Westfield defeats Branchburg 16-7

In an highly anticipated rematch of last year’s semi-final game, the offense powered Westfield past a tough Branchburg team to improve their record to 10-1. The game was tight in the early goings with Nick Mele and Chris “Boots” Boutsikaris pitching two solid innings apiece, however Westfield trailed 7-6 after 4 innings of play. Chris Rinaldi came into pitch the 5th and 6th and got tremendous defensive support by Boots who recorded all three outs unassisted in the 5th inning.

The pitching was good, but the story of the game was the hitting and the way the team rallied to take control of the game. Behind by a run and down to their final six outs, the offensive erupted for 12 (twelve) hits in the bottom of the 5th. It was an inning that will not soon be forgotten. Rinaldi led the inning off with a double and was promptly knocked home by Mele who hit his 3rd double of the day. Boots singled in Mele with his 3rd of 4 singles on the day and with one out Scott Tupper singled home Mele. Devin Anderson knocked home Tupper with his 2nd double of the afternoon and Tupper was immediately knocked home by Brett Robertshaw’s 2nd single of the day. Hopper Murray singled and then Chris Varano knocked in a Robertshaw with a run scoring single. With two outs, and runners on 2nd and 3rd, Eric Varakian cleared the bases with a hard hit double to the right center field gap. Rinaldi knocked in Varakian with a triple and scored on Mele’s 4th hit of the afternoon. Vin “Madman” Difilippo had a strong day at the plate going 2 for 4, hitting the ball hard each time up. Ethan Smith had a hard hit single in the 4th inning and every Westfield player had at least one hit.

The game was held in check with a couple of great defensive plays by Westfield. Brett Robertshaw caught a deep fly ball to right center field and hung on after a big collision with Eric Varakian. Scott Tupper made a great play at 3rd base and Rinaldi playing shortstop caught a liner up the middle and threw to Boots at first for the double play. Ethan Smith made a great play on a sinking liner to left field that looked like it would drop in for an extra base hit. Difilippo, Mele and Robertshaw shared the catching duties and were solid behind the plate

Next up is Basking Ridge at the Mountain Park complex in Basking Ridge. The boys will wear their gray uniform shirts and the boys should arrive at 5:20 for warm ups.