Announcement
Having a bye is often a way to cool off a hot team. Especially when the opponents have a chance to get hot themselves. However the bye proved no obstacle for both the Mustangs and Floral Arts, as they both won their openers with games that were stopped early due to the enforcement of the Run Rule.
In the first game of the night, the defending champion Mustangs beat Willis Tent 13-0. Willis came in off of two thrilling one victories over PST to earn the right to challenge the champs, but could not get the offense started against starting pitcher Don Cusano and his defense. The Mustangs hit 4 consecutive homeruns in the 3rd inning to ignite the offense. Starting the run was Don Cusano (3-3, 2 homers, 6 rbi's), followed by Bill Knute (2-3, one homerun 2 rbi's), Mark Cusano, and Jack Erickson. Surehanded shortstop Paul Selfridge also added 2 hits and one homerun for the Mustangs.
Not to be outdone, Floral Arts gave up a lead off HR to SS Chris Smith of SCL, then never looked back, winning 20-3. Floral Arts answer to Smith's blast was to put up nine runs in the bottom of the first. In the second inning, Shortcuts pushed across two runs on the strength of a Mike Gross HR, but it would be the last time they would score, as pitcher Larry Mardany kept Shortcuts off-balance until the game was ended in the fifth inning. Simon Tripp (2), Frank Lancelotta, Tom Semeter, and Mike Alonardo all hit home runs for Floral Arts. Roger Whittlesey, Jonathan Morgan, Jim Peloquin, and Jon Haslam also had multiple hit games.
Due to the Hurricane that is threatening the region, the second game of both series will not be held on Sunday. Instead, Game 2 of each series will be played on Tuesday and Game 3 on Wednesday. If necessary, Games 4 and 5 will be held after the Labor Day Holiday on Tuesday (9/6) and Wednesday (9/7).
