Chatham White 12U Blasts South Orange in Home Opener

After losing a heartbreaker on the road Thursday night in Union, the Chatham White 12U Summer travel baseball team responded in a big way Friday night at Shunpike downing the Cougars of South Orange 17-5. On the road in the league opener at Union starting pitcher Thomas Wolf staked the visiting Chatham team to a two run lead, but Union clawed back against two relievers to tie the game 7-7 at the end of five innings. Union was prevented from taking the lead by a spectacular centerfield catch by Sam Alterman. In the bottom of the sixth inning Union got a flare singe over a drawn in infield to secure the victory. On Friday night at home Chatham rebounded with 10 hits in a four inning win over the visitors from South Orange. Liam Holland took the mound for the home team and overcame some early control problems to help stake Chatham to a 5-4 lead after two innings. Matthew Patterson and Sam Richardson shut down the visitors from there while the home crowd enjoyed a 12 run explosion over two innings to give Chatham the win. Wolf lead the offense going 3 for 3 with two doubles and three RBI's. Lead off man Michael Vintzel again reached base twice.  It was a good night to be a Sam in Chatham; Sam Dempsey and Sam Richardson each doubled for Chatham while Sam Alterman slugged two, including one that short hopped over the left field fence. Gabe Park, and A.J. Petruska added RBI's and the game ended when Ben Prill stole home. Willie Kelly made the play of the game with a sliding outfield catch. Chatham White returns to action Monday night at Ginty Field in Morristown.