Division falls in Class A baseball semis

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- While Division had just three hits, the Blue Dragons had runners in scoring position in every inning except two when they were retired in order. The chances were there and for most of the postseason, Division came through.

However, Division couldn't capitalize Saturday in a 3-1 loss to Pittsford Sutherland in a State Class A baseball semifinal at NYSEG Stadium.

"We hit the ball and we put runners in scoring position and you need timely hitting," senior centerfielder John Cruz said. "We had our opportunities and put ourselves in good situations, but didn't come through."

The lone run came in the third inning when Thomas Wiebke was hit by a pitch to start the inning. Johnny Muller reached on a fielder's choice and went to third on a single by Cruz, who then stole second base. Lenny Martinez hit a sacrifice fly to score Muller to bring Division (21-8) within 2-1.

Most of the time, the innings ended in frustration. A line drive double play ended the first inning. A 4-6-3 double play negated two hits in the second inning. Division couldn't take advantage of two walks in the fifth following a rain delay of one hour and 22 minutes.

"We played a lot of close games in the playoffs and there's always one inning where we come through with a big hit," senior leftfielder J.J. Kissane said. "We scored one run and that's not going to beat a good team."

Division had one last rally in the seventh. Rob McNamara led off with a walk and Wiebke was hit by a pitch with two outs. A strikeout ended the game.

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Gibbs wasn't overpowering for Pittsford Sutherland (24-2), but kept Division off balance. He threw a three-hitter, walked three, hit two batters, and struck out two.

"He's a little slower than we're used to," Cruz said. "He was hitting his spots. He had a funny delivery and was great with his pickoffs. We focus on how we play and we didn't come through. That's the story."

Added Kissane: "He was locating well and a little slower than some of the kids we're used to seeing. I think we hit a couple of balls pretty well, but we were hitting the ball right at people, too. We didn't come through in the big spots."

Division starter Sean Abbate went the distance and allowed six hits, walked five (one intentional) and struck out eight. He allowed a four-pitch walk to Brad Kaczka with two outs in the first inning and the next pitch to Zach Silvia was blasted over the leftfield wall for a two-run homer.

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"Sean Abbate pitched great," Division coach Tom Tuttle said. "He made the one mistake in the first inning. He left the ball up and the big power hitter hit a home run. We just didn't put any hits together. You're not going to win with three hits."

Division was the No. 7 seed in the Nassau Class A county tournament and defeated the No. 1, 2, 3 and 6 seeds to capture its 12th county championship. The Blue Dragons defeated Shoreham-Wading River to win their eighth Long Island championship.

"I had a great season with these guys," Cruz said. "It's a tough way to lose, but give credit to the other team."

Added Kissane: "It was a great season. We weren't expected to do much in the postseason entering as the seven seed. We knew we could do it. Not many other people had faith in us."