Young American Legion Team Loses in NJ Playoffs

For the young Livingston Post 201 American Legion team, Wednesday was a rude introduction to the state playoffs. It would be a game to forget as Livingston lost 16-1 to Lyndhurst Post 139 in the opening round of the double-elimination District 1 tournament yesterday at Teener Field in Union.

"The problem is we're boys against men," Livingston head coach Chris Politan said. "Our average age is about 16 with some 15 (year olds), and they're (older). It's a big difference. We're more of a development high school team and they're more of a team which is put together to win this tournament."

Livingston quickly found itself in early trouble as starting pitcher Luke Rodino hurt his right heel in the first inning when he was spiked on a play at first base. Rodino would stay in the game, but would give up a two-run homer to Lyndhurst's Dave Schneidenbach and would eventually be forced to leave the game after the second inning.

Lyndhurst would break the game open in the fifth, sending 13 men to the plate in a nine-run inning.

Brett Birnbaum would reach base three times for Livingston Post 201 in defeat. He would also score the team's lone run when Doug Bresnick roped a ground-rule double in the first inning. Bresnick had two doubles in the defeat.

Livingston Post 201 will look to keep its playoff hopes alive 7 p.m. Thursday when the team plays the loser of the Pequannock/Roselle game.