BUFFALO ORVILLES 8 - HACKENSACK TROASTS 7

Things looked bleak for the Troasts early as they fell behind 5-0 after 4 innings to a young, tough Buffalo Orville team in the quarterfinals. In the top of the 5th Butch Bellenger led off with a basehit only to be quickly erased on a double play grounder. But the Troasts responded with 4 consecutive hits, capped by Sisco Ramirez's 3-run double. The chipping away continued into the 6th when the Troasts scored again as a results of another 6-4-3 double play, but it was now a 1-run game. Still 5-4 in the top of the 8th, Nick Urbanovich cracked a 1 out double and advanced to 3rd on a groundout. Jesse Baiza then delivered a game tying single. Baiza promptly stole 2nd base and was driven home on an basehit by RC Renshaw, giving the Troasts a 6-5 lead. The Orvilles responded in the bottom of the 8th on a big 2-out, 2-run double just over 3rd giving them a 7-6 lead. In the 9th, Angel Roman singled with 1 away and pinch runner Mike Frissora raced to 3rd on Sonny Ulliana's single. A few pitches later, Frissora scored the tying run on a wild pitch. With 2 on, Bellenger blasted a long drive to dead center, which was caught at the wall. In the bottom of the 9th, Buffalo loaded the bases and blooped a ball over the drawn in infield AND outfield for the game winning hit. It was a hard fought battle, and despite the adversity the Troast team dealt with all year, they continued to fight back and went down swinging in the end. The National Title continues to elude the Troasts, at least for another year.

HACKENSACK TROASTS 7 - TROY JET BOX 6

The Troasts jumped out to a 4-0 first inning lead behind a 2-run doubles by Angel Roman and Sonny Ulliana. The Box eventually tied the score at 4 after 5 innings, but the Troasts responded with 2 in the 7th to take a 6-4 lead on RBI doubles by Rich Guillod and Ulliana again. RC REnsahw drove in another run in the 8th to make the score 7-5. In the bottom of the 8th, Jet Box scored to make it a 1-run game and with 2 runners on, reliever Bob Klapisch came on to face the 3 batter, who he would walk. With the bases loaded, Klapisch got the Jet Box cleanup hitter to fly out to center to end the threat and preserve the lead. Tom Crohan pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for the save, and kept the Troasts' hopes of advancing intact. 

HACKENSACK TROASTS 17- NEW ROCHELLE ROBINS 3

In their second game of the day on Friday, Hackensack left no doubt early of their intentions of moving on in the tournament when they sent 15 batters to the plate in an 11-run first inning en route to a 17-3 victory over the New Rochelle Robins. Rich Guillod was 5 for 5 with 5 RBI and 3 doubles. RC Renshaw and John Digirolamo had 3 hits apiece in the blowout. Bob Klapisch pitched 3 shut-out innings allowing only a hit and a walk in the process and earned the win.

The Troasts will return to the yard Saturday at 2:30pm vs. the Buffalo Orvilles at C.O. Brown Stadium in the 8-team single elimination playoff round.

BATTISTONI DIESEL 12 - HACKENSACK TROASTS 0

In game one of pool play on Thursday in Battle Creek, the Troasts came up empty with a flat performance vs. the Diesel, the team that eliminated Hackensack in the 2016 World Series semi-final. Ray Renshaw was a lone bright spot in the Troasts lineup with a 2 for 2 day at the plate. Jake Cortazzo pitched well in relief with 3 k's in 2 innings of work. The Troasts come back tomorrow with 2 games, first at 11am vs. Jet Box and 6:30pm vs. New Rochelle. With 2 wins Friday, the Troasts will advance to the 8-team playoff round.

NABF REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
TROASTS 12 - NY HAWKS 1

The Hackensack Troasts defeated the New York Hawks in the NABF Regional Championship on Saturday in Hackensack to punch a ticket to Battle Creek, Michigan for the NABF Blackburn Major Division World Series next week. The Troasts make a 2nd consecutive year return after a 2016 run at the National Championship, which ended in a semi-final loss in Battle Creek.

In the do or die regional title game, the Troasts came out early and often with runs in every inning behind Swamp Rats pickup Sam Elias, who fired a 7-inning complete game, allowing only 3 hits and fanning 12. Angel Roman crushed a 3-run homer to punctuate the victory for Hackensack.

The Troasts will travel to Michigan on Wednesday, 8/9 in advance of their pool play game on Thursday (vs. Buffalo Battistoni Diesel) and Friday (vs. Troy Jet Box and New Rochelle Robins). The series will continue through the weekend.

Braintree White Sox 5  North Haledon Reds 4

As a result of the rain on Saturday both teams had to play their 3rd game of the day. It was the Reds 7th game in 75 hours. Braintree, with a bye in the 3rd round, was only on their 6th game. Despite the fatigue for both teams it was a crisp game with only 1 error by each team. The Reds jumped on top in the 3rd with an RBI single by Marco Baratta scoring Ryan MacFarlane who singled and stole second. The White Sox took the lead in the bottom of the inning scoring 2. The Reds then battled back with 3 in the top of the 3rd keyed by an RBI single by Mike Rizzo. The White Sox struck back with 2 in the bottom of the 5th after 1 out and the Reds lone error. The Sox then went ahead in the bottom of the 6th scoring 1 with a two out single. In the top of the 7th Marco Baratta crushed a ball over the left fielders head for a lead off double. The Reds then hit two hot shots to third which were caught. With 2 outs and 2 strikes Mike Cassese drove a ball to right field that was caught at the fence by the Sox right fielder. German Taveras for the Reds pitched well in the game but tired in the 5th, also on 2 days rest.

With the loss the Reds fell one game short of their first World Series title. None the less they had a great run and received the runner up trophy to cap the best year in their franchises 30 year history.

Braintree White Sox 7  North Haledon Reds 1

The Braintree White Sox (32-1) (4-1) took the 1st game from the North Haledon Reds (28-5) (5-0) 7-1. Steve Coral, on two days rest, took the mound for a Reds tired pitching staff, playing their 6th game in 72 hours. He held the potent Sox lineup down for 4 innings but tired in thee 5th. The Reds lone run was scored in the 1st when Sean Guida led of the game with a triple and scored on Ryan MacFarlane's sacrifice fly.

North Haledon Reds 3  Albany Athletics 1

The Reds jumped on top of Albany Athletics in the 1st with an RBI single by Steve Nappe. They added another in the 2nd on an RBI single by Ryan MacFarlane. They added one more in the 5th on a solo home run by Steve Nappe to center. Matt Ornstein picked up the win throwing 5 strong innings giving up on two hits and 1 run on a solo home run in the 5th. Anthony Pisano threw a scoreless 6th and Brett Carroll picked up the save with a 1-2-3 7th. Steve Nappe was 2 for 3 for the Reds with 1 run scored, a home run and 2 RBI's. With the win the Reds advance to the championship round with the Braintree White Sox.

 As a result of a heavy downpour 30 minutes before gametime the winners bracket final was postponed till 7 PM. 

North Haledon Reds 8  Long Island Gamecocks 0

Steve Coral pitched a one hit shut out to pace the Reds to a game one win at the World Series. He gave up one infield hit in the fourth while striking out one and walking none. The Reds 1 and 2 hitters were a combined 6 for 8. Sean Guida was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and a triple. Ryan MacFarlane was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Steve Nappe chipped in with 2 RBIs. The Reds next play Friday morning at 10 AM against the winner of the Bourne Massachusetts Mariners and the Watertown Connecticut Blaze. The game is at Fuessenich Park in Torrington Connecticut

The North Haledon Reds (23-5) first game is set for Thursday August 3 at 4 PM at Municipal Stadium in Waterbury, CT. They will be playing the Long Island Gamecocks (19-5) form the Long Island Stan Musial League.

If the Reds win their first game they play a winners bracket game at 10 AM at Fuessenich Park in Torrington, CT.

If the Reds lose their first game they play a losers bracket game at 1 PM at Fuessenich Park.

North Haledon Reds 9  Hackensack Troasts 2

On Friday night at North Haledon Recreation Field #1 the North Haledon Reds, celebrating their 30^th year as a franchise, won their 3^rd consecutive Met League Tournament title to go with their 4^th consecutive Met League regular season title. Over the last 3 years the Reds were 12-0 in the Met League tournament.

Mike Garcia started for the Reds and scattered 6 hits over 4 innings while yielding 2 runs. Three Reds relievers - Mike Ardis, Anthony Pisano and Brett Carroll – each threw a scoreless inning to close out the game. Rob Stern led the Reds at the plate going 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored and 1 RBI. Sean Guida (2 for 3 with 2 runs scored), Marco Baratta (2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 3 RBIs), Mike Cassese (2 for 3 with a double and 4 RBIs) and Jason Midkiff (2 for 3 with 1 RBI) each had two hits for the Reds in the win. Rich Guillod was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI for the Troasts. 

With the win the Reds next travel to Waterbury Connecticut for the AABC East Coast World Series starting on Thursday. The Troasts will play in the NABF Super Regional in Hackensack starting Thursday.

Thank you to all the Managers, Coaches, Players and Umpires in the Met League for a memorable 2017 regular season and tournament!

Hackensack Troasts 7  South Bergen Bullets 0

Hackensack got a stellar pitching performance from Jon Hornung, who fired a complete game, 3-hit shutout. Nick Urbanovich had 2 hits and 2 RBI for the Troasts.

The final is set for Friday July 28

Hackensack Troasts (3-1) @ North Haledon Reds (3-0) at 8 PM in North Haledon.

North Haledon Reds 9  Hackensack Troasts 3

Zac Polzer threw 5 strong innings to lead the Reds to the victory on Wednesday night in North Haledon. He gave up 1 hit and 1 unearned run in the 6th while striking out 2. He was relieved by Brett Carrroll. Marco Baratta (2 for 4 with 1 run scored), Ryan MacFalane (2 for 3 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI), Nick Ramagli (2 for 3 with 1 RBI) and Rob Stern (2 for 2 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs) each had two hits on the night. Steve Nappe added a triple and 2 RBIs. With the win the Reds advance to the title game on Friday.

South Bergen Bullets 11  Rutherford Rays 3

Vin Dorio's two-out single in the 5th broke a 1-1 tie and the Bullets broke it open in the 7th to defeat the Rays 11-3. Denis Ackermann and TJ Alcorn drove in two runs apiece for the Bullets, who won their sixth consecutive loser's bracket game dating back to last year's playoffs.  Mike Frissora earned the win out of the bullpen. With the win the Bullets advance to the finals of the losers bracket and play the Troasts on Thursday night with the winner advancing to the championship game.

There are now only 3 teams left. There is one game Thursday July 27

South Bergen Bullets @ Hackensack Troasts at 7:30 PM in Bergenfield.

The winner advances to the Championship game on Friday night in North Haledon against the Reds at 8 PM. 

Rutherford Rays 8  Bergen Swamp Rats 1

Joe Zembryski bested a tough Rats club (1R, 3BB, 6H, 6k's) with an 8-1 victory at Bergenfield to advance in the play-offs. The Fish were led by Jamie Wollerman (2H,R, 2RBI) Dan Belitz (R,H,RBI) Mark Hanna (H,RBI) Joe Zito(H, RBI, 2R). Vin Troisi and Anthony Spinelli each scored 2 runs getting on base a combined five times. Nick Romito tossed the last 2 gaining the save.

South Bergen Bullets 4  Bergen Mets 3

The Bullets nipped the Mets by scoring the go ahead run in the top of the 6th and shutting out the Mets the last 2 innings.

There are only now 4 teams remaining. On Wednesday night the parings are as follows:

Hackensack Troasts (2-0) @ North Haledon Reds (2-0) in North Haledon at 8 PM

South Bergen Bullets (2-1) @ Rutherford Rays (2-1) in Bergenfield at 7:30 PM

The two loser brackets games today are cancelled due to the showers overnight and this morning. The schedule will all be moved back one day as follows:

Tuesday July 25

South Bergen Bullets @  Bergen Mets in North Haledon at 8:30 PM

Bergen Swamp Rats @ Rutherford Rays in Bergenfield at 7:30 PM

Wednesday July 26

Hackensack Troast @ North Haledon Reds at 8 PM in North Haledon

Winner Bullets/Mets @ Winner Rats/Rays at 7:30 PM in Bergenfield

North Haledon Reds 1  Bergen Swamp Rats 0 in North Haledon

In a classic pitchers duel in North Haledon the Reds Mike Garcia matched the Rats Sam Elias inning for inning. Both pitchers picked up were they left off before the lights went out on Saturday night. Garcia gave up 1 hit on the night/morning with 6 strikeouts. Elias was also up to the task giving up only 1 unearned run on 3 hits while striking out 8. The Reds threatened in the bottom of the 6th when Steve Nappe led off with the double but Elias prevented the run by striking out two and getting a ground out. In the bottom of the 7th, with two out Sean Guida walked. He stole second and went to third on an overthrow. With 2 outs Ryan McFarlane had two strikes. On the next pitch the ball got away from the catcher and Guida scored. The throw to the pitcher covering went wide. 

South Bergen Bullets 2  New Jersey Wildcats 0  in North Haledon

Mike Frissora and Rob Robbins combined on a four-hitter as the Bullets shutout the Wildcats 2-0.  The Bullets scored the game's lone runs in the 4th.  TJ Alcorn's sacrifice fly plated Denis Ackermann and a batter later Anderson Minyetty, who had two doubles in the game, stole home on a botched squeeze play. Matt Patterson had three hits for the Wildcats. The Bullets staved off elimination by holding a potent Wildcats lineup in check and ended their 2017 playoff run. The Bullets will take on the Mets in the next rounds elimination game.

North Haledon Reds 4  Rutherford Rays 0 in North Haledon

Steve Coral pitched 6 strong shutout innings for the Reds giving up 2 hits while striking out 3. Brett Carroll picked up the save with a 1-2-3 7th. Steve Nappe gave the Reds the only run they would need in the bottom of the first with a 2 out RBI single to score Sean Guida. Nappe was 2 for 3 on the day with a solo homer in the 4th, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. Eric Bomenblit pitched well in the defeat for the Rays. The Reds advance to the finals of the winners bracket to play the Troasts.  The Rays will take on the Swamp Rats in the next round of elimination games.

Bergen Swamp Rats  6  Bergenfield Yankees 4 in Bergenfield

The Rats recovered from their tough loss in the morning and defeated the Yankees. RHP Mike Cerbo went 5.1 innings scattering 6 hits to earn his first win of the season. Josh Williams came in with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 6th for the save.  Ian Steepy and Jordan Farber had multi his games for the Rats. They will play the Rays in the next round of elimination games.

Hackensack Troasts 8  Bergen Mets 2 in Bergenfield

The Troasts advanced to the finals in the winners bracket. The Mets will take on the Bullets in the next round of elimination games.

Hackensack Troasts  12  Bergenfield Yankees 7

The Troasts broke out to a big lead but then the Yankees stormed back to tie it at 7. The Troasts then pulled away for the win.

Rutherford Rays 5  South Bergen Bullets 0

The Rays took their first play-off win for the 2017 campaign as Lou Cautero tossed 7 innings of 3 hit ball, walking one, and striking out 4. The Rays struck quickly in the top of the first with a Jamie Wollerman double and a Dan Belitz ground out RBI. The Rays cashed in on a second run with a Bullet infield miscue giving the Rays a 2 run lead. The Rays once again stung in the third inning with a Joe Zembryski 2 out RBI single scoring Vin Troisi stretching the lead to 3. The Rays tagged on a run in the fifth with a Kyle Bowes RBI single scoring Troisi again.The fish added a 5th run in the 6th as marc Hanna got his second hit, once again scoring Troisi 3R,, and that's all the Rays needed behind their burly righty ace on the slab.

Bergen Mets 4  New Jersey Wildcats 3 (8 innings)

In an intense, tight well played game by the Mets, the Wildcats down by one showed resiliency once again, refusing to go down in their half of the 7th by pushing a run across. In the last half of the 8th, The Mets put runners on 2nd & 3rd, scoring the game winning walk-off single to left. 

North Haledon Reds 0  Bergen Swamp Rats 0

After 2 1/2 innings a power failure in North Haledon caused a light failure. Since the lights could not be restarted the game was suspended to be picked up at 11 AM on Sunday morning in North Haledon. 

The results of the elimination games were:

Bergen Swamp Rats 3  Allendale Marauders 1

New Jeresey Wildcats 8  Dumont Huskies 7

The Dumont Huskies took a 7-3 lead into the bottom of the 7th against the Wildcats in the play-in game of the 2017 Met League playoffs. The Huskies scored 3 in the 4th, 2 in the 5th and 1 in each the 6th & 7th. With one out and nobody on, Moises Roque beat out a slow dribbler and Eddie Spitaletta was hit by a pitch. After a Wildcats double steal, a Nick Tresca 2 run double was followed by another HBP to Jose Bautista. A Khalid Legette double put runners on 2nd & 3rd when the hero of the eveving, Nelson Lopez rocked a 2-2 pitch to right for the walk off. Josh Begany started for the Cats with German Taverez and Anthony Palladino in relief. Palladino got the win.

Bergenfield Yankees 7  TBT Black Sox 5

The games Saturday and their locations are as follows:

4PM in Bergenfield - Yankees @ Hackensack Troasts

4PM in North Haledon - South Bergen Bullets @ Rutherford Rays

7PM in Bergenfield - New Jersey Wildcats @ Bergen Mets

7PM in North Haledon - Bergen Swamp Rats @ North Haledon Reds

The final seeds for the Met League tournament are: #1North Haledon Reds  #2Bergen Mets  #3Hackensack Troasts  #4Rutherford Rays  #5South Bergen Bullets  #6Bergenfield Yankees  #7Allendale Marauders  #8New Jersey Wildcats  #9 Dumont Huskies  #10Bergen Swamp Rats  #11TBT Black Sox

The elimination games for tonight are as follows:

TBT Black Sox at Bergenfield Yankees  7:30 PM  Bergenfield Memorial Field

Dumont Huskies at New Jersey Wildcats  7 PM  Dumont Memorial Field

Bergen Swamp Rats at Allendale Maruaders  7:30 PM  Rutherford Memorial Fields

New Jersey Wildcats 5  Dumont Huskies 4

The Wildcats took a 4-0 lead into the 6th when the Huskies pushed across a run to cut the lead to 4-1. In the 7th, an Anthony Hoagland double tied the score. The Wildcats Eddie Spitaletta walked to lead off the 7th and promptly stole 2nd base, his 3rd steal on the night and his met League leading 34th steal on the season. Mat Paterson singled him to 3rd and Nick Tresca was intentionally walked to load the bases. Dustin Walicky drove in the winning run. Jose Bautista got the win in relief.

South Bergen Bullets 3  Rutherford Rays 0

Bergenfield Yankees  11  New Jersey Wildcats  3

The last game of the 2017 regular season saw the Yankees come into Bassano Field in Little Ferry needing a win to keep their chances for a bye in the 1st round of the playoffs alive and they did not disappoint. The short-handed Wildcats started infielder Dylan Hrbek on the hill and the Yanks promptly put up 4 in the 1st in the early evening rain. That's all the Yankees needed in an 11-3 win.  They did not get the bye though since the Bullets won also and had the tie breaker.

With the last three regular season games on tap for tonight only the first four seeds for the tournament are set as follows: #1 North Haledon Reds, #2 Bergen Mets, #3 Hackensack Troasts, #4 Rutherford Rays

The rest of the seeds and the final team to get the important first round bye will be determined by the results this evening.  The elimination games, 6 vs 11, 7 vs 10 and 8 vs 9 will be played Friday night.  Good luck to all teams and thanks for a great regular season!

New Jersey Wildcats 5   Bergen Bullets 2

With a win the Bullets could have locked up a bye in the first round of the Met League tournament. They took a 1 run lead in the top of the 1st off Quentin Reeves hit - 2 hits and a walk. That stood until the Cats scored 4 in the bottom of the 3rd on a 2 run double by Dustin Walicky.  Keval Ramanathan relieved Reeves and threw 2 innings of relief. Jesse Pero finished the final 4 innings for the Wildcats at Votee Park in Teaneck. Matt Paterson was 3 for 3 and a walk on the night for the Wildcats. The Bullets need a win tonight to secure a first round bye.

North Haledon Reds 8  TBT Balck Sox 0

Continuing a North Haledon Reds tradition, when the final game of the season means nothing in the standings, Angelo Cifaldi and his coaches Jim Canova and Tom D"Allesandro turn the coaching reins over to the veteran pitchers on the team. This year Mike Garcia and Steve Coral managed the Reds to an 8-0 win in North Haledon's regular season finale. Four Reds' pitchers combined for the shutout -- Jack Purcell (3 innings, 2 hits 2 Ks), Mike Ardis (1 inning, 1 hit, 1 K), Joe Grimaldi (1 inning, 0 hits and 1 K) and Steve Nappe (1 inning, 0 hits and 1 K). At the plate Al Iannuzzi was 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, 1 run scored and three RBIs. Sean Guida was 2 for for 4 with a double and 1 run scored.  Ryan McFarlane stole 5 more bases giving him 26 heists in the regular season, a new Reds team record.  

Hackensack Troasts 18  Allendale Marauders 5

The Troasts closed out their regular season with their 5th win in a row scoring 18 runs.

North Haledon Reds 5   Rutherford Rays 2

The Reds clinched the Met League regular season title for the 4th year in a row off the strong pitching of Jacinto Gonell. He threw a complete game 2 hitter against the tough Rays lineup giving up 1 earned run while striking out 11.  The Reds were leading 2-0 in a tight game when they scored 2 tack on runs in the top of the 5th on and RBI single by Mike Rizzo and a pinch hit RBI sac fly by Al Iannuzzi. The Rays would not go away an answered back with 2 runs in the bottom of the 6th keyed by a Jamie Wollerman hit and a Reds throwing error.  The Reds added another insurance run in the top of the 7th on Ryan MacFarlane's double. He was 3 for 5 on the night with a double, 3 runs scored, 1 RBI and 4 stolen bases. Joe Zembryski Jr. threw very well in the loss for the Rays. The Reds, as the number one seed, open the Met League tournament in North Haledon on Saturday night at 7 PM.

Hackensack Troasts 10  New Jersey Wildcats  2

The Toasts continued their late season surge with a convincing win over the Wildcats in Little Ferry. This was their 4th win in a row and 7th win out of their last 9 games.

Bergen Mets 16  Bergenfield Yankees 13

With both teams saving pitching for the playoffs this weekend the Mets won a slugfest in Bergenfield. In finishing the regular season the Mets picked up their 16th win which is the best effort in the franchises young history. Congratulations!

Hackensack Troasts 5  North Haledon Reds 4

Kevin Thompson ( 2 earned runs) had the Reds off balance all night and held them to two hits over 6 innings. The Reds loaded the bases in the bottom of the 7th but could only score two and came up a run short. Steven Digirolamo, RC Renshaw and Angel Roman had RBIs for the Troasts.

Bergen Mets 5  New Jersey Wildcats 3

Mets took a 2 run lead in the first on hits by Tim Wise & a towering Alex Enrique double. In the 5th they added 3 more to take a 5-0 lead. The Wildcats struck back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the 5th to crawl back to 5-3. But the real story of the night belonged to Mets pitcher Chinchar who scattered 7 Wildcats hits over 6 innings. Starting pitcher Jesse Pero took the tough luck loss for the Wildcats.

Bergen Mets 5  New Jersey Wildcats 0

The Mets took a 5-0 lead into the top of 6th when the Wildcats erupted for 5 of their own. Both teams battled before the lights went out in the bottom of the 6th with 2 out and Mets runner Alex Enrique on 2nd base, Dan Gherardi at the plate with a 1-1 count. By league rule the game reverted back to the last full completed inning, the 5th, and the Mets got the win 5-0.

North Haledon Reds 5  New Jersey Wildcats 3

On a hot turf field in Little Ferry Zac Polzer (2 earned runs, 5 hits and 4 Ks) adjusted from 2 early runs and limited the Wildcats to only 1 more run and 2 hits over 6. Mike Garcia picked up the save throwing a 1-2-3 bottom of the 7th. The Reds 4 run 2nd was keyed by RBIs by Al Iannuzzi (3 for 4 with a double, 2 runs scored, 2 stolen bases and 1 RBI) and Dan Limone (2 for 4 with a double, 1 run scored, 2 stolen bases and 1 RBI) and a 2 run in the park home run by Sean Guida. Also, for the Reds Nick Ramagli was 2 for 4 with a double and 1 run scored.

Rutherford Rays 8  Bergen Mets 4

The Rays won game 2 against the tough hitting Mets in Hillsdale. The Rays, after a disappointing game 1 loss on a few 7th inning mishaps, regrouped banging out 11 hits lead by 5 players banging out 2 hits apiece: Joe Zito 3b, Rbi; Jamie Wollerman 3R,BB; Dan Belitz R, 2b; Marc Hanna RBI; Kyle Bowes 3b RBI and Nick Romito knocking in a run. Eric Bomenblit looked strong going 7 yielding 6BB, 6H, 6K's and picked up the win.

North Haledon Reds 7  Bergen Mets 6

The Reds jumped on top 2-0 with single runs in the 2nd and 3rd with RBIs by Jason Midkiff (2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI) and Steve Nappe (1 for 4 with a double and and RBI). The Mets tied it on a 2 run in the park home run by Alex Enrique that hit the fence in center and then rolled away on the track. The Reds then scored 4 in the top of the 6th with RBIs by Zac Rose (2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI), Dan Limone (3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI) and Rob Stern (2 for 4 with 2 RBIs). The Mets answered with 4 in the bottom of the 6th with a key 2 RBI double by Garett Wiedemann. Both teams failed to score in the 7th and the Reds plated the go ahead run in the top of the 8th when Dan Limone scored from 1st on a hit and run single by Rob Stern. Mike Ardis picked up the win in relief throwning 2 and 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings striking out 4. Marco Baratta was 2 for 4 for the Reds with 2 doubles, 1 run scored and 1 RBI.

Sourth Bergen Bullets 4  Bergenfield Yankees 0

Carlos Rodriguez pitched six one-hit innings to lead the Bullets past the Yankees 4-0. Rodriguez allowed his only hit, a two-out single to Jose Padllla, in the first inning. He walked three and struck out nine in the victory. Mike Donovan and TJ Alcorn had three hits apiece for the Bullets.

Dumont Huskie 10  TBT Black Sox 2

Dumont got solid pitching from Bryan Contino who went the distance allowing only 4 hits and 2 runs in a 10-2 victory over the Black Sox. Bryan Burd and Alex Woinski contributed 3 RBI each to lead the Husky offense.

South Bergen Bullets 11   Bergenfield Yankees  0

The Bullets scored in four of five innings and beat the Yankees 11-0. TJ Alcorn drove in four runs and Bubba Jasinski plated three. Denis Ackermann scored three times. Kevin Galasso picked up the victory pitching four shutout inning striking out 5.

South Bergen Bullets 8  Bergen Swamp Rats 2

On the strength of a six-run fourth inning, and riding the arm of Michael Frissora, the Bullets beat the Swamp Rats 8-2. Frissora went the distance, striking out five and scattering seven hits. Vin Dorio had three hits and drove in three runs.

North Haledon Reds 8  Dumont Huskies 1

The North Haledon Reds scored 5 runs in the bottom of the first and cruised to an 8-1 victory in North Haledon. Mike Stanziale had a 3 RBI double in the first to key the 5 run inning. Ryan MacFarlane (a double and 2 runs scored) and Rob Stern (a double, 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs) each had two hits for the Reds. Mike Garcia picked up his 5th win on the year scattering 7 hits, yielding 1 run and striking out 6. Mike Ardis and Jack Purcell each threw one scoreless inning of relief.

Rutherford Ray 4  NJ Wildcats 1

Nick Romito scattered 5 hits and 3 walks limiting the Wildcats to a single run over 5 frames at grassy Votee park. Romito was aided by the stingy defense of the Rays along with some clutch offense. Kyle Bowes had 2 hits and scored 2 runs, while Anthony Spinelli aided the cause with a big 2 run single and had 2 hits. Jamie Wollerman also singled in a run. Drew Fitzgerald came on for the save tossing 2 innings facing the minimum. Ray Ramos pitched well going the distance for the Cats.

NJ Wildcats 9  Bergen Bullets 6

The Wildcats topped the Bullets in Rutherford 9-6. Luis Ramos pitched 6 strong innings. Anthony Palladino came on to finish the 7th for the save. Dustin Walicky led the Cats with 2 hits and was on base in 3 of his 4 at bats.

Dumont 5   NJ Wildcats 3

The Dumont Huskies beat the Jersey Wildcats 5-3 on Sunday 7-9 at Memorial Field in Dumont. Tied at 1-1 in the 4th, 2 Wildcats errors led to 2 unearned runs that cost the Wildcats the game. Dumont added 2 more in the 5th. A late Wildcats rally in the 7th led by a 2 run double by Eddie Spitaletta was halted when the Cats left the bases loaded. Jesse Pero pitched 6 innings to take the tough loss.

Bergen Swamp Rats 2  North Haledon Reds 1

In another pitchers duel in North Haledon the Rats Josh William and the Reds Steve Corel traded zeros in every inning but one each. The difference was the Rats scored 2 runs in the 4th on RBI singles by Michael Pettigrew and Marc Cohen.  The Reds lone run came on and RBI double by Steve Nappe in the first.

North Haledon Reds 5  Bergen Swamp Rats 2

Zac Polzer and Anthony Pisano combined to limit the Swamp Rats to 2 runs on 5 hits to gain the split. Polzer threw 5 innings yielding 4 hits and 2 runs while striking out 5. Pisano picked up the save throwing the last two scoreless innings. He struck out 3.  Al Iannuzzi and Sean Guida where each 2 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI.

Rutherford Rays 7  Allendale Marauders 0

Joe Zembryski spun 5 innings allowing (3H,2BB,HBP,7k's) besting Allendale in game 1 of a twin bill yesterday. Jamie Wollerman led the assault with a double, 2 base knocks and 2 RBIs. Kyle Bowes, Lou Cautero and Goose Sangirardi also singled and doubled each driving in 2 runs apiece. Mark Hanna and Adam Hernandez chipped in both singling in a run. Andrew Fitzgerald tossed two shut-out innings closing it out.

Rutherford Rays 10   Allendale Marauders  9

Allendale jumped out to a 1 zip lead in the first on an RBI triple by Alex Dimartino which was quickly erased by a 9 run barrage by the Fish in the 3rd. Following 2 HBP and a walk, and a 2 run error, Joe Zembryski launched a based loaded double (2RBI) followed by a Kyle Bowes (2RBI) triple. Joe Zito (3H,3R, 2SB) singled, a Jamie Wollerman (2H,R) walk, and a Dan Belitz (2h,R, RBI) single, finishing the inning with a Nick Romito single the Rays took an 9-1 lead. The pesky Marauder bats could not be silenced as they solved the Rays pitching with 8 runs in 2 innings knotting it up 9-9 in the 4th. Again Dimartino blasted a 3 run triple in that sequence. Dan Belitz delivered a clutch 2 out single to score Zito in the 5th frame where the Rays were forced to call upon their ace Lou Cautero to throw 3 2/3 of one hit ball to gain the win.

North Haledon Reds 2  NJ Wildcats 1 (9 Innings)

With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 9th Nick Rimagli blooped a ball over third with the infield up to score Steve Nappe. Nick Galese started for the Reds and gave up 1 run in the first on a double play ball. The Reds struck back in the bottom of the inning and scored 1 on an overthrow of third on a steal by Ryan MacFarlane. For the Reds Brett Carroll threw 2.1 scoreless innings of relief (1 hit, 2 Ks) followed by Jack Purcell who threw 2 more scoreless innings (1 hit, 2 Ks). Jacinto Gonell picked up the win throwing the last 3 scoreless innings (0 hits, 5 Ks). German Luis Taveras pitched 7 strong innings for the Wildcats giving up 1 unearned run while striking out 9. He did not figure in the decision.

Bergen Mets 7  Rutherford Rays 2 

The Rays and Mets treated the crowd to a pitchers duel through 6 innings. Derek Obregon for the Mets and Eric Bomenblit for the Rays, held it to 2-1 game through the 6th. The Mets then rallied for 5 runs in the top of the 7th for at 7-1 lead, off of some unusual miscues committed by the Rays. Derek Obregon threw a complete game allowing only two runs while striking out 6 batters. The Mets offense was lead by Alex Enrique going 1 for 2 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored. Eric Bomenblit threw 6 innings for the Rays allowing 1 earned run while striking out 9.

Rutherford Rays 2  Bergen Swamp Rats 0

Lou Cautero took matters into his own hands by launching a lead off double in the bottom of the 6th in a game that was a stalemate at 0-0. For the second time in a week , the Rats and Rays battled in a defensive struggle with Max Maarleveld and Cautero going toe to toe on the hill tossing scoreless innings. The husky righty Cautero prevailed going the full 7 while striking out 13 Rats and retiring the last 12 Rats he faced.The Rays broke through with 2 runs in the 6th with Cautero's 2B, a single by Marc Hanna (2H), and a HBP RBI by Dan Belitz.

The 2017 All Star Game will be played this Sunday July 2nd 6pm at 862 Valley Brook Rd in Lyndhurst

Pictures from the game will be posted on the leagues Facebook Page

Rutherfrod Rays 1  Bergen Swamp Rats 0

Rutherford nipped the Rats in a well played game that featured excellent pitching and defense by both teams. Max Herrmann gained his second win of the year going 4 strong ,(2H,1BB,3K) with Rex Macmillan getting the save in the 7th frame. Sandwiched in between the "X"Men were 2 shut out boxes delivered by Goose Sangiardi and Nick Romito. Each team only had 4 hits with Joe Zembryski owning 2 singles for the fish. Tom Dologhan and Max Maarleveld pitched very well for the Rats.

North Haledon Reds 15  Hackensack Troasts 2

The Reds scored 2 in the top of the 1st and the Troasts answered back with 2 in the bottom of the inning. The Reds then added 1 in the 2nd but the Troasts loaded the bases with 1 out in the bottom of the 2nd. Zac Polzer then relieved the starter Anthony Pisano and got out of the jam with a fielders choice to home and a strike out. Polzer gave up only 2 hits the rest of the game and no runs. Sean Guida sparked the Reds going 2 for 4 with a triple and a grand slam. He had 5 RBI's on the night. 

Bergenfield Yankees 2   Dumont Huskies 1

DJ Psarras (2 hits) scored both runs as Bergenfield beat Dumont 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th. Anthony Campanelli got the win in relief of Joe Lapi who gave up 1 run in 6 innings. Bryan Contino pitched well in defeat. Bryan Burd had 2 hits. Daniel Davidoff had Dumonts RBI. Mike DAmbrosia and Billy Malley had Bergenfield's RBIs.

NJ Wildcats 7    Bergenfield Yankees 4

The New Jersey Wildcats defeated the Yankees tonight in Bergenfield 7-4. Randy Raphael started for the Wildcats. Up 2-0 in the 1st, Raphael gave back 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. The Yankees went up 4-2 in the second. Raphael settled down and pitched a scoreless 3rd. Jesse Pero and Anthony Palladino held the Yanks in check in the 4th & 5th. German Taveras pitched a scoreless 6th & 7th. Eddie Spitaletta went 3 for 4, scoring 2 runs and stealing 2 bases. He was caught stealing 3rd in the 7th inning for the 1st caught stealing on year. Billy Malley continued his hot hitting with a triple to dead center in the 1st that went at least 400 feet. Rick Merola took the loss for the Yankees.

Allendale Marauders  5  Hackensack Troasts 2

Both teams pitched well in the first meeting of the year between these two teams. Kevin Bonkowski started for Allendale and went a strong four innings. Anthony Shorling picked up the win in relief going 3 shut out innings. A 3 run triple by Pete Milevski was the difference in the game.

Bergenfield Yankees 5  North Haledon Reds 4

Outfield play was the name of the game as both outfields ran down hard hit balls all night. The Reds jumped out to a 2 run lead in the 1st on RBI singles by Mike Rizzo and Mike Cassese. The Yanks tied the game on the 1st of Billy Malley's 3 hits and a Kyle Norton's home run. The Yanks took the lead in the 4th on Vinny Malley's RBI single. The Yanks added another run on a Andres Reynoso RBI single. Bryan Key singled and scored on a Justin Vasquez ground out. Justin threw out the go ahead run at the plate in the Reds 3rd. Andres Reynoso made spectacular catches in the 5th and 6th to take away extra base hits for the Reds. The Reds made it interesting with single runs in the 6th and 7th. Joe Jimenez got the win with 7 clutch innings and Mike Garcia took the loss.

North Haledon Reds 2   Rutherford Rays 1

Steve Coral for the Reds and Lou Cautero for the Rays hooked up in a 7 inning pitchers duel in North Haledon. The Rays struck first in the top of the 1st with an RBI single by Joe Zembryski. The Reds tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd with an RBI single by Mike Rizzo (2 for 3, 1 run scored and 1 RBI). Both pitchers tossed zeros until Zac Rose singled home Mike Rizzo with one out in the bottom of the 7th. Earning the win Coral scattered 7 hits while striking out five. Cautero yielded 6 hits and struck out 6. Mike Cassese of the Reds had the only extra base hit of the night, a double to lead off the 7th.

South Bergen Bullets 11   Dumont Huskies  4

Mike Donovan's two-run double keyed a five-run sixth inning as the Bullets beat the Huskies 11-4. 
Dumont plated four in the fifth, including three on a Trevor Romeo double to tie the game. But in the sixth, the Bullets scored five to go ahead to stay. Rob Robbins pitched three scoreless innings for the victory. 
Paul Rufo homered for the Bullets. Denis Ackermann and Vin Dorio had two hits and two RBI apiece.

The 2017 Met League All Star voting results have been tabulated and the teams can be seen below. The game will be played on the turf at the Lyndhurst Recreation field located on Valley Brook Ave. The game will be played at 6pm on Sunday July 2nd.

Troasts 6 - Bullets 3

Sisco Ramirez blasted a gland slam to give the Hackensack Troasts a 4-0 lead behind starter David Baiza who didn't allow a hit in his 3 scoreless innings of work. Chris Rossi bridged the gap with 3 solid innings of relief to Tommy Crohan who fired a scoreless 7th for the save.

Rutherford Rays 2   TBT Black Sox 1

The Rays jumped out to a 2 nothing lead in the top of the first by way of an error, a walk, and an RBI single by Dan Belitz. That's all the runs Joe Zembryski needed as he tossed 5 solid innings allowing a run on a safety squeeze, 4 bases on balls and 3 K's. Rex Macmillan closed it out going 2 innings.

Rutherford Rays  14  TBT Black Sox  4

The Rays bats came alive banging out 15 hits in game 2 sweeping a twin bill from the Sox. Joe Zito 3R, 2B, 1B 3 RBI, Jamie Wollerman R,2B,3B 2RBI, Dan Belitz 2H, 3R, 2RBI, Joe Zembryski 2H,2RBI, Kyle Bowes 2hits, RBI,2R, Max Hermann 3B, 2RBI and Nick Romito 2H, RBIs.  Andrew Fitgerald got the win striking out 4 allowing no runs. Dan Belitz closed the game out in relief

Allendale Marauders 17     TBT Black Sox  9

Marauders had a total team effort on offense. Every starter scored a run to help lead the offensive attack.

Allendale Marauders 11     TBT Black Sox  6

Allendale picked up the second game of the doubleheader to gain the sweep on the day. Milevski led the efforts with two triples 3 runs scored and 3 RBI's.

South Bergen Bullets 7    Bergen Mets 4

John Hamill's two-out two-run triple in the sixth plated the go-ahead runs as the Bullets defeated the Mets 7-4. TJ Alcorn hit a three run home run for the Bullets and Garrett Wiedemann had a two run shot for the Mets. 
Beau Belt pitched six innings for his first win of the season. Michael Frissora notched his first save.

Dumont Huskie 11   Bergen Mets 3

Dumont exploded for a season high 14 hits, three apiece from Dan Davidoff and Steve Stylianou, as the Huskies defeated the Bergen Mets, 11-3, in a six inning affair Wednesday night. Bryan Burd chipped in with two hits, four RBI and a stolen base, Trevor Romeo contributed a single and a two-run double while Josh Garcia scored three runs with a pair of hits and a walk. Scott Hulahan picked up his second win of the season with 5 1/3 innings of five-hit baseball.

North Haledon Reds 10  South Bergen Bullets 0 

Jason Midkiff drove in 5 runs to lead the Reds offense. He was 2 for 4 with a double, 1 run scored and 5 RBIs. Mike Garcia tossed a 1 hit shutout pitching to 1 batter over the minimum. He walked 1 and struck out 2. Mike Cassese chipped in going 2 for 4 with 1 run scored and 1 RBI. Ryan MacFarlane stole 4 bases on the night. With the win the Reds improved to 10-1

North Haledon Reds 9  Bergen Mets 0

Zac Polzer picked up his first win as a Red throwing a complete game 2 hit shutout. He struck out 7 and walked only 1. Ryan McFarlane (2 for 3 with 2 runs scored and 1 RBI), Alec Benzinger (2 for 3 with 1 run scored) and Rob Stern (2 for 4 with 1 runs scored and 1 RBI) each had two hits for the Reds. Jason Midkiff added a three run homer in the 5th.

Allendale Marauders 6  TBT Black Sox 4

The Marauders scored 4 runs in the top of the seventh to give Matt Konikow his first Met League win.

Bergen Mets  5  Bergen Swamp Rats 0

John Chinchar took the hill for the Mets in the second game of their double header and allowed 2 hits throughout 7 innings of baseball.  He struck out 9 batters while walking only two. Not only did he pitch well he helped his own cause going 2-2 with an RBI.

NJ Wildcats 7   Allendale Marauders 2

Ray Ramos pitched 6 strong innings scattering 5 hits & Anthony Palladino closed out the 7th for a 7-2 Wildcats win in the 1st game of a doubleheader. 6 Cats had 2 hits each and Mat Paterson continued his torrid pace extending his hitting streak to 6 games. The 2nd game was rained out.

South Bergen Bullets 10  North Haledon Reds 5

The Bullets jumped out on top in the top of the 1st with 2 runs but the Reds tied it up in the bottom of the 1st. The Bullets retook the lead by scoring 3 in the 3rd and 2 in the 4th. In the bottom of the 4th the Reds crept to within 2 but left men on 2nd and 3rd when Jason Midkiff lined out to third. The Bullets tacked on a run in the 5th and 2 in the 7th to seal the win and give the Reds their first loss of the season.  Catcher Dennis Ackermann led the Bullets offense going  4 for 4 with a double, a walk, 3 runs scored and 3 RBIs. Rob Robbins pitched well for the Bullets but did not get the win since he only went 3.1 innings.

Rutherford Rays 9    Hackensack Troast  8

The Troasts and Rays locked horns in an offensive back and forth battle that featured numerous walks and hits. The Rays took an immediate 2- 0 lead with a Joe O'Donnell three bagger, followed by an RBI single by Marc Hanna. The lead was quickly erased with a grand slam off the bat of Sonny Uliana giving Hackensack a 4-2 lead. The Rays bounced back with an Adam Hernandez RBI ground out in the third, and added 3 more in the top of the 4th with doubles by Anthony Spinelli and Dan Belitz, RBI singles by Marc Hanna and Joe Zembryski. The Toasts came right back in the bottom frame with 2 tallies supplied by RBI hits by the veteran Nick Urbanovich and Rich Guillod. The Rays came back in the top of the 6th with a Vin Troisi 2RBI 2 out double. The Hackensack hitters would not go away and came back with a clutch 2 run single by Angel Roman after the Rays gave up three straight bases on balls. With the game knotted at 8, the Troasts walked 4 batters allowing a single run with the bases juiced in the top of the 7th.  Urbanovich relieved to stop the rally. The Rays took a one run lead into the the 7th, however the persistent Troasts did not surrender easy as an injured RC Crenshaw blasted a lead off double to right center off reliever Andrew Fitzgerald. Fitz closed the door leaving the tying run on third. Max Herrmann gained the win.

North Haledon Reds 4   Allendale Marauders 0

Two Reds pitchers combined to toss a 1 hit shutout over the Marauders. Andrew Coco picked up the win throwing 5 scoreless innings yielding 1 hit while striking out 8. Zac Polzer picked up his first save as a Red retiring all 6 batter he faced in the 6th and 7th while striking out 4. Five Reds hitters had extra base hits on the night -- Dan Limone (double and 1 run scored), Rayn McFarlane (triple, 1 run scored and 1 RBI), Rob Stern(2 for 2 with a double, 1 run scored and 1 RBI), Steve Nappe (double, 1 run scored and 1 RBI) and Jason Midkiff (double and 1 RBI). The Reds improved to 8-0.

Bergen Mets 13   Bergenfield Yankees 5

The Mets scored 3 runs in the first keyed by a triple from Donny Gherardi, who went 3 for 3 on the night. In the 6th inning the Mets lead was trimmed to 7-4. The Yankees were clawing back and starting to gain momentum. Then Tyrone Jackson, who went 1 for 2 with 5 RBIs, came up and hit a grand slam putting the Mets up 11-4 and they didn't look back after that. John Grilo started the game allowing 3 runs over two innings of work. Chase Strynkowski came in the 3rd throwing 4 innings earning the victory for the Mets. Derek Obregon came in the last inning to get the hold

Game 1  Bergen Mets 9  Allendalte Marauders 3

The Mets pounded out 15 hits against the Marauders in Game 1, scoring 9 runs. The first three hitters, Wise, Fenstermacher, and Enrique went a combined 9 for 12 scoring 4 runs while driving in 4 runs. Along with that fans were treated to a well pitched game by John Chinchar. He threw a complete game, giving up 2 earned runs off of 5 hits while striking out 12 batters.

Game 2  Bergen Mets 7  Allendale Marauders 4

The Mets took game two to complete the sweep with Alex Enrique (2 for 3, 1 RBI) and Donny Gherardi (1 for 2, 1 RBI 1 BB and 1 HBP) sparking the Mets offence. CJ Davies took the hill for the Mets only giving up 4 runs, while striking out 7 hitters, over six innings. Derek Obregon picked up the save.

Bergenfield Yankee 7  Rutherford Rays 1

Bryan Key's 3 run triple keyed the Yanks rally as they beat Rays 7-1. DJ Psarras scored 3 runs. Bryan's 3 hits drove in 4 runs and Jose Padilla had 2 hits.

North Haledon Reds 2   Dumont Huskies 0

Reds starting pitcher Mike Garcia gave up two hits to start the game but then retired the next 15 batters in a row to pick up his second win of the year. He struck out 5 and hit one batter. Anthony Pisano picked up the save throwing 2 scoreless innings of relief. The Dumont pitchers, Bryan Contino and Hunter Wrightington, held the Reds in check most of the game but the Reds got the only run they would needed in the 3rd when Marco Baratta singled home Nick Ramagli who doubled. Steve Nappe added an insurance run in the 4 with a solo homer to left. Mike Casesse, Marco Baratta and Rob Stern each had two hits on the night. With the win the Reds improved to 7-0.

Bergen Mets  4  South Bergen Bullets  2

The Mets evened their record at 2-2 with stellar and timely hitting. Donny Gherardi took the hill for the Mets allowing only two runs over 7 innings, tallying 7 strikeouts and scattering 6 hits. Garret Wiedemann (2 for 3) and Chris Perret (1 for 3) lead the charge for the Mets as they took down the Bullets in a well fought game.

North Haledon Reds 7  Bergenfield Yankees 2

Cautero leads Stingers over Yanks

Rutherford Rays 7  Bergen Yankees 1

Lou Cautero hurled 6 strong inning allowing an infield hit, 5K's, a walk and a HBP to lead the Rays over the yanks 7-1. The offense was supplied by Mark Hanna 2H 2RBI, Dan Belitz H 3R and swiped 2 bases. Rex MacMillan, Kyle Bowes and Anthony Spinelli each knocked in a run. 

North Haledon Reds improve to 5-0 on the season

North Haledon Reds 9  Bergen Swamp Rats 2

Rutherford Rays 4   South Bergen Bullets 1

Eric Bomenblit tossed 4 innings of one hit ball striking out 9, allowing a walk and no runs in a 4-1 victory over the Bullets. Marc Hanna banged 2 hits and tallied 3 RBI's. Joe Zito reached base three times scoring 3 runs. Andrew Fitzgerald and Nick Romito tossed a shut out inning apiece, with Rex Macmillan coming to the aid of the Rays relievers by recording the third out with the bases loaded and the tying run on first base.

Bergen Mets 5  Dumont Huskies 2

The Mets got the ball rolling in the 1st inning by scoring 2 runs. However, Dumont struck right back with 2 of their own in the bottom of the first. In the second inning the Mets took the lead and never looked back. Mario Danza took the hill for the Mets and threw a complete game, striking out four batters and only walking one. Tim Wise came through with a bases clearing double that gave the Mets the lead for good

North Haledon Reds 4  Bergen Wildcats 0

In a crisp well pitched game by both teams the Reds scored all they would need on a 1st inning 2 out bases loaded walk to Jason Midkiff. The Reds scored 2 more in the 3rd one of which was scored by a balk with a man on third. The Reds tacked on another run in the 6th with an RBI single by Dan Limone (2 for 4). Mike Cassese was 2 for 3 for the Reds. Three Reds pitchers combined for the shutout. Mike Garcia got the win pitching the first 4 innings (2 hits and 4 Ks), Steve Coral pitched the next 2 (1 hit and 1 K) and Ben Collincine got the save (1 hit). Three Wildcat pitchers pitched well in the lose scattering 5 hits -- Randle Raphael, German Taveras and Delio Coutinho.

Rutheford Rays 6  Dumont Huskies 2

Lou Cautero (5K 2BB 2ER) extended his last years 7-0 campaign with a win over the Huskies going 5 in Dumont. Jamie Wollerman (2b H 2RBI), Joe Zito (3b H RBI) Dan Belitz (2H RBI 2R) and Adam Hernandez (2b H RBI) led the offensive assault as the Rays banged out 12 hits. Eric Breun knocked in a run and Anthony Hoagland doubled for the Huskies. Goose Sangirardi finished it off with a save

NH Reds 12  TBT Black Sox 6

While the Reds did not play a crisp game on defense they banged out 12 hits to carry them to their 3rd win in a row.  Rob Stern led the Reds going 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, a run scored and 4 RBIs.  Mike Stanziale was 3 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 1 RBI. Mike Rizzo (1 for 3) and Mike Cassese (1 for 4) each had 2 RBI's.  Andrew Coco threw the first 3 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits while striking our 5. Ben Collincini threw 2 innings of relief yielding no runs or hits while striking out 3.

NH Reds 10  Mets 0

The Reds scored 10 runs on 10 hits over 4 innings in their win over the Mets. Dan Limone led the Reds going 3 for 3 with 2 runs scored and a stolen base. Ryna McFarlane (1 for 3) and Mike Rizzo (1 for 2) each had 2 RBI's. Steve Coral picked up the win throwing 4 scoreless innings giving up only 3 hits while striking out 5.

Dumont Huskies 5 Bergen Mets 3

After spotting the Bergen Mets 3 in the top of the first, the Dumont Huskies roared back to claim a 5-3 victory in the season opener for both squads. Scott Hulahan (1-0) went four innings to claim the victory for Dumont, which was bolstered by three strong innings of relief by right hander Andrew D'Ambrosio. Hulahan and D'Ambrosio combined to fan 11 Mets batters. Catcher Eric Breun had a pair of hits and three RBI, while outfielders Anthony Hoagland and Bryan Burd also contributed two hits apiece.

Allendale 3  Wildcats 1

Allendale picked up an opening day win in a well pitched game on both ends. For Allendale Jordan Manne went 6 strong innings for the win.  Will Mohr picked up the save. Evan Gettle's 2 RBI game was the difference for Allendale.

Rutherford Rays 11 TBT Black Sox 5

The Rays and Sox were knotted at 5 until the bottom of the 5th when the Rays scored 2 runs on a Chris DeCarlo single followed by a Joe Zito sac fly. The Rays added 4 more in the 6th with 2 booming RBI doubles by Marc Hanna and Kyle Bowes. Newcomer Vin Troisi paved the way with three safeties teaming with Belitz RBI, Bowes 2RBI, DeCarlo RBI, and Joe Zembryski 2RBI all owning 2 hits apiece. Eric Bomenblit tossed three scoreless innings aiding a Nick Romito win. Lou Cautero closed it out in the 7th in a non save appearance.

Bergen Swamp Rats 6   Hackensack Troast 2 (8 innnings)

In a game that featured 11 pitchers, Sam Elias earned the win for the Rats throwing three innings in relief. Elias allowed one hit and struck out four. Tom Dolaghan got the start for the Rats going four innings allowing two runs, three hits and one walk. Hackensack threw one pitcher per inning including six lefties. The Rats were retired in order until a Justin Ferreira walk in the top of the fourth. Ferreira later scored on a two out single by Ian Steepy.  Rich Guillod and Nick Urbanovich both had multi hit games for the Troasts. In the top of the 8th Gerardo Reyes drove in Justin Ferreira with a sac fly and Jordan Farber grabbed his first hit of the game with a three run home run to seal it for the Rats. 

North Haledon Reds 9 Bergen Bullets 1

The Reds picked up an opening day win to start their 30th season. Steve Nappe ripped a 2 RBI double over the center fielder's head in the 1st inning to give the Reds all the runs they need. Nappe was 2 for 3 on the day with 3 RBIs. Rayn McFarlane was 3 for 4 for the Reds with a double, 1 RBI, 2 runs scored and 1 stolen base. Dan Limone was 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. Mike Garcia started for the Reds going 3 innings giving up 2 hits and 1 unearned run. Andrew Coco, Mike Ardis and Zach Polzer each threw a scoreless inning of relief. Coco struck out 2 of the 3 batters he faced.

The North Haledon Reds will be opening up at home this Sunday on North Haledon Recreation Field 1 at 8 PM against the Bergen Bullets. This is the 30^th season for the Reds. They won the Met League Championship in 2015 and 2016 and going  for their third championship in a row. Since their founding in 1988 the Reds have compiled a record of  476 wins, 326 loses and 11 ties. 

Max Maarleveld and Tom Dolagahan combined to shut out the Bergen Yankees.The Rats defeated the Bergen Yankees 10-0 on Tuesday as two pitchers combined to throw a shutout. Tom Dolaghan induced a groundout from Kay to finish off the game.  An early lead helped propel the Rats to victory. The Rats took the lead on a on a two out single by Chris Neuhaus.The Rats scored five runs in the second inning. The big inning was driven by an error, a single by Gerardo Reyes, and a walk.Max Maarleveld earned the win for the Rats. He tossed four innings, surrendering zero runs, one hit, and striking out two. Merola took the loss for the Bergen Yankees. The Rats collected six hits. Ian Steepy and Neuhaus each collected multiple hits. Steepy went 3-for-4 at the plate as he led the team with three runs batted in. 

The Met League returns for another season in 2017 with 11 teams:

Allendale Marauders
Bergen Mets
Bergen Swamp Rats
Bergenfield Yankees
Dumont Huskies
Hackensack Troasts
New Jersey Wildcats
North Haledon Reds
Rutherford Rays
South Bergen Bullets
TBT Black Sox

Check out this phenomenal book on the history of amateur baseball in NJ. Our very own Bob Klapisch is a contributing writer in the book and he talks about glory days of the Met League. Troast captain Johnny Digirolamo is quoted in the book and there is also a photo of the 2011 regional champion Hackensack Troasts. Grab a copy. It'll make a great Christmas gift for any baseball player or fan!

Covered Wooden Grandstands