Gershkoff sweeps doubleheader from NEFL behind Rodriguez, Smith

By Jacob Marrocco
Posted 7/14/16

No matter who pitched for New England Frozen Lemonade, there was no solution to Gershkoff’s Emilio Rodriguez.

Rodriguez notched three hits off three different pitchers, driving in four runs and …

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Gershkoff sweeps doubleheader from NEFL behind Rodriguez, Smith

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No matter who pitched for New England Frozen Lemonade, there was no solution to Gershkoff’s Emilio Rodriguez.

Rodriguez notched three hits off three different pitchers, driving in four runs and scoring another in Gershkoff’s 6-2 victory over NEFL at Cranston Stadium in the first game of a doubleheader. He had the game-winning base hit in the seventh as well, bringing home the lead and insurance runs to break the tie.

“Fastballs down the middle, just making contact,” Rodriguez said. “Got the team the win, and I just feel good.”

Gershkoff Auto Body held on to a 2-0 lead since the first inning, but NEFL was able to equalize in the sixth. Starter John Beneduce had allowed only one hit in the first five innings, but the top of NEFL’s order finally found a rhythm.

Dave Defusco kicked off the rally with a single down the left field line before Matt Boelter shot a base hit the same way. After Boelter stole second, Austin Lamaire had runners at second and third with no one out. He delivered, blooping an RBI single into right field as Defusco just got under the tag at home.

Beneduce would strike out cleanup hitter Josh Coleman before giving way to reliever Chris Manfredo. The Cranston West right-hander won a 12-pitch at-bat with Dan Pratt, forcing a fielder’s choice, and looked to escape with the lead as Dean Streich stepped in. Manfredo spiked a 2-1 pitch in the dirt, allowing Lamaire to score from third with the tying run.

“The top 5 is more relaxed,” Lamaire said about the success of the top half of the order.

Gershkoff’s torrid offense went back to work in the final frame. Defusco stepped on the bump in relief and got a quick out before experiencing control issues. He walked Travis Collins on four pitches, and Jake Coro went the other way on a single to left field that put runners at the corners.

Coro stole second base to give fellow Johnston teammate Rodriguez two runners in scoring position. He produced once again, lining a 1-1 pitch back up the middle to easily bring both Collins and Coro across the plate.

Rodriguez and Mitchell Carvalho would add insurance to the lead when they came home on a throwing error from Chris Reid.

Four runs was more than enough for Manfredo, who set NEFL down quietly in the seventh.

“When I was out there, I’m just zoned in,” Manfredo said. “I think about nothing but the game in front of me. I think this win is actually big because it’s NEFL and it’s a good team.”

Other than one shaky inning apiece from starter Shane Kittila (arm pain) and Defusco, NEFL’s pitching was strong thanks to Streich. He stopped the bleeding for five innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four to keep Shields Post 43 in the game.

Gershkoff continued its winning ways in Game 2, as starter Dan Smith led the way to a 3-0 shutout victory.

“[We have to] swing the bat more and be more relaxed,” Lamaire said about what NEFL needs to do to get the offense some momentum going forward.

Auburn Post 20 had three games between Tuesday and Wednesday, including a road game at Providence Post 56 and a home doubleheader against Navigant Post 85, but no results were available at press time. The squad will play in its final tournament of the season this week, from Thursday to Sunday, at the Mid-Atlantic Showdown in Baseball Heaven, New York.

“I’d say [we’re] a tough team to beat,” Manfredo said. “I wouldn’t doubt it.”

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