Westfield's season ends with loss to Branchburg

Westfield lost to Branchburg by the score of 15-3 in the semi-final round of the North Jersey playoffs. The loss ended their hopes for a shot at the league title. The loss puts Westfield’s final record at 19-7 overall and 12-2 in North Jersey league play.

Westfield played well early and led 2-0 after 1 inning and 3-2 after 2 innings. Vin “Madman” Difilippo turned in a very gutsy pitching performance, going 3 strong innings despite taking a line drive off of his shin in the 1st inning. Madman was down but not out after getting drilled with the hard liner and he quickly bounced back and held Branchburg scoreless in the 1st. Westfield took a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning after they loaded the bases and proceeded to get RBI walks from Vin Difilippo and Scott Tupper. Branchburg got 1 run back in the top of the 2nd, but Difilippo worked hard to prevent further damage, despite 2 Westfield errors in the inning.

The turning point of the game came in the bottom of the 2nd inning. The inning began very promising for Westfield when they quickly loaded the bases and scored a run on an RBI walk by Matt Macik. With the bases loaded and no one out, lead off hitter Eric Varakian hit a hard ground ball back to the pitcher who threw home for the out at the plate. The Branchburg catcher then immediately threw to 3rd and got the force out on Chris “Mariano” Varano who was running from 2nd base. The next hitter popped out to the catcher and the Westfield opportunity had evaporated just as quickly as it had come together. Branchburg immediately capitalized by scoring 4 runs in the top of the 3rd to take a 6-3 lead. Branchburg scored their runs with a couple of timely hits after the first 2 batters reached on infield errors.

Nick Mele relieved Difilippo in the 4th inning and threw a scoreless inning to keep Westfield within striking distance. The offense struggled though and Westfield was only able to manage 2 base runners after the 2nd inning – both singles by Nick Mele. Branchburg blew the game open in the 5th on 2 hits, 5 walks and an error. Chris "Boots" Boutsikaris relieved Mele in the 5th and shut down the Branchburg rally. Ethan "Smiley" Smith pitched the 6th inning for Westfield.

Next up is the TV36 interview tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:45 at Gumbert #1. The boys will wear their blue jerseys.

Pictures following Branchburg Game

Sulking over the loss at Sorrento's

Pictures from North Jersey All Star Game

A big thanks to Brett Oberman for taking and sharing these pictures.

Pictures from 1st Half of Warren Game

Vin pondering the meaning of life

Brett attempts to frame a low strike

Matt caught eating too many seeds

Eric is guilty as well

Devin having fun

Brett with his game face

Photos from Berkley Heights game

Coaches Difilippo and Anderson discuss differing
opinions on proper sunglass placement


Scott Tupper admires his work


Devin "The Animal" Anderson behind the dish


Hopper Murray lets one fly


Good times at Scoops

Westfield Blue defeats Berkley Heights 7-4

Westfield completed the North Jersey regular season with a 7-4 win over Berkley Heights. The victory pushed Westfield’s overall record to 18-6 and their North Jersey record to 11-1, placing them in a tie for first place with Summit. The strong finish will likely give them a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

Westfield got strong pitching from starter Scott Tupper and from relievers Brett Robertshaw, Hopper Murray and Chris Rinaldi. Tupper’s control was extremely accurate and he did not issue a walk in the 3 innings he pitched. He allowed only 3 hits and struck out 3. Robertshaw relieved Tupper and pitched the 4th inning. He allowed only a walk and he struck out 2 Berkley Heights batters. Murray pitched the 5th, recording a strikeout and making a great defensive play from the mound to end the inning. Rinaldi pitched a scoreless 6th inning and struck out 2 batters.

Westfield offense scored 3 runs in the 1st inning and 4 in the 5th. In the 1st inning, Nick Mele started the rally with a disciplined at bat that led to 2 out walk. He stole second and scored on an RBI single from Chris “Boots” Boutsikaris. Vin “Madman” Difilippo also had a good at bat that led to a walk and then Devin “The Animal” Anderson cleared the bases with a 2 run triple to left center field. In the 4th inning, Matt “Freight Train” Macik and Eric Varakian worked their way on with walks to start off the inning. Chris Rinaldi followed with an RBI double to left center and Nick Mele knocked in Varakian and Rinaldi with a clutch RBI single. Mele stole second and eventually scored on a hard hit RBI ground out from Difilippo.

Westfield’s defense was solid throughout the game. Catcher Devin Anderson made a great play in the 4th inning when he held onto a foul tip to secure a strike out. Shortstop Vin Difilippo made a heads up play when, with 1st and 2nd and no one out, he made a nice play on a ground ball to shortstop and went to 3rd base to get the lead runner. Varakian and Chris “Mariano” Varano each made nice plays at 2nd base. Rinaldi made a nice backhand grab and short and threw to Boots at 1st who made a nice scoop to complete the play. 3rd baseman Matt Macik and catcher Vin Difilippo made a nice play in the 5th almost nailing a Berkley Heights runner who was attempting to steal 3rd base, but the runner was ruled safe. Brett Robertshaw had a booming double to right center field in the 4th.

Next up is practice on Monday from 6-8pm at Houlihan Field. This will be the boys first event on turf this year and TV36 will be there to capture it and speak to the boys about their season.