The Sayville 10 year old District 35 Tournament All-Stars were at it again. Sayville came back from a five run deficit, to score seven runs in the bottom of the fifth for a 16-14 victory over Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms, just as the game was called for darkness once again.
Sayville spotted Bayport three runs in the first inning, when Luke Kleppan settled down and struck out 2, to end the inning. Sayville tied the score in the bottom of the first with three runs of their own. Led by Ryan Alexanderson, Blake Burgan and Tom Witt running wild on the bases.
In the second, Bayport kept their offensive machine running by scoring four more runs. Ryan Alexanderson came in to put the fire out and also slammed the door shut on Bayport in the third. Sayville scored three more in the second. Luke Kleppan singled followed by a walk to Tim Murphy and hits by PJ Gunther, Matt Danielson, and Ryan Wilson. Sayville went quietly in their half of the third.
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Up on the hill in the fourth for Sayville was Jordan Plompen. He mowed down the Phantoms with two strikeouts, to keep the score close. Sayville scored three more times in the bottom of the fourth. Adian Morrell started it off with a walk. That was followed by hits by Zach Liotta and Mugsy Wallace giving Sayville the lead 9-7.
The Phantoms came right back and put seven runs on the board, with some great hitting and heads up base running. Tom Witt came on to pitch, and snuff out the rally.
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It was starting to get dark, so Sayville knew it was their time. This was their last chance, and they took advantage of it. The hit parade was started by PJ Gunther and followed by walks and hits. After the dust settled the score was tied 14-14.
Zach Liotta grounded to the pitcher who threw home for the force out. Two outs and the bases loaded and up to the plate walked Mugsy Wallace. With his dad screaming instructions from the stands, Mugsy promptly lined a single to right field to plate two runs. Sayville took the lead 16-14. Before the next batter the game is called for darkness yet again. All the boys celebrated by jumping into a pile with Mugsy on the bottom.
"I am very proud of these boys. They all played hard once again showing that they never quit," said Coach Brian Murphy.
Sayville completed the regular part of the tournament undefeated, and will now play in the championship game on Monday night. Please come down on support your Sayville All-Stars at the Islip Little League complex at 6 p.m.
