Angelo Mangione at 249-5649.