Westfield loses close one to Livingston 3-2 in extra innings

Gimme a “D!” Gimme an “E!” Gimme an “F, E, N, S, E!”

Those that braved the wind, rain, thunder and lightning for Monday’s nightcap were rewarded with an outstanding display of defense and a very well-played game overall. This game went into extra innings, and was pressure packed throughout.

1st Inning - Livingston sends a solid pitcher to the mound to start the game. Throwing hard and with good control, #9 retires our side in order after knocking down a bullet by Tyler Roth to open the game. Crafty Rowan Oberman, doing his best Greg Maddux impersonation, also retires the side in order in the bottom of the inning. While changing speeds and nibbling at corners, Rowan strikes out all three batters. Score after 1 – Westfield 0, Livingston 0.

2nd Inning – Livingston’s #9 retires the next three batters, keeping his perfect game in-tact. He records his second and third strikeout of the game. Rowan also pitches well in the second, striking out one and allowing one double in the inning, but no runs. Tyler Roth and Daniel Criscuolo convert two ground balls into outs. Score after 2 – Westfield 0, Livingston 0.

3rd Inning - #9 allows his first hit of the game, an infield hit by Justin Lankler. Other than this one hit, #9 remains in control, adding two more strikeouts. Rowan walks the first batter in the bottom of the inning. Then, after retiring the next two batters, is tagged for a line drive to the fence. With runners on second and third, and two outs, Livingston’s number two hitter lines a shot to right center. Owen Murray runs down the line drive and makes a fine catch in the gap, saving a sure two runs. Score after 3 – Westfield 0, Livingston 0.


4th Inning – Livingston sends #12 to the mound, who turns out to throw even harder than #9. Tyler greets him with a line drive single to left, but #12 retires the next three batters. Justin Lin takes the mound for Westfield in the bottom of the inning. Justin is throwing hard, but the Livingston hitters are tough. After an outstanding backhand stab by Rowan to record the first out, Livingston’s clean-up hitter launches a bomb over the left field fence. After another single and hit batter, Justin strikes out the seventh hitter, and “Big G” throws out a runner at third on an attempted steal. Score after 4 – Westfield 0, Livingston 1.

5th Inning – With some help, Westfield is able to break through in the fifth. Owen Colwell is hit by a pitch to open the inning. With one out, Justin Lin walks. With first and second, Will Stern hits a ground ball to the pitcher who throws to first base. The throw gets past the first baseman, allowing two unearned runs to score. Livingston scores one in the bottom of the inning with two hits and two walks. Justin strikes out two batters and Owen Murray catches a fly for the third out with bases loaded. Score after 5 – Westfield 2, Livingston 2.

6th Inning – Westfield threatens in the top of the inning. Tyler leads off with a single and Rowan draws a walk, but #12 is then able to retire the next three batters. After a single in the bottom of the sixth, Tyler, and Owen Colwell each convert a ground ball into a fielder’s choice. Coach Murray gets credit for the third out by “convincing” the umpires that an untouched Tyler Roth was interfered with while attempting to field a ground ball. Tie Score after 6 – onto extra innings.

7th inning - Westfield can’t get much going in the top of the inning, stranding Justin Lin at second after a single and a stolen base. Owen Murray relieves Justin in the 7th, and is throwing well, but the Livingston hitters are tough. After a single, a walk, and then an intentional walk, the bases are loaded for Livingston. Coach Murray moves in both the infield and outfield hoping to cutoff the winning run at home. Livingston’s number two batter hits a fly over a shallow right fielder to win the game. Final score – Westfield 2, Livingston 3.

Game Recap by S.Criscuolo