The Freehold Township Bulldogs, a 12-and-under travel baseball team, won the USABL National East Championship for the 2010 spring season. They defeated the previously undefeated Keyport Shamrocks, who were on a 19-game winning streak, 10-1 behind an outstanding pitching performance by Nick Murphy and timely hitting by Tommy Colon, Dom Wage and Matt Cunha, who each had RBIs. Murphy pitched a complete game (1R, 2H, 4K, 2W). The infield backed up Murphy with solid defensive performances by Vince Annetta, Mike Penaherrera and Matt Timo. The outfield of Cunha, Joe Lodge and Peter Gambino played a flawless game, including great catches by all, to seal the victory. The boys played in multiple leagues, plus Little League ball. Their hard work all winter and spring with trainer Lenny Toto paid off. The Bulldogs finished the USABL season with a 10-2 record, ending with a nine-game winning streak. Two players, Dave Fredericks and Nick Belka, were not available to play due to previous commitments, but contributed heavily during the team’s run to the championship game. The Freehold Township Bulldogs are coached by Chris Wage, Neil Timo and Joe Lodge.
New Jersey Extreme, one of the state’s top girls fast-pitch travel softball programs, has scheduled tryouts next month at Marlboro High School, Route 79, Marlboro, for its 10-U, 12-U, 12-U 98 and 12-U 99 teams for the 2010-11 season. The tryout dates are Aug. 14 for 12-U at 9:30 a.m. and 10-U at 12:30 p.m.; Aug. 18 for 10-U at 6 p.m. and 12-U at 8 p.m.; and Aug. 22, 10-U at 9:30 a.m. and 12-U at 12:30 p.m. For more information about the New Jersey Extreme or about the upcoming tryouts, contact them at extreme10u@aol.com or at njextreme98@aol.com or by visiting the website at www.nj-xtreme.com.