River Plaza holds off W. Long
Branch for thrilling 6-4 win
CHRIS KELLY West Long Branch’s Samantha Gallo slides safely into third base, just ahead of the tag by Fair Haven’s Kate Malloy, during a game in Long Branch on Monday.
Despite giving up eight hits, defense and timely hitting propelled the River Plaza Hurricanes over West Long Branch, 6-4, last Friday.
The Eastern Monmouth County Girls 12/U Softball League competition saw both teams score a pair of runs in the third inning — but it was River Plaza that upped the ante in the fourth with four runs.
Kristen Cassidy and Emily Oliveri entered the base paths with back-to-back walks and then scored on a fielder’s choice play and a single by Julie Gannon.
In the fourth inning, after a putout at first, the Hurricanes put two in the paths on walks to Ashley Horn and Jamie Logan.
A double by Cassie McColly and fielder’s choice play hit by Liz Rightwill improved River Plaza to a 4-2 lead.
McColly scored on a fielder’s choice hit that forced Rightwill out at second, putting Gannon on first.
In the third, inning the Blazers were able to tie the game after Gina Caltabilota and Alison Roma scored.
The runs were scored after a fielder’s choice play advanced the runners, followed by a single by Michelle Ricciardi.
The home team was able to cut their guests’ lead to two runs when Tiffany Conway and Tara Migliaccio scored.
Conway led off the inning by reaching first on an error before advancing on a walk to Samantha Gallo and a fielder’s choice play.
Conway used her base-running speed to steal home.
Migliaccio scored after Alexis DeRasmo walked, and then Jania L. singled.
The Hurricanes were able to deny their hosts from any further scoring, securing the win early on.
— Chris Kelly