Westfield Blue 10s open with 11-5 victory over Dunellen

Rowan Oberman threw three scoreless innings and Daniel Criscuolo and Will Stern knocked in two runs apiece to lead the Westfield Blue 10s over Dunellen, 11-5, in the opening game of the 2008 Central Jersey All-Star Baseball League today at Gumbert Field.
Oberman pitching
The Westfield squad, finalists in last year's North Jersey All-Star Baseball League, took a 1-0 lead in the second when Owen Murray singled, stole second and third, and scored on a sacrifice fly by George Devanney Murray.
Devanney Murray sac fly
The lead expanded to 4-0 when Criscuolo and Stern delivered big base hits to knock in runs. (continued below)

Criscuolo after RBI single

Stern RBI single


Owen Murray pitched well in relief, getting the team out of a bases-loaded jam with one out after Dunellen took advantage of a few walks and errors by the Westfielders to plate five runs. The defensive play of the game was made by Criscuolo, who fielded a ground ball, alertly tagged the baserunner heading toward second, and flipped the ball to Justin Lin at first base for a double play in the second inning.

O.Murray pitching

Game baseballs were presented to Stern and Oberman for their great performances offensively and defensively. Also coming up big for Blue were Liam Loughlin, Owen Colwell, and Parker Hess, all with hits and RBI.

"We didn't play defense as well as we can, but we really did a great job on the bases," said third base coach Gary Roth. "I expect our defense to improve every time we take the field."

NOTES: One problem in the dugout led to several wet hats and baseballs. Assistant Coach Bob Brancatella's Gatorade jug sprung a leak and flooded a corner of the dugout...Rowan's shirt was tucked in for two of the six innings we played, a new record for him...our wounded - Justin Lankler (school recess hand injury) and Criscuolo (tug-of-war rope burn at the Wilson carnival?) both played and made contributions to the victory...Owen Murray's father, Daniel, was kind enough to pull Owen's loose tooth out between the fifth and sixth inning, allowing Owen to have a distraction-free sixth...George said seven words during the game, a record for him.
Owen Murray after Dental procedure


Game Recap by M.Murray