Some may consider 13 to be an unlucky number, but it’s just the opposite for Mulligan’s/IAMA senior softball team.
The Long Branch-based outfit withstood Aerial Signs’ challenge and remained undefeated in the Monmouth County Senior Softball League after an impressive 14-11 victory.
Mulligan’s/IAMA has a 13-0 record, with Higgins Funeral Home of Freehold second at 11-3.
Mulligan’s/IAMA came from behind with a four-run fifth inning after trailing 9-8 entering the frame.
Pete Smith and Tom Vetterl doubled, and Pete Travers, Buddy Bertelson, Tom Eastmond and "No K" Joe DeSheplo singled.
Also aiding the cause was a disputed call by an umpire.
Aerial Signs closed to within 12-11 in the sixth as Steve Grasso doubled and Kevin Cole, Tom Mount and Bill Vanderstreet singled.
Mulligan’s/IAMA applied the finishing touches in its half on back-to-back home runs by Pete Travers and Bill McKelvey.
Mulligan’s/IAMA had taken a lead in the first inning, scoring four times on a double and four base hits.
Aerial Signs retaliated with three runs on an error, two singles and a double.
The score went to 8-3 in Mulligan’s/IAMA’s next turn at bat when it scored four more runs.
Tom Eastmond singled, Vito Marinaccio walked, Frank Trenkle got his second hit and Russ Casey, Rod Rodziewicz and Pete Smith singled.
The Signmen tied the score in the third on an error. Grasso’s base hit was followed by two more singles and a triple by Vanderstreet. Aerial Signs then took over for its brief moment of glory.
Mulligan’s/IAMA will not play again until July 12, when it hosts third-place Allstate Insurance at Brice Park in Wall Township.
History was recorded in the Monmouth County Senior Softball League during the game when father Howie Marlin and son Scott played on the same team in the same league.
What that means is that Howie is getting up there. The Marlins play for Aerial Signs. Which one is better? Just ask the old man.
LEAGUE STANDINGS
(As of June 30)
W L
Mulligan’s/IAMA 13 0
Higgins Funeral Home 11 3
Allstate Insurance 8 3
Aerial Signs 8 5
St. Leo’s 7 7
Logical Arts 6 8
Family Chiropractic 4 9
Keansburg 1 12
Birdsall Engineering 1 12