By Bill Schiazza

Less Than three weeks removed from tryouts the Jackson Little League 8 year old All Star Team traveled to South Amboy Friday night for their first tournament game.  Under the leadership of Manager Roy Spinelli, the Jackson 8’s has rounded into shape with 11 practices over a 17 day period. The hard work form all paid off with an 11-0 victory over the host South Amboy.

The first game jitters disappeared after the first inning. The Jackson team was led by a tremendous pitching performance by Joey (Zeppi) Princiotta. Over three innings Princiotta allowed only one hit and struck out eight Amboy Pirates. Nate Nepsha got the offense going for Jackson in the second inning blasting his first of two doubles. It was a deuces wild day for Nepsha with two doubles, two steals and two runs scored.

Brandon Guiliano provided additional power with a third inning single and fourth inning triple to left field. Brandon also scored two runs and had two RBI’s.

Dino Spinelli had all around game. Dino was two for two with a walk. He had 4 stolen bases; two runs scored and also pitched a perfect inning recording three strikeouts. Ian Goldberg helped to anchor the Jackson infield at third base and also walked and scored a run. The Jackson Catching combo of Zack Tunis and Nick Tolmachewich provided great defense and added to the run production as well. Tunis had an RBI double to go along with a ground out RBI. Tolmachewich had two walks, two steals and one run scored.

Mikey Schiazza had a perfect day at the plate two, two out RBI hits. A bases loaded single in the third inning followed by a double to the gap in left center in the fourth. Liam Radeke added to the hit parade with a smash to left in the fourth inning. Liam also played a solid first base.

Christian Pellone added a smash single in the fourth, with a stolen base and run scored. Lucas Rother made one of the few important defensive plays of the game tracking down a hit in left field and holding the runner at first. This was a key to keeping the shutout intact.
Jimmy Wendolek and Steven Slusak, although they did not get any action in the field are a tremendous fielding duo. Steven as a Center Fielder has amazing reaction skills to the ball and has amazed and delighted the coaching staff and parents in preparation for the tournament. Jimmy was the victim of a bad call at the plate but showed his maturity and leader ship by shaking it off and vowing to “get ‘em next time”. We know he will.

As the visiting team the Jackson families out numbered the home team by a 4-1 margin. The bleachers were filled with parents, siblings, grandparents and friends all adorned with the Jackson red and white.  The energy and positivity was truly something our town can be proud of. Thank you to Nicole Pellone for coordinating the family shirts which from the field and dugout are a great site to see in the stands. The team’s next game is Sunday July 19th vs. Marlboro at Madison Park at 4pm.  Win lose or draw we have a team to be very proud of.