The Old Bridge Little League 12-year-old all-star team will be looking to end its season with a strong showing at a tournament in South Amboy, which begins on Saturday.
The Old Bridge nine recently went to the finals of the District 10 Little League tournament, before bowing to Woodbridge.
In the opening round of the tourney, Old Bridge downed teams from Franklin, Laurence Harbor, Milltown, South River and Perth Amboy. In the Laurence Harbor contest first baseman George Gonzalez blasted a pair of homers in the same inning. Joe Caria did the same in the next game, against South River.
Old Bridge opened the second round of the double elimination tourney with a 4-3 victory over Sayreville. After losing 17-0 to Woodbridge, the team rebounded to down Franklin, 13-3, to gain a spot in the finals. Needing to win two games against Woodbridge for the crown, Old Bridge was locked in a scoreless tie for five innings, but Woodbridge posted six runs in the top of the sixth inning and went on to a 6-2 success.
"Our kids gave it their best shot," said coach George Gonzalez, Sr. "They came back and stayed with Woodbridge in the final. They should be proud of themselves."
The senior Gonzalez noted that most of the players competed two years ago on a 10-year-old all-star contingent that went 0-4. This time around, Old Bridge batted .465 as a team, boasted strong pitching and solid defense.
"They’ve come a long way since then," the coach said. "They’ve worked very hard. It’s been fun to watch them improve."
The team includes pitchers Danny Avella, Nick Panos and the younger Gonzalez; catcher Greg Padin; infielders Ray Cruz, Austin Tomaszewicz, Jeremy Rusakowski and Caria; and outfielders Matt DiPalo, Robert Orrechio, Joe Russo and Jim Yacabonis.
Vinny Perchelli is the manager and Bill Keebler and the senior Gonzalez serve as coaches.
— Warren Rappleyea