By John C. O'Connell
Thus began the new Valley Stream Little League season April 13 with league officials and elected representatives joining hundreds of parents and children at Fireman's Field for opening day ceremonies.
Since the start of the season through the week ending April 21, coaches and manages have noted many game highlights, which the Herald is happy to report.
On April 9, Culley's Furniture beat Rizzo's 7 to 2, reports W. Stewart. "Billy Stewart pitched 4 strong innings and hit a homerun along with Robert Carnes. Good catching by Robert Dema. Good defense by Timmy Wieclaw."
On April 10, reports Manager Frank Agueros, Wheeler had 4 runs to Subway's 5. "Will Silon pitched two innings of shut out baseball. Scott Goldberg made outstanding play at third base on a sharp-hit grounder making a strong accurate throw to first. In the bottom of the six with Wheeler leading 4 to 0. Eric Agueros with two out hit a triple with the bases loaded driving in three runs. Keith Raad then [singled] to tie the game. [He] stole second and third. Dave Ramos then hit a single up the middle to win the game. This was an outstanding game played by Wheeler and Subway."
Wheeler beat Subway 14 to 6 on April 12. "There was great offense by Wheeler Deli winning their first game of the season. Outstanding game by Scott Goldberg including a home run and 5 RBI's. Key hits by Matt Browne, Joe Mando and speedy base running by William Sollin. Great defense behind the plate by Christian Coletta and Michael Barba pitching in relief allowing no runs, no hits and 3 Ks," Agueros said.
On April 13, Millennium Furniture beat Cully's 4-3. W. Stewart reports that "It was an exciting game following the opening ceremony. Excellent RBI by Robert Dema bringing home Billy Scelzi. Douglas Ynacay with an RBI triple. Awesome base stealing by Michael DeRosa. Game tying homerun by Raymond Spragley.
In the minors, on April 15, Wheeler Deli earned 7 runs to Astoria Federal's 6. "Wheeler Deli wins another nail biter with Michael Barba, Tom McBride and Scott Goldberg's combined pitching striking out 10," the coach said. "Good base running by Jamie Golinkoff and Evan Kearney, scoring twice. Strong defense continues by catcher Christian Colletta and William Sollin at first. Keep up the great playing guys."
On April 18, Subway beat Cully 11-2. B. Stewart said it was a "tough loss but a great effort by the team most notably by Billy Stewart with two RBIs bringing home Raymond Spragley both times. You can learn more from your losses than your wins."
On April 18, Cully's Furniture lost to Subway, 11 to 2. Frank Agueros reports that Jeffery Penna pitched 4 innings of 1 hit and 1 run. "Tyler Heuer made a good throw to second getting runner attempting to steal, Keith Raad made a nice tag on the runner. Cully's shortstop made two nice plays throwing out runner at second and first."
On April 20, Cully's defeated G&D Drywall 7 to 4. "What a great and exciting victory!" said B. Stewart. "It all came together in the bottom of the 5th inning with an RBI single by Timmy Wieclaw, following with an amazing triple by Billy Stewart bringing in two runs. The hits just kept on coming, Douglas Ynacy hit a double bringing in Nelson Perez and Brian Friel. Michael DeRosa had an RBI single and brought his teammates Patrick Mongomery and Douglas Ynacy to end a great game for our team."
In the majors on April 13, it was Maria's Yummy Ice Cream 13 and A & A Vet 4. Nick Danisi reports that Anthony Graziano got to pitch the first game of the season, "and what a game, getting 13 strikeouts, allowing 6 hits, 4 walks and 4 runs. Anthony also hit a triple and three runs scored. John Rogan with a 2-run home run and a great catch at shortstop. Alex Oppenheimer also with a great catch at third base in foul territory. Nicholas Danisi with a base hit and two RBI's and a couple of runs scored. Michael Zito with a single, triple, and a couple of RBIs. Chris DaMota with three hits and an RBI. Raul Rosa with 2 singles and a home run with a couple of RBI's. Joe Maci with a single and a run scored. Andrew Trager with a single, double, RBI, and a run scored. Jeffrey Anderson with an RBI single. Other great team efforts by Brendon Francis, Richard Cheong, Jesse Quinones, and Brae Coston-Clark. Great defense and offense to record a win in the season's opener for Maria's Yummy Ice Cream Team.
