Locals Go Down To The Wire

It’s not often the East End has this many softball teams playing meaningful games in May, but this year six tightly-bunched teams are going at it, and every win — and every loss —is critical.

Southampton, Westhampton, Mattituck, East Hampton, and Mercy all have six wins. Assuming a .500 record will earn a playoff berth, some teams will fall short and others will come together. It’s about playing clutch baseball from here on out.

East Hampton, after a decade of losing streaks and missed chances, is in the hunt and enjoying every minute of it.

The rejuvenated Lady Bonackers are understandably feeling the pressure — on April 28, playing at home, they let an important game get away when Islip overwhelmed them 6-0.

Credit a good team: Islip moved to 8-6 on the season. Keren Hodulick hit a solo home run in the first inning and finished the game with two RBIs for Islip (8-6) in Suffolk VII. Megan DeVita had two doubles and a run scored in the win. Julia Pastrana turned in a sterling performance on the hill to record a complete game shutout. Sam Merritt took the loss for the home team.

East Hampton dropped to 6-7 on the season and faces a critical test at Southampton on Friday, May 4, at 4:30.

Southampton got the message, improving to 6-5 on August 24 by edging Mattituck, which dropped to 6-6.

As is often the case, the difference proved to be the dominant pitcher, and Samantha Wesnofske fits that role and more. The ace overwhelmed the Lady Tuckers, striking out 12 batters in the process, and allowing only two while going the distance.

It was a tour de force: Wesnofske went 3-for-3 at the plate, good for two ribbies.

Mattituck (6-6) plays at home against Mercy Friday at 4 PM. The Monarchs are 6-6 as well.

Just when Hampton bays started to feel comfortable, League VI Miller Place came to town April 24 and upended the home team 9 -7, dropping the Baywomen to 8-5 on the season.

Don’t forget Westhampton. The Lady Hurricanes belted Bayport/Blue Point 10-4 at home on April 26, moving to 6-5 on the season. Jess Ferrick exploded for three hits in as many at bats, scored three times, and recorded three ribbies. Lexi Miller went 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and two runs. Ferrick earned the win as well.

Over in League II, Riverhead is hanging in there. On Saturday, the local dispensed with Lindenhurst 4-3. Emily Bazarewski drove in Ashley Columbus on a walk-off single in the bottom of the eighth inning to propel Riverhead, 4-3, 7-6 overall in Suffolk III. Next game is at Bayshore (10-4) on May 4.

Girls LAX
The Lady Blue Waves are making a move, beating Brentwood on April 27 to run their record to Division I to 7-2 (7-3).

It was a good old-fashioned thumper as the locals, playing at home, jumped off to an 11-0 lead and coasted, 17-3.

Christine Thomas had two goals and three assists to lead Riverhead (7-2) in Suffolk I. Megan Kielbasa, Kayla Kielbasa, and Kyra Moos each had a goal and an assist in the win.

In all, 12 players scored in the fray. Next stop is at West Islip (7-4) on May 3.

Mattituck is hanging tough in Division II, beating East Islip 12-5 on April 25. Mackenzie Hoag had four goals and three assists and sister Riley found the net three times and recorded eight points.

Mattituck, now 8-3, moved past East Islip with the win,

The team plays at Westhampton Friday, May 4, at 6 PM.

rmurphy@indyeastend.com