3E Moving

Floral Arts 22, Mustangs 16

Floral Arts wins Championship 3 games to 2.

Floral Arts won its first Westford Over 30 Slow Pitch championship Friday night when it defeated defending champs Mustangs, 22-16. In the thrilling fifth game of the championship series finals, Floral Arts relinquished an 11-2 lead in the fifth inning when the tenacious Mustangs scored 13 runs to go up 15-11. Floral Arts made three straight outs in the sixth inning and then Jay Lincoln hit a solo shot for the Mustangs, to make the score 16-11. Down by five and down to only three outs in the seventh, Floral Arts mounted an incredible comeback. It began with singles from Larry Mardany, Ron Paulauskas, Billy Luppold, and a fence-ringing RBI shot by Dean Wormell. Roger Whittlesey hit a fielder’s choice that scored another run, and then Jonathon Morgan hit a game-tying three-run homer, his 16th home run of the season. Floral Arts then released their flower power, batted through their line up, and scored 11 runs to go up 22-16. The fiery Jon Haslam belted a three-run homer to pad the Floral Arts lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Floral Arts retired three batters in a row, ending with a hard-hit line drive that landed in pitcher Mardany’s glove. Don Cusano hit two home runs, Bill Knute chipped in three hits, Lincoln, Andy Mastandrea, Dan Crogan, and Mike Kennedy each had two hits for the Mustangs. Jim Peloquin stroked a home run for the winners, as did Tom Semeter, Simon Tripp, and Frank Lancelotta.

Floral Arts 8, Mustangs 5

On Wednesday night, Floral Arts staved off elimination against the perennial powerhouse Mustangs with an 8-5 victory that tied the championship series to two games apiece. Floral Arts pitcher Larry Mardany was stingy on the mound, allowing only four earned runs. Tom Semeter, Mike Alonardo, Simon Tripp, and Jon Haslam contributed key RBIs for the winners. Haslam squeezed the clinching out on a nice running play in right center field. Paul Selfridge led the Mustangs with two hits, including a homerun. Jack Erickson, Jim Ward, Jay Lincoln, and Craig Smith each had two hits. Bill Knute threw out a runner at the plate and continued his stellar outfield defense for the Mustangs.

Mustangs 12, Floral Arts 9

On Tuesday night, the Mustangs took a 2-1 series lead as they edged Floral Arts, 12-9. Mike Kennedy went 2-2 with a homerun and five RBIs to lead the Mustangs. Bill Knute had two hits, including a homer, and several outstanding defensive plays in left field. Winning pitcher Don Cusano contributed a homerun, and Paul Ligouri had two hits and turned a great double play from second base. Jack McGrath, Jack Erickson (two RBIs) and Paul Selfridge hit well for the winners. Jim Ward caught a potential game tying homerun at the fence for the last out of the game to preserve the win.