Post 201's Defense and Hitting Lead Against Roselle

LINDEN - Livingston Junior Legion Post 201 made the first leap of what they hope will be three more leaps of faith.

Livingston combined some power and good defense to lead them to a 7-6 victory over Roselle Post 229 on Sunday. 

Post 201 will next play on Monday at Memorial Field in Linden against the loser of either South Brunswick-Haddon Heights. With a loss on Saturday against Mt. Olive and win over Roselle, Livingston must win three more games to make the state tournament this coming weekend without stumbling again in the double-elimination tournament.

Post 201 got some big hits from second baseman Connor Kimmel and a big defensive play by third baseman Jake Dock in the top of the seventh inning.

Kimmel was 3-for-4 on the day with three RBIs and two runs scored. Two of the three hits came with a pair of doubles in the fifth and sixth innings off of Roselle pitcher Harry Uhrig.

"They were both down the middle," said Kimmel about the pitches by Uhrig, adding that he was surprised that Uhrig threw it down the middle for the second double. "Yes, that's where I like it."

Livingston Manager Bob Thiemer lauded Kimmel.

"I think Kimmel is the best hitter in the Livingston system," said Thiemer.

But even with the three RBIs, Roselle came firing back in the top of the seventh inning and loaded the bases, but two plays kept Livingston alive. First, Dock made a diving play to catch a grounder hit by Mark Giacalone, which got him at first base for the first out. "Dock made a major league play," said Thiemer after the game. "It saved the game."

Kimmel also praised Dock for his play. "Jake Dock made a great play that would have loaded the bases," said Kimmel.

Then relief pitcher Andrew Egner struck out Siteekey, looking to end the game.  

As it turned out, Kimmel's second double of the game, this time to the left field wall, scored both Taylor Parsons and Jordan Farber to take the 7-5 lead in the bottom of the sixth inning.

Like Saturday, Livingston got behind early, 3-0, before they got their first wraps. The highlight for Roselle came from first baseman Ryan Siteekell, who smacked a two-RBI single into right centerfield.

Post 201 responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the first inning, posting three singles. Designated hitter Justin Tepper brought home left fielder Michael Botti for Livingston's first run. Second baseman Connor Kimmel then scored after the ball popped out of the Roselle third baseman for a 3-2 Roselle lead.

In the bottom of the second inning, Livingston tied the game at three when right fielder Brady O'Connor scored on a fielder's choice by shortstop Jordan Farber.

While Rodino was keeping Roselle at bay, Post 201 finally got on the board and took a lead for the first in the game with a pair of runs and a 5-3 lead. Kimmel got the big hit with an RBI double to the left-centerfield wall. In addition, Livingston took advantage of some sloppy defense on the part of Roselle. Both Kimmel and Farber scored to take the two run lead.

The 5-3 lead did not last long as Roselle scored twice behind a two-RBI double by Gabe Reyes to tie the game, this time at five.