Westford Over-30 Slow-Pitch Softball

The defending champs have taken a commanding 2 games to none lead in the final round of the playoffs.  Floral Arts defeated the Mustangs 16-9 on Friday and then 14-6 on Sunday.

In the first game, Floral Arts scored 7 in the first, including back to back home runs to start the game, and never looked back. The Floral outfield turned in two momentum shifting defensive plays - - Roger Whittlesey threw out a runner attempting to tag on a long fly out to left, and Greg Marchand made a sliding play in short left center field and doubled off the runner caught in no man's land. Mike Alonardo, Jonathan Morgan (2), Jon Haslam (2) and Jim Peloquin all homered for Floral. Don Cusano and Bill Knute(2) hit the long ball for Mustangs. 

In game two, Mike Alonardo was 3-3 with 3 HR and 7 RBI, and Larry Mardany did the rest, holding the Mustangs potent offense to just 6 runs. Roger Whittlesey, John Haslam, Greg Marchand, and Tom Semeter had multiple hit games for Floral, while Don Cusano and Bill Knute homered for Mustangs. Defensive standouts included Jim Peloquin, John Haslam, and Greg Marchand for Floral, and Mike Kennedy for Mustangs. 

The series continues on Tuesday, when the regular season champs attempt to extend the series.  Game time is 7 PM.

Regular Season:  Mustangs (21 Wins - 3 Losses)

Play Off Champions:  After a bye in the Opening Round, Floral Arts Defeated Mario's Restaurant (3 Games to 0) and the Mustangs (3 Games to 2).

Willis Tent knocked out Pro Sports Therapy in the first round of the playoffs, but has lost two in a row against the Nashoba Valley Veterinary Hospital Mustangs and now stands on the edge of elimination in the best of five series. Also, Mario’s Restaurant, after eliminating Drew Farms in three games in the first round, is down 2-0 against reigning champs Floral Arts.

Mustangs 10 - Willis 8

Home runs by Don Cusano, Mike Kennedy, and Jack Erickson led the Nashoba Valley Veterinay Hospital Mustangs to a 10-8 game one victory over Willis Tent. Steve Damiani kept the game close for Willis with two three run homers. Mike Kennedy, Jim Ward, Bill Knute, Craig Smith, and Dan Crogan provided excellent defense for the winners.

Mustangs 20 - Willis 8

In a well-balanced offensive attack, 15 different Mustangs combined for 27 hits and 13 Mustangs scored at least one run in the 20-8 victory over Willis Tent. Bill Knute and Don Cusano each contributed a home run blast to the Mustangs cause. Knute was one of four Mustangs with three RBI apiece. Brian Foley, Jay Lincoln, and Paul Ligouri (3-for-3, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI) all had multiple hit games to go along with their runs batted in. Defensively for the Mustangs, Craig Smith continued to make spectacular plays from his short fielder position, while Jim Ward and Bill Knute patrolled the outfield with great skill. Mike Kennedy and Paul Selfrige led the Mustangs' stellar infield defense.

Floral Arts 14 - Mario’s Restaurant 5

Floral exploded for 7 runs in the first inning, detonated by a 3-run home run by Jim Peloquin, and capped the evening with 4 runs in the sixth, highlighted by a Simon Tripp -3-run blast. Larry Mardany pitched well in the win, and other key offensive contributors included Dean Wormell, Geoff Pavao, and Frank Lancelotta (home run). Than Nguyen homered and had multiple hits for Mario’s.

Floral Arts 15 - Mario’s Restaurant 2

Floral Arts scratched for runs early, then put up 9 in the fifth to put a close game out of reach. Larry Mardany carried a shutout into the sixth inning before surrendering a home run to Dave Batchelder, and was ably backed up by some sparkling defense. Home runs by Jim Peloquin (2), Jonathan Morgan (grand slam), Mike Alonardo, Frank Lancelotta, and Simon Tripp, and multiple hits by Tom Lester, Dean Wormell, and Mike Spanos helped Floral Arts gain a comfortable lead and cruise to the win.

After Wednesday night's games, the 2012 frontrunners have commanding 2 Games to 0 leads in both series that puts them on a collision course for a rematch of last year's Finals won by Floral Arts.

The nightcap saw the Mustangs win in decisive fashion with with a 20-8 victory over Willis Tent.  In the first game, Floral Arts defeated Mario's Restaurant 15-2.  Floral scratched for runs early, then put up 9 in the fifth to put a close game out of reach. Larry Mardany pitched a gem and carried a shutout into the sixth inning before surrendering a home run to Dave Batchelder.  Mardany was ably backed up by some sparkling defense. Offensively, Jim Peloquin (2), Jonathan Morgan (grand slam), Mike Alonardo, Frank Lancelotta, and Simon Tripp all homered for Floral in addition to Tom Lester, Dean Wormell, and Mike Spanos, who all chipped in multiple hit games.

There will be a break for the holiday weekend before the playoffs resume on Tuesday, September 4th.

The second round of the 2012 playoff season opened on Tuesday night and it looked very similar to the regular season as the higher seeds prevailed in both games.

In the first game of the night, the regular season champion Mustangs began their drive to regain the playoff title with a 10-8 victory over Willis Tent.

The nightcap saw Floral Arts explode for 7 in the first on their way to a 14-5 win over Mario's Restaurant.  Floral's big first inning was detonated by a 3 run HR by Jim Peloquin and they capped the evening with 4 in the sixth highlighted by a Simon Tripp 3 run HR. Larry Mardany pitched well in the win and other key offensive contributors included Dean Wormell, Geoff Pavao, and Frank Lancelotta (HR). Than Nguyen homered and had multiple hits for Marios. 

Round two will continue on Wednesday night.