Lynbrook faces early challenge

The Lynbrook baseball team has shown plenty of spunk in its first two series of the spring, but unfortunately have just one win to show for it. As a result, the Owls now face a pivotal stretch that could already determine their playoff contention.

The Owls (1-5) were hoping to ride the momentum of last year’s season-ending three-game winning streak into 2022 but were challenged immediately with a three-game series against Division, a Nassau League III semifinalist last spring. The offense hung tough against Dragon ace Mike Knapp in the opener, but eventually succumbed 6-3 on March 28.

Lynbrook was on the verge of an impressive win the next day by carrying a 10-6 lead into the sixth inning, but Division rallied and won on Knapp’s walk-off steal of home. The Dragons won 10-0 on March 31 for the sweep.

“We had an opportunity to win, and we couldn’t cash in against a real solid team,” coach Al Marrazzo lamented. “It’s a tough loss when you have them 10-6. We were up, we were feeling good, we had some great at-bats that game. It just wasn’t enough.”

The Owls recovered and got into the win column with a 13-3 thrashing of Floral Park in that three-game series opener on April 4. Anthony Macchia struck out five over five solid innings and added two hits at the plate and outfielder Sean Lengyel had three hits and three RBI. Brian Mansfield and Nate Santoli also had two hits.

“We squared up the ball really well,” Marrazzo said. “Macchia pitched really well. It was a complete game. The kids felt good about themselves.”

The Knights responded with a 12-5 win the next day and took the series by eking out a 1-0 win despite a well-pitched game by Owls’ hurler Hunter Brenneis.

Despite the record, Marrazzo has been pleased with his pitching staff that also includes senior starter Sean Myland and junior relievers Mansfield, Santoli and Esteban Salazar.

“Hunter did great against Floral Park,” Marrazzo said. “Macchia pitched really well in both outings. Mylan pitched a great game against Division. So pitching, I’m encouraged.”

Mazzarro is also encouraged with his lineup.

“In four of the six games we’ve played, we’ve hit the ball pretty good,” he said. “They’re being aggressive early on and they’re fighting when they’re behind.”

The Owls will not get a break in the schedule this week with a three-game series against defending Conference III champion South Side, which is already off to a 5-1 start at press time. After the holiday weekend, they will face Bethpage, last year’s Conference IV champ.