South Brunswick Post 401 Tied for First in American Legion Race

With both South Brunswick and Piscataway tied on top of the standings with 16 points, the Middlesex American Legion race is shaping up to be a good one.

"It certainly looks that way, but Clara Barton is on both of our heels," South Brunswick Manager Tony Cosumano said.

Although the teams are tied, Piscataway's 8-2 mark is a slight advantage over the 7-2-2 league record recorded by South Brunswick. After all, Piscataway has played one less game. Clara Barton is in third with a record of 5-3-1.

Clara Barton's tie was a 6-6 game against South Brunswick on June 28.

Ariel Torres had two hits and three RBI for South Brunswick in the tie.

"I don't like ties very much," Cosumano said. "Even if it meant we ended up with a loss, I would rather see the game played to a finish. It's just that a lot of these fields don't have lights."

South Brunswick was defeated by Piscataway, 1-0, on June 29 in a game that showed just how close these two teams are to each other.

Ryan Phillips pitched a brilliant game for South Brunswick, allowing just five hits and one run, which was unearned.

Piscataway had a runner on second and one out. After the batter flew out for the second out, the runner tagged up and went to third. The throw back to the infield hit the umpire and allowed the lone run of the game to score.

"I've been to a lot of games, but I've never seen the umpire hit by a thrown ball before," Cosumano said. "I've seen them hit by a batted ball, but not a thrown one.

"I'm not saying we would have won the game. We never scored. The game should still be scoreless."

In other action last week, South Brunswick picked up two wins against Iselin. South Brunswick won by forfeit on June 26. South Brunswick defeated Iselin, 9-0, on June 30.

"(Iselin) is having trouble getting guys to games," Cosumano said. "I feel bad because this is happening to two guys that have been coaching in the league for 20 years."

It also puts opposing teams like South Brunswick in a tough spot. South Brunswick had earned two forfeit wins against Iselin before the June 30 game.

"If we don't show up, we could be the ones forfeiting to them," Cosumano said. "Also, we have to be ready to play. After giving us two forfeits, they might be fired up to beat us."

Rob Johnson improved to 3-0 with two and a 1/3 scoreless innings of work. Gabe Frankel also tossed a scoreless inning.

Kevin Mayce had two doubles and five RBI in the win. Ryan Lang had two hits and two runs scored. Robbie Fliegelman had two hits and a RBI.

South Brunswick will play at Flemington on July 2 at 1 p.m., then will be home to face South Amboy on July 5 at 5:45 p.m.