Dominant pitching and timely hitting propelled Harry’s Hilltop Deli to the Williston Park Little League Minors title in a 2-1 pitchers’ duel over Gino’s Pizza.
Jake David hurled five strong innings, striking out 12 and holding the vaunted Gino’s offense to just one run. Gino’s Thomas Brenes matched David frame for frame, until Harry’s pulled ahead in the bottom of the fifth inning.
The game was scoreless through three and half innings until Aidan Mcquire ripped a two-out triple to score Quinn Gilhooly from second base for the game’s first run for Harry’s. Brenes, buckled down and retired the next batter, stranding Mcquire at third.
Gino’s immediately responded with a lead-off hit by Stephen Poarch. David was able to strike out the next two batters, but Poarch stole second and third in the process and was able to score on a passed ball, before David could retire the third out of the inning. The game was tied 1-1 going into the top of the fifth inning.
Harry’s Joe Dellolio led off the inning with a walk and quickly stole second and third, as Brenes, still on the hill, struck out the next two batters. That brought to the plate John Pappas, who fought off several tough pitches and finally delivered an infield single, scoring Dellolio in what turned out to be the winning run.
Harry’s closer Mcquire quickly warmed up and came into the game for the top of the sixth. Gino’s again managed to get the tying run to third base with one out before Mcquire struck out the final two batters to secure the championship.
“These were two very evenly matched teams that played each other closely all season long, the ball just bounce our way today,” said Harry’s coach Kevin Dunn.
Harry’s Hilltop finished the season 11-3 and John Pappas road off the field on the shoulders of his teammates.
