Sports
Bellmore Bulls Try Hard, But Can't Fend Off Merrick
Eight-year-old little leaguers put up a decent fight against the Nationals.
The Bellmore Bulls made a valient effort against the Merrick Nationals in Sunday night's game. Despite playing their hearts out, these 8-year-olds were defeated, 18-4.
Merrick scored five runs in the top of the first, followed by two home runs.
Bellmore would get some of those runs back in the bottom half of the inning due in large part to the Bulls' table setters at the top of the order. Max Hiller started off the inning with a single, followed by a walk drawn by Chris Costaro. Franquiz then hit a two RBI ground out to second base, and the Bulls inched a little closer on the scoreboard.
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Merrick added three more runs in the second inning with three consecutive RBI hits. The Merrick offense had another huge inning, scoring five runs and sending seven players to bat.
In the bottom half of the third, Bellmore scored some runs of their own, but the Merrick catcher, Dante DiMarco, stopped the Bulls from scoring a few more.
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After the first out was recorded, Costaro doubled for the Bulls. Franquiz then laced a two-run home run up the right field line.
"I'm very proud of you guys today," Bulls manager Rob Costaro told his team after the game. "You're so close to coming and winning these games, it just takes a little bit more fielding."
Costaro awarded the game ball to Franquiz for his big home run in the third inning.
Merrick scored five more runs in the fourth, and Hannon came on to shut the door in the bottom half of the inning, preserving the 18-4 victory.
