It was speed versus power as a confident Smithville Raider team made the trip up to face our boys in the first of the best of three series to determine the league champions.
Representing the town of Barnegat was the Mirage Bombers: Jerry Giemzo, Skip Vaccarello, Marty Lisella, John Arena, CSM Thomas, Pat Pipi, Joe Germano, Robin Greenwald, Rich Zaccagna, Ben Lo Scalzo, Bill Farmer, Mike Pappas and Posillipo.
Your Bombers last faced Smithville four years ago, and the only thing we remembered about this team is that they were fast. That report proved correct as their first two batters reached with infield singles, but nice plays by Marty and Jerry shut them down and they failed to score.
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Mirage comes out hitting in their half of the first as we have first and second a run in with only one out, but a slick 6-4-3 double play holds us to only that one run.
In the second, a double and an RBI single by Joe G starts the party as we plate five and now hold a 6-0 lead after two. From that point on, it was power over speed as your boys pound out an easy 16-6 victory.
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The Mirage played with a sense of urgency from the very first to the last pitch. The defense was crisp and the boys flat raked all game long.
As is customary, Mirage likes to play a nine-inning game, but Smithville requested only a seven-inning game. "We heard about your power, and feel you would overcome us in a long game," said Smithville. Nice compliment, but we just like to play. The longer the game the more we like it.
Their strategy did not work, as this one was over early.
The field was Yankee Stadium quality today and we would like to thank John Germano for that. John got his tickets early and was in the crowd today, camera in hand.
After the game, John posed with us for our game picture and thanked us for representing the town of Barnegat in a winning fashion.
Hard to figure why some of the east side of town does not see our team as a plus for the community.
The team made reservations with Spiaggia's after the game and Jon was nice enough to provide complimentary wine with our lunch. Jon also said he would love to sponsor us next season. "I don't know Jon, the Mirage is a pretty hot property right now." LOL Skip.
Guess Spiaggia is the official restaurant of the Mirage, or should I say The Spiaggia's Bombers.
Softball played in Barnegat is good for local business.
Dave Breeden took time from his busy schedule to come down and congratulate our team.
After a few beers we asked John Germano for a game vs. his Young Guns. Tweak the rules to compensate for our age difference and twenty minutes later we had a game.
Tony Frigone will donate his services as umpire.
The game will be played on a late Sunday afternoon. Date to be announced. Win or lose, after that game both teams will head over to the legion.
Give a boy a bat and a ball and a place to play and you'll have a good citizen.
BOMBER BITS:
We had three injuries of concern today...Marty broke a finger, CSM Thomas has a quad and Pat has a groin pull. Trainer G. Monahan recommended the seven-day DL for them but the guess here is that they will be at Saturday's intrasquad game.
It is how you show up for a showdown that counts. Today you guys show up big.
No curfew tonight, boys.
