Date: Fri 21-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: TOMW

Illustration: I

Quick Words:

12-Year-Old-LL-All-Stars

Full Text:

12-Year-Old LL All Stars

Bounced From District 3

The Newtown Little League's 12-year-old all-star team looked like it had

something going in its pre-tournament practices. The boys were hitting the

cover off the ball, had excellent team speed, four solid pitchers, and a sharp

defense. But things didn't go exactly as planned once the District 3 Little

League Tournament began a week ago. Newtown lost a tough 3-1 game to Prospect

in its first-round game before coming back to win a 7-5 thriller at Watertown/

Oakville. On Saturday, July 15, the tournament came to an end for the locals

when a pair of costly errors allowed a five-run inning in a 6-1 eliminating

loss to Seymour.

" We didn't make many errors in the tournament, " said Newtown head coach Jim

Roodhuyzen. " But the few we made, killed us. "

Tied 1-1 in the top of the fourth inning, Newtown starting pitcher John

Fiscella was coasting. He struck out the frame's leadoff hitter before being

tapped for a single.

Newtown caught the Seymour baserunner in a rundown, but after six exchanges,

the runner made it back safely. The next hitter banged a ground ball for what

should have been the third out. But the second-consecutive Newtown error,

instead, made it first and second with only one out.

Fiscella came unglued at that point, walking the next four Seymour hitters

before giving the ball to teammate Timmy Gordon. Gordon allowed an RBI

fielders choice and a two-run double before getting out of the inning with his

team down 6-1.

Seymour's outstanding defensive efforts squelched out any Newtown comeback

efforts, and ended the game with a double play.

" We hit the ball hard, " Roodhuyzen said, " but always right at people. "

On Thursday night, Newtown had to rally from a 5-2 deficit to beat Water/ Oak

7-5. Trailing by three in the fourth inning after a three-run homer and a

two-run homer by Water/ Oak hitters made it 5-2, Newtown posted four runs to

take the lead for good.

Matt Saunders, Kevin Carolan, and Dave Roodhuyzen walked to start the Newtown

inning. Pete Stephenson collected an RBI fielder's choice when Saunders beat

the throw home, and John Fiscella followed with an RBI single. Jason

Prasauckas walked, pushing home another run, and Chris Lyddy tied the game

with a base hit.

Newtown grabbed the lead when Nick Savino laid down a bunt, scoring

Stephenson. The visitors plated an insurance run in the fifth on a leadoff

double by Carolan, a single by Roodhuyzen, and an RBI single by Stephenson.

Roodhuyzen finsihed the ballgame with two of his team's six hits, worked out

two walks, scored twice, and stole four bags in the game.

Other Newtown 12-year-old all-stars were Jared Nathanson, Rich Petretti, Chris

Arnold, and Tom O'Toole.

Newtown will begin play in the Derby Invitational Tournament on Friday night,

July 21.