U10 Travel: White Muzzles Manchester (S), 4-1

At Verplanck field in Manchester, Travel White walked away with a win after a close battle with Manchester’s retro-orange (S) team. Pitching in his home away from home, winning pitcher Noah Fox frustrated Manchester’s batters over 3 innings, giving up just one run in the first and striking out 4 in all. Keeping Manchester in check behind Fox were Kory Powell and Dan Hussey, each with unassisted infield outs and nice play by shortstop Dominic Fuentes to end the third, stranding two in scoring position.

With the game tied 1-1, the White broke out for 3 in the top of the 4th. After a lead off single to left by Noah, Jack Brennan was drilled by a pitch for a free pass and Hunter Polce walked. Then, with two out, and the bases juiced, Dan drilled a double to right center to drive home two. Hunter stole home to round out the scoring. That was all the White needed.

Mateo Ramirez-Webster relieved Noah and made quick work of the orange, no-hitting Manchester over 2. Mateo was helped by solid, heads-up defense, highlighted by a 4th inning-ending throw to second from catcher Jake Conran to shortstop Mac Reynolds, who surprised the Manchester runner with a quick tag after he took, but rounded, second on a walk. In the fifth, after Mateo stabbed a come-backer to the mound and struck out the second batter, Dominic Mongillo ended the inning by cleanly fielding a hot shot to third and gunning out the runner at first. Cool and confident, but with great defensive help, Bobby Gerity closed out the orange in the 6th. After the first batter reached on an error, catcher Jack Brennan threw behind the runner at first and Fuentes perfectly executed the run down to second, Mateo applying the tag for the first out. After 2 walks, Bobby retired the top of the order, inducing two 6-5 outs at third. Well-played all throughout. The White’s win.