LAWRENCE 15-YEAR-OLD
By: Tim Falls
The Lawrence 15-year-olds and West Windsor-Plainsboro were the only two undefeated teams in the Babe Ruth Districton One Tournament prior to their game last night.
A win on Wednesday would have sent Lawrence on to the final on Saturday, while a loss would mean Lawrence would have to battle back out of the loser’s bracket with games today (Thursday) and tomorrow for a chance at the final.
"We’ve played very well," said Lawrence manager Ed Fedorko. "Our pitching’s been strong, we’ve been getting the job done."
Lawrence remained undefeated through two tough games in the tournament.
Lawrence defeated Princeton/Cranbruy, 4-3, in extra innings on Saturday.
"We scored in the bottom of the eighth inning to win that game," said Fedorko. "Jason Adams had the game-winning hit, a long fly ball into right field."
Lawrence moved on to edge Ewing, 4-2, with two runs in the bottom of the sixth.
"It was a real close game," said Fedorko. "Ewing went ahead, 1-0, in the top of the first and then we went ahead with a couple of runs."
Kevin Fitzell drove in the difference with his two-run double in the bottom of the sixth. Fitzell also closed out the game in relief, striking out one without giving up a hit.
"Kevin Fitzell pitched the last two innings," said Fedorko. "He pitched very well and shut Ewing down."
Fitzell even picked off a runner on second in a bases-loaded situation in the last inning to help preserve Lawrence’s lead.
Ryan Kmiec started the game for Lawrence.
"It was a lot of good defense from both teams," said Fedorko. "We were playing a reallclose game."
Fedorko said the team has come together nicely, especially after a rough preseason stretch.
"We really had a rocky start in the preseason," said Fedorko. "We finished second in a tournament in Voorhees, but after that we played a series of scrimmages and we did not do well."
Lawrence turned things around to take on Princeton/Cranbury and Ewing.
"When we came out Saturday night everything gelled," said Fedorko. "We put all that behind us when the tournament started."

