Jackson Little League defeats Brick to advance in Little League World Series tournament

Bottom Row: Brandon Janofsky, Shane Brand, Charles Dimino, David Harlinski, Carmine Pellone, Matt Cunningham, Steve Lazicki Middle Row: Kyle Missry, Joe DeMaio, Cole Collins, Jake Boyle, Ryan Takacs, Danny Serreino Back Row: Coach Bob Brand, Manager John Cunningham, Coach Charlie Dimino

By Phil Stilton & Bob Brand

Brick, NJ – The Jackson Little League 12 year old all-stars continued their winning streak this afternoon, beating the Brick Township Little League all-stars by a score of 14-3, invoking the 10 run mercy rule in which any team winning by 10 or more runs after the fourth inning is declared the winner. Jackson now moves on to play Jackson’s Holbrook Little League All-Stars on Sunday in a cross town showdown.

The team started the four game tournament with a loss to Manchester, but bounced back by beating Toms River East Little League (1998 Little League World Series Champions), Lacey and Brick to finish the tournament with 3 wins and 1 loss, seeding second place in the tournament which is part of the Little League World Series tournament which is hosted at the end of the summer in Williamsport, PA.

Once again, solid baseball which included solid hitting, smart defense and good pitching, dominated the game for Jackson. The Jackson All-Stars erupted with a 7-run 2^nd inning breaking open a 2-2 tie on the way to 14-3 victory. Shane Brand had a two-run homer and Steve Lazicki had a two RBI double in the inning. Ryan Takacs and Kyle Missry each had two hits and two RBI’s in the game. Kyle Missry scattered three hits over three innings and David “Chicken” Harlinski closed out the game pitching the fourth inning.

Jackson has completed their pool play and will now advance to the quarter finals of the District 18 tournament playing their cross-town rivals form Holbrook Little League on Sunday. The winner of Sunday’s contest will advance to a four-team double-elimination tournament that will decide the District Champion who will move on to the Section 3 tournament in Sayreville later this month.

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.