Joey Lores leads E. Rockaway to Class C title

Not that it mattered.

Lores threw a four hitter with five strikeouts (two earned runs) as the No. 1 Rocks defeated No. 2 Friends Academy in the deciding third game of the Nassau Class C final, 15-5.

"I was pretty sure he could do it because he's been such a key contributor for us in three sports," said East Rockaway coach Dan Vito, also referring to Lores' football and basketball prowess. "I was so happy for him. And in my gut, I thought this could happen."

Lores did not doubt his ability to go seven innings.

"In junior high and junior varsity, I used to start, so I knew I had it in me," he said. "I'm used to the role."

East Rockaway (14-7) opened a 4-0 lead in the bottom of the third on Billy Humes' RBI double.

SEE PHOTOSEast Rockaway 15, Friends Academy 5

The Rocks would tally eight runs in the fifth, as both Humes (2-for-4) and Mikey Lores added RBI singles.

The 12-run lead provided Joey Lores with more than enough wiggle room.

"We talked about how we missed that big inning all year long," Vito said. "We put our foot down and helped out Joey."

But Joey Lores did not need much help. The reliever-turned-starter was ready to go the distance.