Straker, Linsalato and DiNozzi help Smithtown Christian to state semifinals

Smithtown Christian defeated Coleman Catholic of Section IX, 11-8, in the Class D Southeast baseball regional Tuesday at SUNY-New Paltz.

"We lost to this same team last year so to come back this year and beat them in their region was special," coach Craig Gorton said.

Smithtown Christian (16-5) advanced to the state semifinals at SUNY-Binghamton on Saturday, its first appearance in the state final four, according to Gorton.

Kyle Straker went 2-for-3 with two doubles and five RBIs, including a two-run double to highlight a five-run second inning. Ronny Linsalato went 2-for-4 with two runs and Jake DiNozzi went 2-for-4 with a double, a run and two RBIs. DiNozzi pitched five innings with 11 strikeouts for the win and Glenn Middendorf pitched the final two innings with three hits and one strikeout for the save.