Pierson/Bridgehampton falls to Haldane pitching

Losses rarely leave a good feeling, but Pierson/Bridgehampton coach Jon Tortorella insisted his team shouldn't feel ashamed about falling short of its goal.

The Whalers battled but couldn't overcome a stellar pitching performance from Ryan Koval, who struck out five and walked one in a three-hitter for Haldane in a 3-0 win over Pierson/Bridgehampton in a state Class C Southeast Regional Final Wednesday at Manhattanville College.

"We had a great season," Tortorella said. "We won the Suffolk, League and Long Island championship. We wanted more, but I was impressed and very happy."

Koval proved to be too much for Pierson/Bridgehampton to get past as only five batters reached base.

Tim Markowski and Sean Hartnett each had a hit for the Whalers (21-4). Paul Dorego added a hit and a stolen base.

"He changed speeds and hit spots," Tortorella said of Koval. "Our offense just didn't execute today."

Tortorella also noted the performance of his own starter. Jake Bennett struck out three, scattered nine hits and allowed three runs (two earned) over 61/3 innings.

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Koval provided most of Haldane's offense with two hits and two RBIs.

"They weren't really hard hits he gave up," Tortorella said. "Jake kept us in the game and gave us a chance."