Malverne Little Leaguers Headed to Championship

The sun was on the side of Malverne's Junior Little League team Monday night as they defeated Franklin Square in a tournament game that ended early due to darkness.

Malverne was up 6-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning as Franklin Square came up for their last licks at bat. Pitcher Joe Ruscillo was on the mound to help the team close out the game, but the Franklin Square batters heated up just as nightfall began closing in on Whelan Field.

Franklin Square scored four runs including a big, two-run homer from Brian Carroll to cut Malvernes lead to one.

With two outs and a runner on first base, the umpires decided to call the game.

"It's unfortunate the game had to end that way with the big inning they were having, but that's the rules," said Malverne head coach Pete Figliozzi.

"Our boys played great though after losing to this same team 3-2 at Floral Park last Thursday," he added. "I thought we came back and responded really well today."

Pat McGreevy, Taylor Figliozzi and Billy Meditz all had big hits for Malverne.

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday at Whelan at 6 p.m. in the winner takes all championship game.