Danny Serreino throws the game's opening pitch.

Jackson defeats the Beast of the East

Jackson, NJ -  It was a showdown of epic proportions tonight as the local Jackson Little League All Star team hosted the Toms River East Little League All Star team at the Justice Complex turf fields.   It was my old league, for which I played 7 years for against my new hometown’s league, but Toms River was yesterday and Jackson is today.

Last night’s game was part of the District 18 tournament, part of the Little League World Series tournament which ends in late August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.    The teams play a 4 game pool in which the top 4 teams from the division and eventually advance to the state finals.

In the early innings, Jackson and Toms River engaged in a tit for tat home run derby as Jackson took a 1-0 lead with a solo home run over the left-centerfield fence by #24 Charles Diminio.    Toms River responded with a home run to right and it was back and forth for the first few innings as Jackon’s #8 Joe De Maio responded with another blast over the fense.  In all, four home runs were hit before the game was tied the game 2-2.

Charles Dimino rounds the bases after a 1st inning home run

Jackson broke the 2-2 tie with a two run single, but the runner was called out trying to stretch the hit into a double, ending the inning, but that was all Jackson needed to win the game.   The Toms River bats couldn’t get aluminum on the ball as the Jackson pitcher struck out the first two batters.  The game ended on a sharp line drive to shortstop and the Jackson Township 12 year old Little League All-Stars defeated their neighbors to the south.

Danny Serreino warms up before the game.

Jackson’s pitcher, #10 Danny Serreino warms up before the game.  Serreino pitched a solid game, giving up only 2 runs to the Toms River East All Stars.

Kyle Missry playing first base

Ryan Takacs gets ready to advance prior to Matt Cunningham’s game winning hit

Jackson had runners on first and second with #2 Matt Cunningham at bat.  Cunningham hit a ball to the outfield driving in two runs, including the game winning RBI, but he was called out at second base trying to stretch his single into a double.   The game ended with a TRELL line drive out to Jackson’s shortstop  #18 Brandon Janofsky who caught the fireball with ease.

The final out of the game.

Jackson's All Stars celebrate after their 4-2 victory over Toms River East All Stars.

Jackson’s next game is against Lacey, in Lacey on July 1 @ 7PM.

Our 4th Game is Friday July 3rd against Brick in Brick @ 6:30 PM

Visit www.jacksonlittleleague.com for more information on upcoming games and directions.  Want your child to be part of the action?  Jackson Little League is currently accepting online registrations for the Fall Ball baseball season.