Defense key in 6 – 2 win over Union

Strong pitching, solid defense and timely hitting propelled Westfield past Union to bring their record to an impressive 13 – 7.

After Owen Murray retired the side in order in the top of the first, Westfield posted three big runs in the bottom of the inning. Tyler led off with a single and stole second. Rowan singled to drive him in. With one out, Owen Murray walked and Parker then singled to drive in one run. After Parker was caught stealing, George followed with a single to left to drive in the third run.

Union responded with a run in the second on two hits, but Owen closed the door with a strike out and a soft grounder to the mound. Westfield did not score in the bottom of the second despite a double by Daniel Criscuolo and three walks in the inning. Daniel was thrown out attempting to steal second, and Westfield Blue stranded three runners in the inning.

Union got the first two runners on in the top of the third, but both runners were stranded as a result of three fine outfield plays. Westfield struck again in the bottom of the third. Rowan led off with a walk, but was the thrown out trying to steal second (the third runner thrown out attempting to steal). Owen Colwell then walked and advanced to third on a double by Parker. George then scored both runners with a 2 RBI single to left. Score after 3 – Westfield 5…Union 1.

Rowan Oberman took the mound in the fourth and limited Union to one hit in the inning. Fine plays by Justin at second and Tyler at short kept Union in check. Westfield went down in order in the bottom of the fourth.

Union threatened to make it a game in the fifth. After a leadoff single, Rowan retired the next two batters, but then the 10th hitter in the lineup hit a sharp grounder up the middle. Daniel dove for the ball but only got a piece, knocking the ball sideways and allowing the batter to stretch the hit into a double. With two outs and the potential third run in scoring position, Union’s 11th hitter lofted a soft fly ball down the right field line. Daniel got a good jump from second base and made an outstanding catch going back on the ball, saving a sure run and ending the rally. Westfield pushed through an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth on singles by Owen Brancatella, Justin Lankler and an rbi double by Tyler. Score after 5 – Westfield 6…Union 2.

In the sixth, Rowan retired the side in order on two fine plays by Tyler and one by Parker. Westfield did not bat in the bottom of the sixth. Final Score – Westfield 6…Union 2.

Game Recap by S.Criscuolo

Devanney Murray picks up 2 RBIs

Guest commentary by MJ and Mitchell Bryk