Garden City U12 Baseball Wins Third Consecutive District Title

The Garden City U12 baseball team captured the 2014 District 29 title with a 2-0 rain shortened win over Franklin Square on Wednesday, July 2 in Franklin Square.  The victory marked the third consecutive district title for this age group, following up on district tournament titles as 10 year olds in 2012 and 11 year olds last summer. 

The team, which allowed only one run in the entire four game tournament, was led by the powerful pitching of Brandon Pizzingrillo and Garrett Zander who pitched all but two innings of the team's four victories.  Relief pitchers Jake Fraher and Jeffrey Papazian also each pitched a scoreless inning in relief.  Catcher Michael Rasquin supported the pitching staff by calling four brilliant games behind the dish.  The defense was led by the slick glovework of first baseman TJ Schmitt and the strong arms of centerfielder Paul Varano and rightfielder Joe Macchiarola who kept several opposition baserunners from advancing with strong throws.  Stevie Baymack and Andrew Luglio got the offense going with some timely hits and Joe Griffin's baserunning also provided a spark.  Jason Brown and Brendan McEvoy also contributed to the victories with some good at bats and defense. The team's four game run through the district tournament began with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Frankin Square on June 21.  The team then defeated Floral Park 5-0 and Garden City South 5-1 before closing the tournament out with another win over Franklin Square last week.  

As a result of their win last week, the team moves on to the double elimination Section 5 tournament which begins Fridayafternoon at the Peter Stuyvesant Little League in Manhattan.  Win or lose on Friday, the team will play its second game of the Section 5 tournament on Saturday at Rath Park in Franklin Square.