Sandstone trims Elba for Midget 9U title
Contributed Photo – Sandstone players and coaches celebrate after Monday evening’s playoff title win. In front are, Patrick Westlund, Jaxson Stefaniak, Brinley Saxton, and Jayce Torres. In the second row are Dominic Westlund, Hunter Stanley, Giovanni LaMartina, Ethan Mackey, Matthew Colmenero, Blake Brown, Nikko Russo, Olivia Bruski, Bryce Saxton and Viktor Rickner. In back are coaches Dan Bartlett, Scott DeSmit, Brian Stefaniak and Tim Westlund.
A pair of two run innings proved to be just enough scoring as Sandstone edged Elba 4-2 in the Albion Midget League 9U Division playoff championship game Monday evening at Sandstone.
Elba grabbed a quick lead in the top of the first inning on a two-run home run by Gia Zuber.
Sandstone though quickly rallied to tie the score in the home half of the first on a two-run homer by Giovanni LaMartina which followed a single by Blake Brown.
Sandstone later scored the deciding two runs in the fourth inning as Bryce Saxton singled and Nikko Russo and Brown followed up with RBI doubles.
Elba did get two runners aboard in the sixth inning on a hit batter an a single by Zuber but the Sandstone defense turned back the challenge as LaMartina made a sparkling catch of a pop fly at first base for the final out.
LaMartina, Saxton and Russo shared the pitching duties for Sandstone.
