Westwood Legion Keeps Season Alive

Westwood Post 320 pounded Franklin for 16 runs Monday night in a 16-9 South Sectional Bracket Tournament elimination game victory over their District 6 rival at Norwood's Balch Field.

The win keeps Westwood's playoff run alive after a loss on Sunday in what is a double-elimination series. Post 320 has now scored 26 runs in its last two contests.

"We have been ripping the ball lately," said Westwood outfielder Bret Egizi, who hit a three run home run in Monday's win. "I think we have the best hitting team in the tournament."

Egizi's homer came in the second inning, when Westwood sent 15 men to the plate and scored nine runs.

"It's funny because I haven't had too many at bats lately, and tonight I started, and hit a home run in my first at bat," said the No. 9  hitter Egizi.

Four of Westwood's 15 hits came courtesy of T.J. Manning. Manning did it all for his team in the victory, reaching base six times and also pitching two shutout innings of relief.

"I'm seeing the ball well right now and going up there with confidence," said the Westwood shortstop. "This is my last year and I want to make the best of it, whether that means getting hits, scoring runs, getting walks, or pitching a couple of innings."

Mike Uradnik and Rob Johnson each had two hits, two runs, and two RBI for Westwood.

Cleanup hitter John Mullen contributed two hits and scored twice, and Jason Sementelli had two hits and drove in two. Dave Milano had both a pair of singles as well as runs.

Matt Glennon picked up the win for Westwood, despite giving up two home runs to Franklin's Steve Hole.

Westwood looks to keep its run alive at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night with Ryan Walsh scheduled to start against the loser of top-seeded Bridgewater's 4:30 winner's bracket game against Somerset.

The No. 1 seed Bridgewater nine already beat Westwood on Sunday but Manning doesn't care who he faces.

"We just know we are going to hit the ball and do whatever it takes to give our team the best chance to win."