By Bill Schiazza

Less than 24 hours removed from their quarterfinal victory over Monroe the Jackson 8 Year Old All Stars posted another 13-3 win, this time besting tournament host Madison Park.  Having to be on the road at 7 am left little time to rest for the Jackson 8’s who now move on to tomorrow night’s Championship Game. Jackson will face the winner of Sayreville vs. Cheesquake. The game is scheduled for 5:30 pm at Madison Park, which Roy Spinelli’s squad has turned into “Jackson North”. Once again the township colors speckled the entire field. The Jackson families were out in full force and full voice.

The tone of the game was set early by another dominant pitching performance by Ian Goldberg. For the second time in a 24 hour span Goldberg fired three dominant shutout innings, allowing his team to get on the scoreboard and keep Madison Park on the wrong end of the score.  Over the two games ‘Easy Ian” struck out a Cy Young like 13 batters in six innings. With varying speeds and pinpoint location, Goldberg was nothing short of spectacular.

Goldberg’s battery mate Zach (Pudge) Tunis showed why catcher is an athlete’s position. Tunis’ performance behind the plate was a major factor in the game. For the second straight game the Jackson catcher threw a would be base stealer out at third. In addition Tunis single handedly ended a possible Madison Park rally. With one out and runners at second and third Tunis caught a short pop directly behind him at the plate with his cat like reactions. The following batter foul tipped a third strike which Tunis was able to hold onto amazingly. Zach also added to RBI’s on offense to complete his performance.
Mikey Schiazza and Steven Slusak provided blanket coverage in the outfield. Slusak the graceful centerfielder cracked a double to start the Jackson three run second inning. Schiazza was two for two with two RBI’s and four steals on the game. Schiazza goes to the final game reaching base in 9 out of 11 plate appearances.
 Jimmy Wendolek, Lucas Rother and Liam Radeke all had similar solid games. all three did fine jobs in the outfield. Radeke was tow for two with two with an RBI and one steal. Rother also had an RBI Single and with two steals. Jimmy ‘Legs Wendolek also was one for two with two steals and a run scored. Wendolek was also Mr. Hustle in the field. Where ever there was a play to be backed up Jimmy was always there. His efforts prevented two Madison Park runners from scoring.
Another game and another perfect day at the plate and in the field for Dino Spinelli. The Jackson shortstop had another full stat line, a single, two walks, 4 steals three runs scored and two RBI’s. Spinelli has single handedly gotten his team on the scoreboard first in both games thus placing the pressure squarely on the other team.

Christian Pellone made a sparkling catch in left field in the second and added a single and tow RBI’s. Pellone’s single in the fourth inning drove in the fifth and final run of the inning for Jackson.  Nick Tolmachewich ended the game in the fifth with an RBI base hit smash through the middle sending the Jackson fans into frenzy and his team into the finals. Tolmachewich also added another hit and a key tag play at third base on a throw from Tunis.
Joey Zeppi Princiotta closed out the game for Jackson for the second day in a row striking out two in the inning.  At the plate, Zeppi reached base three times with a walk, two singles and two RBI’s.  Nate Nepsha again was Keith Hernandez like with his velvet glove at first base. The Nasty One also had two walks three steals and scored two runs. Nepsha has been tremendous throughout the tournament.
Brandon Giuliano again pitched a solid inning. In the key moment of the game, Brandon struck out the Madison Park clean-up hitter with the bases loaded thus ending Madison Park’s last real opportunity as the Jackson 8’s put up a five spot in the bottom of the inning. Brandon also walked and scored a run in the final inning that ended the game.
Tomorrow night the Jackson 8’s the last remaining Jackson squad playing will travel up Route 9 one final time with the Championship on the line. Manager Spinelli’s team, which has been together for just one month has exceeded all expectations and win or lose, has done the township and themselves proud. Directions to Madison Park can be found on the Jackson Little League website. First pitch is 5:30 pm
Go 8’s! Go Jackson!