O'Reilly walk-off homer leads Shoreham-WR
Shoreham's Mike O'Reilly singles in the sixth inning. (April 20, 2012) Credit: George A. Faella
Walk-off home runs aren't exactly an everyday occurrence in baseball.
Shoreham-Wading River's Mike O'Reilly seems to have it down to a science.
O'Reilly's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning was the difference Saturday as No. 1 Shoreham-Wading River edged fifth-seeded Sayville, 2-1, in a Suffolk Class A losers' bracket baseball final.
It was the second consecutive walk-off two-run home run for O'Reilly, who hit one in Shoreham-Wading River's last win against Rocky Point in the bottom of the eighth inning May 18.
"He's a real quiet kid, really determined," Shoreham-Wading River coach Sal Mignano said. "In my 36 years, I've never experienced a walk-off, let alone two consecutive walk-offs."
Shoreham-Wading River (17-4) was put into the position to win by Mike DeVito, who was locked in a pitchers' duel with Sayville's Matthew Seeba.
DeVito gave up a run and five hits in a complete game to pick up his sixth win of the season.
Seeba was just as sharp as he gave up four hits and one run in 8 2/3 innings.
Ryan Aloise came on for Seeba in the bottom of the ninth inning.
"The kids are ecstatic," Mignano said. "DeVito was amazing for us."
Shoreham-Wading River will play at No. 2 Bayport-Blue Point in a potential two-game championship series beginning at 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Since Shoreham-Wading River already has a loss in the double-elimination playoff, it must win Tuesday to force a second game against Bayport-Blue Point on Wednesday.
Shoreham-Wading River fell to BBP, Point, 4-2, in a winners' bracket game on May 23.
Sarra Sounds Off Ep. 35: EI baseball, girls lacrosse and plays of the week On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," we look at East Islip baseball's inspirational comeback story, Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week and Tess Ferguson breaks down the top defensive players in girls lacrosse.
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