BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer
EDISON — The Edison Boys Baseball League’s 12-year-old National League All-Stars won two straight this weekend to improve to 3-1 in the Edison Boys Baseball League Tournament and earn a spot in the playoffs that get under way this week.
The team opened the tournament with a 9-3 win over Piscataway. First baseman T.R. Hughes and third baseman Danny Piereth played outstanding defensive games as well as left fielder J.P. Spielman.
"T.R. Hughes robbed about two or three kids of base hits as well as J.P. did in left," Edison head coach Brian Hughes said. "Danny turned several double plays for us."
Hughes’ team suffered its only loss in the tournament with a second-round loss to the Hillsborough Heat 15-8 before bouncing back for a 12-1 win over South Brunswick on Saturday.
In the mercy-rule victory, Dylan Cordeiro pitched three solid innings, striking out three and issuing just one walk while allowing one run. T.J. Hughes came in to pitch the fourth and shut the door with two strikeouts.
Catcher Tommy Fitzmaurice helped seal the victory with his presence behind the plate.
"Tommy controls all of the pitches and he is an aggressive player," Hughes said. "He has thrown out a few guys trying to steal second and no one has stolen home from him this season."
Shortstop Peter Dunn spearheaded the offensive attack with a pair of singles and three stolen bases including one of home plate.
Left fielder Jake Russo reached base safely in all three plate appearances with a single and a pair of walks.
Edison made it two in a row with a 6-3 win over Woodbridge on Sunday. Cordeiro pitched three strong innings, allowing just three runs before handing the ball to reliever Joey Bartonek.
"Joey came in and pitched three innings of scoreless ball for us," Hughes said. "Our center fielder, James Malinowski, made some incredible plays to help his pitchers out. I think he robbed at least three players of hits."
Hughes and designated hitter Michael Errico led the offensive attack. Hughes scored twice with one hit, and Errico went 2-for-3 with a pair of RBIs.
The team beat Flemington earlier in the week in the opening round of the Flemington-Raritan Tournament, 15-12. Unfortunately, the team took an early exit with a first-round loss to Branchburg in the Branchburg Tournament, but is looking forward to the trip to Cooperstown at the end of the month.
The team is slated to compete in five games during the weeklong stay in Cooperstown during Hall of Fame week. In addition to tournament games, players will have the opportunity to compete in skill competitions such as the home run derby.
"This will be their last tournament before moving to the big field," Hughes said. "We will face teams from Florida, California and Illinois, and it should definitely be a fun week for the players and parents."
Hughes is hoping for injured centerfielder Michael Ryan to return to the lineup for the trip to New York.
"Michael suffered an injury in the Flemington Tournament," Hughes said. "He is our leadoff hitter and a real catalyst for the offense. Hopefully, we will get him back before going to Cooperstown."
Hughes and his assistants, Mark Cordeiro, John Piereth and John Spielman, are in their third year with the team.