Instructional Division Saturday, April 3

The superstars of the future. Even though it was cold and damp we had a full house at the Merillon Complex Saturday with 5 and 6 year old instructional players ready to "play two." There are 8 teams (101 players) all ready to learn the fundamentals of baseball and have a lot of fun doing it. Great job by all the new coaches who have come aboard to help out. We're off to a great season.

Boys Upper Farms Division

April 3 Games

Cardinals (10) Vs. Twins (6)

The Cardinals faced a strong Twins team today. Danny Luchino pitched the first 3 innings striking out 8 and going 1 for 4 at the plate, scoring a run. Sammy Aziz pitched one strong inning striking out 2 while scoring 3 runs. Brian Dieber finished the twins off by pitching two strong innings, striking out 5 and was 1 for 2 at the plate with 2 runs scored. The Cardinals hitting star of the game was Patrick Theodoropoulos who went 2 for 3 with 6 RBI's, hitting a grand slam to ensure a Cardinal victory. Mark Roantree was a strong 1 for 2 with some timely defensive plays in the field. Matt Cenicola, Branden Abrams and Richard Husch displayed solid defense and some aggressive at bats which helped the team. Craig Schmidt who played the entire game was 1 for 2, showing some heart and soul by playing through discomfort in his leg. Matthew Sartoris had two steals while scoring the winning run in a well played game. Congrats to Chris Murphy who did an excellent job behind the plate umpiring the game. Until next week, GO CARDS!

White Sox(2) vs. Brewers (4)

What a great opening game! The White Sox played a great first game. James McCleary, Denes Kostel, and Michael Friedlich each pitched 2 innings to keep the Brewers to only 4 runs. John Triptree and David Kim showed what they're made of with terrific base running to score out 2 runs. Mickey Hanley, Brandon Silva, Pradyuman Kodavatiganti, Kyle Triptree, Ben Hoffman, and Travis Tong all played impressive baseball in the field.

Martin Fuel Merillon Rockies (9) vs. Diamondbacks (7)

The Rockies and Diamondbacks both seemed excited to play their season opener. The Rockies came out strong when Jeremy Bernstein hit a triple followed with singles by Austin Ward and Thomas Jaklitsch. The Diamondbacks battled back. In the second inning Austin struck out the sides for the teams first one-two-three inning. John Leva came in and pitched a beautiful third and fourth innings experiencing four strike outs and playing some strong defense. Thomas had another single in the third while Nick Driscoll, Marc Giovanniello, Brendan McNulty, Joe Flynn and Ross Hoffman helped the Rockies score a few more runs with their bats. Jeremy came in and pitched an excellent fifth inning. The Diamondbacks showed the fans that they were there to play ball and fought back in the bottom of the sixth inning. Daniel Coster pitched the sixth inning and led the Rockies to a victory with a little help from John's game ending line drive catch off a Diamondbacks bat. Great job by both teams.

Rockies(9) vs. Diamondbacks(7)

Brian Renta led the Diamondbacks' offense with a double and a triple, driving in six of the team's seven runs while pitchers Sam Weinbaum, Nicholas Simeoli and Steven Farkas turned in fine performances. The D'Back's defense was anchored by the strong play of outfielders Brian Wood, Michael Barry, and Michael Glaser; infielders Trevor Kriegel and Kimon Papadopoulos, and catcher Harrison Strows. Go, Diamondbacks.

Marlins vs. Phillies

The Marlins opened their season with a blast. Billy Stevens started us off in the 4th with his first single of the season. Paul Reo followed with another base hit. Spencer Beck, Andrew Blumenson, Peter Ferrante and Neil Reid worked out key walks to manufacture 3 runs. In the 5th Joey Richards led off with a walk followed by Tyler Carrick and Billy Stevens. Paul Reo stepped up to the plate and smoked a Grand Slam to right center to get the crowd going. Sean O'Shea, Jonathan O' Brien, and Michael Casey sparkled on the field. Tyler Carrick, Joey Richards, and Paul Reo each pitched 2 brilliant innings in their Upper Farms debut. Hats off to the Phillies players and coaching staff for a first class game!! Way to go Marlins.

Boys Minors Division

April 3 Games

Dr. Anthony Citriniti, DDS "Surf" (7) vs. "Expos" (1)

The Dr. Anthony Citriniti, DDS "Surf" opened the season with a strong 7-1 win over the talented Expos. Leading the offense were Steve C. and Matt M., with Joey C., Brendan L., and Sam N. chipping in with a hit apiece. Jon L. (a RBI and run scored), Bobby F. (a run scored), Jordan B. Jesse M. and Andrew S. also contributed to the offense. Defensive gems were made by Joey C., Jon L. and Bobby F., while John M. pitched two perfect innings, striking out 5. Steve C. and Brendan L. also pitched 2 excellent innings apiece, striking out 4 batters each.

April 4, Games

Cyclones (2) vs. River Sharks (0)

The Cyclones started off on the right track rolling past a tough Riversharks team. John Weitzel was flawless in his opening day shutout demonstrating speed and control throughout the game. Kenny Richards was rock solid behind the plate as usual. Andrew Levine had his first single of the season in the 2nd. Steven Phillips and Chris Kelly got together for a nifty play to close out the 3rd inning. Tommy Roulis went a perfect 2 for 2. Robert Butler launched a triple in the 5th followed by an opposite field home run to right courtesy of Michael Melita to take a 2-0 lead. Also sparkling on the field were Adam Goltche, Nicholas Aronov, and Matt Alongi. Cyclones ... keep on rolling!