Long Night in Long Hill

The two rain delays at the beginning of the night should have been warning enough that it was going to be a long night, and it sure was. Westfield squandered a 13-4 lead tonight and eventually lost to Long Hill in 7 innings by a score of 16-15. Long Hill never gave up and scored 6 runs in the 5th, 5 in the 6th and the game winner in the bottom of the 7th.

Westfield's offense scored in every inning as they built the early lead. Chris Rinaldi had a 3 for 4 night with a triple and 5 runs batted in. Vince Difilippo knocked in three runs, and Brett Robertshaw was 2 for 3 with a walk and 2 runs batted in. Chris Varano also had 2 hits and an RBI and Eric Varakian reached base safely 4 times with 2 walks and 2 hits. Tommy Summers had a hit and a walk. Nick Mele, Devin Anderson, and Ethan Smith also had hits in the game, while Hopper Murray had a walk and a run scored.

Hopper Murray started the game and Westfield's defense was a little shakey in the first inning which helped Long Hill to score 4 runs and tie the game after Westfield had opened the top of the first with four of their own. Hopper shut them down in the second inning without a run.

As Westfield continued to build their lead, Eric Varakian pitched the 3rd and 4th innings, receiving some good defensive support. On his first pitch of the 3rd inning the batter scorched a line drive to third base which was snared by Tommy Summers. Varakian also received good defense on plays by shortstop Rinaldi and centerfielder Nick Mele.

In the 5th and 6th innings, Ethan Smith, Chris Varano, Scott Tupper and Brett Robertshaw all came on to pitch and did their best to stop Long Hill's relentless offense, but Long Hill was not to be denied. Chris Varano did make a great catch in right field in the bottom of the seventh for the second defensive gem of the night. Westfield surrendered 13 hits and 9 walks.

Westfield was missing first baseman Chris Boutsikaris tonight who was home ill and unable to play. Devin Anderson and Scott Tupper were also feeling under the weather during the game. Get well real fast boys and we hope you didn't breath on anyone!

With the loss, Westfield dropped to 11-4 in league play and will most likely finish second or third in their division heading into the league playoffs, which have yet to be scheduled. Looking forward to the conclusion of a very eventful week, the Blue Devils face Hazlet Friday night in Mt Olive in an elimination game of the North Jersey State tournament.