Livingston Wins in Walk-Off Style Over Belleville

The Lancers had a chip on their shoulder going into Saturday's game with Belleville.  Livingston was coming off two poorly played games, which ended up in losses to West Orange and Bloomfield. 

But Livingston —the defending 2009 Greater Newark Tournament Champions — took a step in the right direction Saturday as they defeated Belleville 6-5 in the bottom of the seventh off the bat of senior Jimmy Napolitano.

It was more then a year ago that Livingston and Belleville played in the extra inning Great Newark Tournament semi-final, which Livingston also ended up winning 6-5. 

"It is always fun when we play Belleville," senior captain Frank Schwindel said.  "Whether it is regular season or Greater Newark Tournament, it is always a great game."

Belleville lead off batter Joe O'Donnell started the game with a triple off Livingston junior Sean Rucker. Mike Cayli then came to the plate and hit a ground ball to second base, which scored O'Donnell.

Livingston rallied from the start, when the Lancers immediately struck back in the bottom of the first.  Jimmy Napolitano walked and then stole second base. After a Schwindel out, Beaubien followed with a walk.  Then a pass ball occurred, advancing Napolitano to third and Beaubien to second.  On the next pitch, junior Matt Rehm hit a ground ball through the hole on the left side of the infield; both Napolitano and Beaubien scored.  Rehm advanced to second on the throw to the plate.  Junior Brian Drapeau followed and hit a line drive to left field, which plated Rehm. 

Livingston led 3-1 after one inning of play.

The tough Belleville team came right back in the top of the second, though, and scored two runs. Both Angel Colon and Gerard Gilfone singled.  With Jonathan Caraballo batting, Colon and Gilfone stole and Caraballo then knocked a single to center field scoring both and tying the game.  

Livingston took the lead in the bottom of the third when Brian Drapeau scored off a Matt Flynn single.

Rucker walked the first batter to start the third inning then retired the next six batters over the third and fourth innings.

Livingston added another run in the fourth inning, increasing their lead to 5-3.  Brian Drapeau had his second single of the day and it scored junior John Sorrentino who was pinch running for Frank Schwindel.

Belleville hurler Gabe Rivera and Livingston south paw Rucker then settled into the game.

Rucker got into a jam in the fifth inning when he had runners on first and second but struck out Joe Anello.  Rucker pumped his fist in excitement as the momentum shifted to Livingston.

But Rivera stayed composed for Belleville and kept the game at 5-3.

In the top of the sixth Belleville struck again.  Angel Colon scored for a second time and Louis Soto also scored off the bat of Caraballo who was 3-for-3 on the day.

But Livingston, with a roster of experienced seniors, did not fret after they did not score in the bottom of the sixth.

Rucker trotted back out to the mound and had a one, two, three inning where he struck out two and gave his Lancers a chance to finish the game.

"The top of the seventh was the best I felt," Rucker said.  "As the game progressed I felt better and better."

When the bottom of the seventh struck, it was Livingston's time to shine, especially Jimmy Napolitano.  Senior Greg Gamba started the rally with a single.  Matt Flynn then singled giving the Lancers second and third.  Rivera was pulled from the game and in came Irving Pena.

Pena first faced Livingston lead-off batter Nick Kozlowsky.  Pena walked Kozlowsky, which loaded the bases.  Pena threw a first pitch fastball for a ball.  Pena threw another fastball right down the heart of the plate and Napolitano drove it into left field scoring Gamba and winning 6-5.

"It was a great feeling," Napolitano said.  "We faced him last year in the semi-final and he throws hard. But the harder you throw it, the farther it goes."

Livingston will now take on Seton Hall Prep in the Greater Newark Tournament quarterfinal on Thursday.  Seton Hall Prep defeated Verona 7-2 on Saturday. 

The first time Livingston and Seton Hall played this season was back on April 1 at Livingston and Seton Hall won that contest 4-3.

"I'm excited we get the play Seton Hall.  They are great competition and are one of the most prestigious programs in the state," Napolitano said.

"It was a battle today and I am glad we came out on top," Livingston head coach Scott Schroeder concluded.

*This article has been updated.