Merrick Patch Orioles Bounced From Playoffs

On a steamy Saturday at Merrick Road Park, the Merrick Little League Girls Minors Yankees ended the Merrick Patch Orioles' softball season as the playoffs got started. 

Julia Cuttitta and Dori Mudloff provided the pitching, Lise-Anne Orlich and Danielle Slevin got the big hits, and the Yankees defense was outstanding in a 10-4 victory.

The Orioles drew first blood, scoring two runs in the top of the first inning as Isabella Farino, Gabriella Farino and Alex Molinari got consecutive hits. 

But the Yanks' delivered a four-run counterpunch in the bottom of the frame after Orlich's smashed a two-out single that cleared the previously loaded bases.

It appeared that a barn-burner was underway after the Orioles loaded the bases in the top of the second, but Cuttitta pitched out of the jam with consecutive strikeouts that stopped the rally and took the air out of the O's.   

Olivia Ward singled to lead off the bottom of the second, and after a Cuttitta walk and a Rose Mehani single loaded the bases, Slevin unloaded them by smoking a triple to right field.  

After O's starting pitcher Molinari struck out two Yankee hitters she was able to get out of the inning, but when the dust settled the Yankees had an 8-2 lead.

The Yankees defense and pitching snuffed out every chance for an Oriole rally for the rest of the afternoon.  Cuttitta got Isabella Farino to pop up to start the third, and after Gabby Farino singled, Molinari scorched a line drive that was gloved by Orlich. 

Leah Kauderer followed with a single and Alex Brandl doubled home Farino, but Cuttitta shut the door with another inning ending strikeout.

Mudloff relieved Cuttitta in the fourth and pitched two scoreless innings with the Yankees defense sparkling behind her.

Relief pitcher Tara Hagerman fired up her Orioles teammates by striking out the Yankees' side in order in the bottom of the fifth. And when Alex Brandl led off the sixth with a single, it appeared that the O's had gained the momentum.  

But when Nicole Formisano lofted a fly ball, second baseman Mehani was able to both glove the pop up and fire it back to first to turn a double play.  Heather Berberich was able to drive in Lexy Dietrich with the Orioles final run, but it was too little, too late as the Yankees closed out the win. 

The Yankees advance to face the Cardinals on Tuesday with the winner going on to the World Series.        

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While the Merrick Patch Orioles did not have the best record, their season was nonetheless a tremendous success.  They competed, they learned, they cheered, they laughed, they made new friends, they improved each week, and they never once gave up. 

Congratulations on a great year!

2010 Merrick Orioles

Heather Berberich

Alex Brandl

Allison Braverman

Lexy Dietrich

Gabriella Farino

Isabella Farino

Maggie Flaherty

Nicole Formisano

Tara Hagerman

Leah Kauderer

Alex Molinari

Christie Powell

Manager: Bob Hagerman

Coaches: Steven Braverman, Karen Hagerman, Tom McBride

(Editor's Note: Orioles manager Bob Hagerman contributed this article to Patch.)