Last weekend was a bitter/sweet one for the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge No. 2143 Golden Lions. The Lions swept a pair of games from the Avengers in Island Park, 9-4 and 17-5 to clinch a playoff spot in the South Shore Softball League, but lost power hitting second baseman Vinny Battista for the season due to a dislocated shoulder.

In the first game, the Golden Lions combined for 7 runs in the fourth and fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie. Joe Pasale (who has a team leading .667 on-base percentage) and Glenn Rice (.559) returned from the disabled list 100 percent healthy and helped ignite the Columbus Lodge's offense. Joe Pasale and Dave Saviano each had three hits and a walk to lead a balanced 19-hit attack; Lions win 9-4.

In game 2, the Columbus Lodge scored 8 runs over the first two innings and coasted to a 17-5 win. Once again, Dave Saviano (4 for 4, 2 BB) and Vinny Battista (3-4, 2 triples) lead the Lions' 23 hit attack. Lou Roseto, who has emerged as the Lions' ace pitcher, improved his record to 8-2. "We won two games for Ed (Bochynski)," said outfielder Glenn Rice. Manager Ed Bochynski was unavailable due to personal commitments. The two wins assured the third place Lions of a playoff spot.

During the final inning of the second game of the double header, Vinny Battista dislocated his shoulder on a play at home plate. Teammate Joe Pasale, a N. Massapequa EMS volunteer, had his teammate in a sling within minutes of the incident. Battista was brought to South Nassau Medical Center for treatment and will be in a brace for two-four weeks. At that time, doctors will determine if there is any cartilage or ligament damage before prescribing therapy.

Columbus Lodge's Anthony Curran called the injury a "devastating blow" for the playoff bound Golden Lions. Besides providing solid defense at second base, Battista was batting .543 and was among the team leaders in homeruns (behind Ron Gandolfo and Daron Tripoli and Dave Saviano). Vinny, a long-time member of the Columbus Lodge, was optimistic about his return next season.

Despite the Battista injury, Columbus Lodge's Ed Bochynski feels the club still has a lot of firepower in their lineup. "Guys on this team seem to step-up when we have too," said Bochynski.. Bochynski noted that in early June his number two, three and four hitters we missing from the lineup and the Lions easily swept their opponent. The Columbus Lodge is currently second in runs scored, in the 18-team league.

Other OSIA News: "Hippie" Tony Novarro, who injured his pitching hand on July 16, is expected to return to action this Sunday...The 3rd Annual Sons of Italy-Arthritis Foundation Celebrity Softball Game has been rescheduled for Sept. 16, at John J. Burnes Park in Massapequa. WALK-FM's David Weiss and Universal Wrestling Federation Champ Sunny Beach will be at the event.