Westford Over-30 Slow-Pitch Softball

Floral Arts defeated Short Cut Landscaping three times this week to earn a ticket to the finals for the third year in a row.  It is still undecided whether Floral Arts will face the Mustangs (the league champion for two years running) or Willis Tent, a team that has benefited from some new firepower and a recent offensive renaissance.  The Mustangs lead the best of five semi-final series against Willis Tent, 2-1.

Mustangs 18, Willis 10

In the second game of the semi-finals, played on Tuesday night, the Mustangs’ 17-man line up provided a balanced attack, defeating Willis Tent, 18-10, and going up 2-0 in the best of five series. Mustang cleanup hitter, Bill Knute hit three home runs and knocked in seven runs.  Rookies Mike Kennedy (2-for-3, two RBIs) and Jack Erickson (three RBIs) also contributed home runs for the Mustangs.  Mark Cusano, Jay Dolan, Craig Smith, Jim Ward, and Bill Knute played great outfield defense for the defending champs.

Willis Tent 11, Mustangs 9

On Wednesday night, the Mustangs fell short in their attempt to win the series and move into the championship round for the third year in a row, as Willis Tent edged the Mustangs, 11-9.  Willis Tent had two big offensive outbursts to fend off elimination.  Rob Swinamer and John Hunter both hit key three-run home runs, and each had multi-hit games to pace Willis.  The Willis outfield of Kevin Adolph, Tom Mahanna, Ryan Gleason and Glenn Harding came up with big plays all night for Willis.  The Mustangs had the winning run at the plate in the bottom of the 7th inning, but fell just short.  The best of five series is now 2-1 in Mustangs’ favor.

Floral Arts 13, Short Cut Landscaping 12

On Tuesday night, Floral Arts prevailed in a tight contest that saw Short Cut Landscaping score two runs in the bottom of the seventh, one shy of tying the game, before pitcher Larry Mardany forced the final out of the game, thus earning Floral Arts a 13-12 win and a 2-0 lead in the semi-finals.  Tom Lester had a big night for Floral Arts. Lester was 3-for-3 with two doubles and a home run.  Jim Peloquin (4-for-4, home run), Roger Whittlesey, James Gibson, and Jon Haslam contributed clutch hits for the winners.  Short Cuts displayed power up and down their lineup, knocking nine balls out of the park. Each of their two through six hitters had at least one homer.

Floral Arts 14, Short Cut Landscaping 13

Billy Luppold hit a momentum changing home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to spark a four-run rally and lead Floral Arts to a comeback victory over Shortcuts, 14-13.  Frank Lancelotta’s game-winning single between short and third allowed Jim Peloquin to dash home from third and score the 13th run, which propelled Floral Arts into the championship round and eliminated Short Cut Landscaping from the 2011 playoffs.  Both teams hit more than six home runs. Jonathan Morgan (2), Roger Whittlesey, Frank Lancelotta, and Geoff Pavao homered for the winners. Larry Mardany added three hits and Luppold chipped in a double in addition to his Titanic seventh inning blast.