A Complete Effort Leads to 9-0 Victory in District Game #2

In probably their best all around game so far this season, Westfield put it all together today, recording a 9-0 victory over South Orange-Maplewood.

The pitching duties were handled by Chris Rinaldi (4 innings, no runs, no hits) and Nick Mele (2 innings, no runs on two hits).

The hitting was supplied by Vince Difilippo (2 for 4, inclduing a double and 3 RBI), Nick Mele (2 for 4 with a triple), Chris Rinaldi (3 for 4 with a double and 3 runs scored), Eric Varakian (2 for 4 with 2 runs scroed), and Scott Tupper ( a perfect bunt single). Chris Boutsikaris and Brett Robertshaw added RBI's as well.

The defense was excellent all game long, with a few standout plays. In the fourth inning, after walking a batter and watching him hustle to first, Chris Rinaldi and Chirs Bouts executed the old "let him round first and then pick him off" play (No. 114 in coach Rinaldi's playbook).

Then in the fifth inning after a leadoff walk, it was our version of Tinkers to Evers to Chance, as Rinaldi fielded a ground ball at short, tossed to Varakian and on to Boutsikaris for the twin killing. Somehow "Rinaldi to Varakian to Boutsikaris" doesn't roll off the tongue quite as easily but who's counting syllables anyway.

The next batter got on first base with a walk and then it was time for another play from the playbook. On a hit to right field, Ethan Smith executed the old "let the runner round second and throw behind him to Rinaldi who makes the tag for the third out" play. That's No. 173 in the playbook if you're keeping track.

All in all it was a good start to the day and we hope to keep it going in Cranford at 3 PM this afternoon against Scotch Plains.