Video: Montville U14 Eliminates Montclair

In a showdown with ebb and flow from the beginning, Montville asserted its will to win and edged out the Montclair Bulldogs 6-5 in a battle that lasted until sundown on July 22.

"I thought it was a great game," Montville manager Mike Franey said after the final out. "Both sides fought hard, somebody had to win and it was us." 

Montclair coach Andy Giuliano acknowledged how evenly matched the two teams were after the game.

"We've played Montville in the regular season to an even split," he said.

The Montclair U14 Bulldogs had suffered an "unusually fluid roster and a shortage of pitchers" according to their management, and that was evident in this game. They struggled to suppress the clutch hitting of Montville, which mounted an early lead.  

After the score tied at 4 in the fifth inning, Montville was able to capitalize on some Montclair errors. Montville's Tim Higgins lead off with a single in the sixth inning, followed by a double from Michael Biase.

Montville added two runs in the inning, and were able to hold off a Montclair rally thanks to some resourceful pitching from Zach Frederick.

The win advances Montville to the semi-finals of the Cedar Grove League Championship.

The game was a must-win for Montclair to avoid elimination; Montclair is now out of the tournament.