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Flash strike up 7-3 win at home
(by Erin Patricia Griffiths - July 08, 2008)
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Photos by Robert S. Pytel
Nick Ramagli’s seven innings on the mound contributed to the team’s triumphant performance, as he allowed only three runs to score.
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The Flash lit up the field of Sulak Lane with another victory on the evening of Monday, June 30. The heat rising from the fields was not just from the weather, but from players whose hearts were burning with desire for a win over Waldwick. After seven innings, the team walked off the field, dripping with sweat, but gripping a win solidly in hand with a final score of 7-3.
Nick Ramagli’s seven innings on the mound contributed to the team’s triumphant performance. “I felt like I was getting stronger as the game went on. But then towards the end, I think the heat might have been getting to me a little bit. I started getting a little worn down.”
But the temperature was not enough to keep Ramagli’s pitching talents down. He finished the game only letting in three runs from Waldwick. “We played six games in six days, so pitching is thin. Nick Ramagli really stepped up big time right up until the end,” said Coach Bob Howell.
Waldwick led the game 1-0 with an RBI base hit off the pitcher in the top of the second inning, but Matt Moreno’s RBI from Dane McDermott in the bottom of the third inning brought the game to a tie.
In the bottom of the fifth, Dane McDermott broke the tie score, putting the Flash in the lead. After a line drive to right, McDermott stole second and third bases and Ramagli walked. Courtesy runner Ryan Howell stole second putting runners on second and third. Moreno’s double gave him two more RBIs, giving the Flash a two run lead as McDermott and Howell crossed home plate.
Park Ridge held Waldwick from scoring in the top of the sixth, as Ramagli struck out two to leave the bases loaded and strand the tying run on second.
In the bottom of the inning, the team battled to increase the lead to six runs. Blake Crouch’s ground ball to left followed by David Wood’s line drive double put runners on second and third. Howell’s suicide squeeze scored Crouch as Howell was tagged out on the sacrifice. John Maughan singled, bringing in Wood from third base for a four run lead. With two outs, Ramagli stepped up to the plate and hit a homerun to center to put Park Ridge ahead six runs with the score 7-1. “It jammed me a little bit, I didn’t really get all of it. I knew it was going to get over his head, I just wasn’t sure if it was going to get out. And then when it got out I was just happy,” said Ramagli of the hit.
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Michael Griffin tags out Waldwick’s runner as he slides into the plate.
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Despite two runs brought in by Waldwick in the top of the seventh inning, the Flash held on to end the game 7-3. With seven strong innings pitched, a homerun, and an RBI, Ramagli was happy with his performance and contributions to the game. “I was pleased. It is what I expect of myself.”
Coach Tom McDermott was satisfied with the win, especially with several players out due to injury and vacation, and the remaining players exhausted from back to back games. “It was a great team win,” said McDermott.
Erin Patricia Griffiths' e-mail address is GriffithsE@northjersey.com.
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