What happens when you lose the first game of a double elimination series? You work hard not to lose again. That is just what the Comanches did on Aug. 5. Glen Cove took on a strong Levittown team in the first round of the Babe Ruth playoffs. Levittown had a strong first inning scoring four runs. We got back two in the bottom of the first on Donnie Daniels' double (1 for 3, one RBI). We scored one more in the second inning to make it 4-3. Kristopher Osborne tied it up at 4-4 with a sac fly. They went ahead by two runs in the fourth inning. Antonio Rodriguez came on to pitch three strong innings of relief, allowing just one hit, no runs but out bats were slow and we lost 6-4.

The long task of digging out of a big hole began. After two hard days of practice our new motto was, "6 In A Row." We went to Eisenhower Park to play Hicksville. Kevin McGuire pitched brilliantly - three innings, six strikes, four hits, 0 runs and picking up his sixth win in the Babe Ruth match (6-1). Timmy Robinson came in on relief for two innings with two strikes, two hits and 0 runs.

Josh Reesman's key triple added a single and he had three RBIs; Robert Tartaro a double, two RBIs; Frank Carrotta a single, double, two RBIs and all added up to a big 11-0 victory. The infield turned in four double plays stopping everything the other team started.

Our new motto was "5 In A Row," now two more days of practice and on Aug. 11 we went to Merrick Park for the Long Island Knights who had just eliminated a powerful Baldwin team. Going into the fourth inning the Knights had a 3-2 lead when we erupted for three runs. Drew Isaacson tripled with two outs, his third hit of the day. Antonio Rodriguez doubled him in. Three hits for T.J., two singles, one double, two RBIs. Frankie Carrotta had a single, double, sac fly and three RBIs. Rodriguez started the game three innings, three runs, three strikes. Kevin McGuire picked up his seventh win of the season (7-1), four innings, seven strikes, one hit, one run in a 7-4 come-from-behind victory. Our new motto was "4 In A Row."

On Aug. 12, what a nail biter! Merrick Park again vs. League-leading Wantagh. Danny Matuzak had the ball for this game going all seven innings, seven strikes, two hits, one run unearned. (Danny now has a 7-2 record.) We waited till the bottom of the seventh before Frank Carrotta singled home Robert Tartaro who walked and stole second with the game-winning run. Donnie Daniels had a first inning single for our first run. Josh Reesman singled and doubled. Paul Casale doubled and Richard Nelson singled for our only hits. This was the toughest game of the year so far. What a pitching duel. Our new motto was, "Three In A Row."

On Aug. 14, here comes Levittown again. They have knocked us down but not out. In Wantagh Park, Drew Isaacson had a double, triple, walk, HBP and four RBIs. Josh Reesman chipped in two singles, two RBIs. Dave Malinowski, the hitting star, had three hits and caught a great game. Frank Carrotta had three hits, two RBIs. Dan Matuzak had two hits, one RBI. Richie Nelson had two hits. Antonio T.J. Rodriguez baffled them with six strong innings, six strikes, two hits, two runs. We eliminated Levittown 11-2. Our new motto was, "2 In A Row."

On Aug. 16, back at Wantagh Park vs. the undefeated Long Island Saints. Kevin McGuire was on the mound and tookcharge with five innings, 11 strikeouts, five hits, four runs picking up his eighth win of the season.

The big blow of the game came early. Paul Casale, Jr. had a three-run homerun in the first inning starting the rally.

Donnie Daniels hit a grand slam in the fourth innings five RBIs for the day to put the game out of reach.

Timmy Robinson played great in right field throwing a key runner out at first base.

The final score was 14-4 Glen Cove. Our final motto, "1 More To Go."

The county championship was Saturday, Aug. 18 at John Burns Park.

Before a packed house we faced the Long Island Saints again. On the mound for them was John Armenio who throws 89-90 mph. Our work was cut out for us. Pitching for the Comanches was Dan Matuzak III. Drew Isaacson got things started off by walking, then stealing second and third and scoring on a fielder's choice. Drew walked three times, scored three runs, one RBI in the bottom of the third. Donnie Daniels broke a 1-1 tie with a shot down the left field line. Donnie doubled, walked, one RBI for the day. We opened it up in the fifth inning. Paul Casale's suicide squeeze upset their balance. Paul had two hits, one RBI for the day. Frankie Carrotta, two singles, one double sent them packing with five RBIs. Dan Matuzak pitched five strong innings, four hits, one run. Our infield just stopped them cold: Third baseman Josh Reesman, shortstop Frank Carrotta, Jr., second baseman Paul Casale, Jr., first baseman Antonio Rodriguez. What else can we say?

We all lined up to get our county championship jackets and the celebration began. What a victory! Manager Paul Casale and coach Dom Grosso said after the first loss, "We still could do this six in a row. We know these guys never give up." This one was so sweet after all the taunting the Saints coaches and players gave us during the season. What a team our Glen Cove Comanches are. Thank you all.