By Nathan Mayberg
Monticello — August 13, 2004 – ABC Title won an extra-inning thriller over Trotter’s Bar by a final score of 19-16 last Friday in a Monticello Men’s Softball League game at Kenneth H. Somerville Memorial Field.
Both teams were locked neck and neck throughout the game.
With the score tied 15-15 in the top of the eighth inning, Jeff O’Neill hit a three-run double that secured the win for ABC Title. Steve Belgiovene knocked O’Neill in with a single for another insurance run. Trotter’s could only muster one run in the bottom of the eighth.
ABC Title won the Coney Division and received a first round bye in the league’s playoffs, which began earlier this week. Trotter’s, which finished the regular season one game behind ABC Title in the standings, also secured a playoff berth.
ABC Title was led by Bobby Yakin, who had three hits and three RBI. Yakin’s hits included a stand-up triple and a double. He also scored three runs and reached base on a walk.
Winning pitcher Mike Greco also finished the game with three hits and three RBI. He displayed a powerful, natural swing and had one particularly deep shot to right field.
Jarryl Scott contributed three hits for ABC Title, including a home run.
Catcher Michael Michaelis turned in a strong game for ABC Title. Michaelis was also involved in a collision with Trotter’s top player – and physical force – Tim Mills at home plate. Mills was running hard all the way after hitting the ball over 300 feet to dead center field in the bottom of the seventh inning. A great relay throw nearly caught him, but Mills safely slid into the plate just barely ahead of the tag – and right into Michaelis. The home run tied the score and sent the game into extra innings.
Mills completed an extraordinary performance by going 5-for-5 with six RBI, as well as making a tough catch while running backwards in center field. He also showed off a potent arm, throwing one runner out on the basepaths. He finished the regular season with a .618 batting average, five home runs and 25 RBI in nine games.
Other top hitters for Trotter’s were Joe Staudt, who went 5-for-5, and Keith Kurthy, who was also a perfect 5-for-5 in the game.
Ron Staudt added three hits for Trotter’s.