| CHS Varsity Baseball 2009 |
| West Haven 5 Cheshire 2 Lawrence Wins Duel With Jefferis Tom Lawrence allowed only 2 runs on 6 hits and struck out 11 Rams en route to a hard fought 5-2 victory in 30 degree temps at WHHS. Lawrence, who will be playing at Division 1 Winthrop next year, got stronger as the game went on, spotting his curveball on the outside half of the plate and coming in with his fastball to keep the Rams off balance. Cheshire got a very solid effort from Senior Kevin Jefferis, who allowed 5 runs, three of them earned, on 6 hits. He struck out 6 while walking 3. The big inning for West Haven was the 4th. With one out, pitcher Tom Lawrence drew a walk. The next batter, third baseman Tony D'Addio hit a made to order double play ball to Max Slade at second base, however Slade's flip to shortstop Steven Howard went off his glove and both runners were safe. Mark Correia then blooped a single down the left field line to load the bases. The Devils would tie the game on a Rich Pyrdol groundout and took the lead on a two run double to centerfield by Kevin Croce. Cheshire had opened the scoring in the second when Brad Runowicz singled to right. Eric Ostroski then lined a sharp single that almost took Lawrence's legs off. Catcher Connor David then squared around to sacrifice the runners to second and third. His bunt fell in between the pitcher and shortstop for a hit to load the bases. Max Slade would bounce into a 4-6-3 double play scoring Runowicz. The out call at first was very questionable as it looked like Slade clearly beat the throw. Another questionable call followed as Lawrence uncorked a wild pitch. Ostroski sprinted home and slid in with what appeared to be the second run of the inning, but the umpire, clearly out of position called the runner out. West Haven would add to their 3-1 lead in the fifth on a Dave Riccio double, scoring Todd Tompkins who had tripled to lead off the inning. The Rams would answer in the top of the sixth. Steven Howard would reach on an error by the third baseman, Dave Tammaro would drive a double into the right field corner moving Howard to third. After a strikeout, Ostroski would hit a ground ball to first, scoring Howard. Tompkins would triple again for the Devils in the bottom of the sixth to knock in Pyrdol to make it 5-2. Lawrence would finish off the Rams in the 7th with no problem. Cheshire will get a chance to turn it around Thursday as they will host Hand High at Cheshire at 4:00. West Haven will be off until Saturday when they will host Wilbur Cross at 2:00. |
| West Haven 5 Cheshire 2 Dan Manke 1-4 Steve Howard 0-3 run Dave Tammaro 1-3 double Brad Runowicz 1-2 run, BB Eric Ostroski 1-3 RBI Connor David 1-3 Max Slade 0-3 Kevin Jefferis 0-2 BB Ryan Dupont 1-3 Jefferis (0-1): 6 Innings, 6 hits, 5 runs(3 earned), 6 K's, 3 walks, 1 WP, 100 pitches |
| Cheshire 12 Hand 6 Brad Runowicz knocked in three runs with a single and a sacrifice fly as the Cheshire Rams bounced back from Wednesday's loss to West Haven by trouncing Hand High 12-6 in the home opener Thursday. Dan Flynn drove in two with a triple and a double as the Ram offense exploded early in this one, scoring 6 runs in the first and 5 more in the second to open up an 11-0 lead. Connor David chipped in with two singles and two rbi. Dave Tammaro also hit a long triple and knocked in a run and Kevin Jefferis had a double and 2 rbi to pace Cheshire. Steven Howard, Dan Manke, and Eric Ostroski also chipped in with a hit apiece. Ostroski went 4 2/3 to pick up the win. Max Slade pitched the final 1 1/3 of scoreless relief for the Rams (1-1) Ostroski breezed through the first three, facing the minimum 9 batters. Hand scratched out a run in the fourth and then tied together 5 hits coupled with a Ram error in the fifth to pull to within 12-6. In a strange turn of events, the umpires called the game after 5 1/2 innings. The umpire told me that the Hand players were complaining about not seeing the ball. This was at 6:05 and it seemed that there was plenty of daylight left. As a matter of fact the skies cleared within 15 minutes and the son stayed out until after 7:30. However a win is a win and the Rams played well tonight. Cheshire will try to jump over the .500 mark on Saturday morning when they host Derby at 10:30 (weather permitting) |
| Cheshire 12 Hand 6 Dan Manke 1-4 run Steve Howard 1-4 2 runs Dave Tammaro 1-1 triple, rbi, 2 BB Brad Runowicz 1-2 2 runs, 3 rbi Eric Ostroski 1-3 run, double Connor David 2-3 2 runs, 2 rbi Dan Flynn 2-3 2 runs, triple, double, 2 rbi Kevin Jefferis 1-2 double, 2 rbi Ryan Dupont 0-3 Ostroski (1-0): 4.2 Innings, 6 hits, 6 runs(4 earned), 3 K's, 3 walks, 1 WP, 76 pitches Slade: 1.1 Innings, 1 hit, 2 K's, 15 pitches |
Photos by Brett Fowler
| Fowler Shuts Down Derby 4-0 Sophomore Pitcher Ryan Fowler came within a swinging bunt of a no-hitter as Cheshire defeated Derby 4-0 at Burt Leventhal Field in Cheshire Tuesday. In a game that lasted less than two hours, Fowler struck out 7, didn't walk a batter and gave up a single hit on a chopper in front of the plate. The pitcher came off the mound to field the ball but couldn't make the play from his sitting position in time. He also hit a batter in the fourth but erased him one out later with a double play ball. The Ram defense was brilliant in this one. Kevin Jefferis and Steven Howard both made all the plays that came their way, with Jefferis making the play of the day on a ball that went off the pitcher and trickled toward second base. Jefferis charged the ball and in one motion scooped it up and fired to first for the out. He also made a nifty flip to Howard to start a 4-6-3 double play. Third baseman Dave Tammaro also made a nice play to end the third, taking a shot off the chest and scrambling to throw out the runner. Leftfielder Ryan Dupont got a great jump on a liner in the first inning and hauled it in, preventing extra bases. Cheshire got the scoring going in the second inning. First baseman Brad Runowicz led off with a double to center. Eric Ostroski then ripped a double down the left field line to score Runowicz. After Catcher Connor David grounded out, moving Ostroski to third, Dan Flynn lined an RBI single up the middle to score Ostroski to make it 2-0. The Rams scored two more in the third on a Ryan Dupont single and a Dan Manke double. An error by the right fielder allowed Dupont to score. Manke would then come across on a groundout by Steve Howard. Ostroski would finish with two hits for the Rams, who will send Kevin Jefferis to the mound Wednesday at 1:00 at Amity |
| Cheshire 4 Derby 0 Dan Manke 1-3 run, double Steve Howard 0-3 RBI Dave Tammaro 1-2 BB Brad Runowicz 1-3 run, double Eric Ostroski 2-3 RBI, double Connor David 0-2 BB Dan Flynn 1-3 RBI Kevin Jefferis 0-3 Ryan Dupont 1-2 run Fowler(1-0): 7 innings, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 HBP, 7 K's, 0 BB |
| Jefferis, Rams Drop Tight One to Amity 3-2 Kevin Jefferis pitched well enough to beat the Amity Spartans Wednesday afternoon. Unfortunately, so did Louis Concato and Joe Ciancola for the Spartans. After spotting Amity a 2-0 lead after 2 innings, the Rams squandered an opportunity in the 4th when they had runners on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out after a Dave Tammaro walk and a Brad Runowicz single. However, Concato bore down and struck out the next three Rams to escape further damage. Amity would then add salt to the wound adding a run in the bottom of the fourth on a Mark Esposito double, scoring catcher Ryan Adams who had singled and stole second. The Spartans stole three bases on the day, with two of the runners scoring. Cheshire did not go away however. With one out in the fifth, Ryan Dupont drew a walk. Dan Manke followed with an opposite field double, moving Dupont to third. This time Steve Howard delivered, doubling down the left field line to score both runners, narrowing the lead to 3-2. Once again, Concato regained his focus and struck out the three and four hitters to strand the tying run at second. Ciancola would enter the game to start the sixth and would retire the next six batters to get the save and move the Spartans to 5-0 on the season. The Rams fall to 2-2 and will try to rebound on Friday at 3:30 when they face Lyman Hall at home. |
| Amity 3 Cheshire 2 Dan Manke 1-3 run, double Steve Howard 1-3 2 RBI Dave Tammaro 0-2 BB Brad Runowicz 1-3 double Eric Ostroski 0-3 Connor David 1-3 Dan Flynn 0-3 Kevin Jefferis 0-3 Ryan Dupont 1-2 run Jefferis(0-2): 6 innings, 3 runs(2 earned), 5 hits, 5 K's, 2 BB |
| Cheshire 15 Lyman Hall 1 Dan Manke 2-4 3 runs, triple, SB, 3 RBI Steve Howard 1-3 run, RBI, triple Greg Leonetti 0-1 Dave Tammaro 3-5 2 runs, 4 RBI Brad Runowicz 3-4 2 runs, 2 triples, double, 3 rbi Eric Ostroski 1-3 run, 2 RBI Connor David 1-2 2 runs, 2 BB Ryan Rougeot 0-0 BB Dan Flynn 0-2 Sac Fly RBI John Kubilus 1-1 run Max Slade 2-4 2 runs Ryan Dupont 1-4 run Ostroski (2-0): 4 Innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 4 K's, 1 walk, 53 pitches Howard: 2 Innings, 0 hit, 4 K's, 1 BB, 28 pitches Slade: 1 Inning, 1 run, 1 hit, 1 BB, 1 K, 12 pitches |
| Rams Bounce Back, Crush Lyman Hall 15-1 Brad Runowicz ripped two triples and a double and knocked in 3 runs and David Tammaro had 3 hits and 4 RBI's as Cheshire bounced back from a tough 3-2 loss at Amity by powering their way past the Trojans 15-1 at Cheshire. Eric Ostroski picked up his second win of the year, shutting out Lyman Hall for 4 innings. Steven Howard came in and pitched two shutout innings and sophomore Max Slade finished up in the seventh. The Rams are now 3-2 on the year and 1-1 in the Housy. They will get deeper into division play next week with games against Shelton (Monday at Shelton 3:45) and Sheehan (Wednesday Home at 3:30). They will also host Fairfield Prep on Friday at 4:00. Against Lyman Hall, the Rams showed that they are capable of putting up big numbers on offense every time they take the field. Dan Manke had a big bases clearing triple to go with a single and a stolen base. He was on base 4 times and scored 3 runs as the leadoff man. He also made a nice running catch in the sixth on one of the few balls hit hard by the Trojans. Steve Howard also had an RBI triple for Cheshire, lining one to the fence in right center. Ostroski knocked in two runs with a ground out and a single and Dan Flynn knocked in a run with a sac fly to center in the 7 run fifth inning. Slade also went 2-4 for the Rams. Other hits came from Ryan Dupont, Connor David, and John Kubilus |
| Jefferis Gutsy Pitching, Ram Clutch Hitting Too Much For Shelton 7-5 In the night when the lights went out in Shelton, the Cheshire Baseball team got another solid pitching performance from Kevin Jefferis, a long two-run Home Run from Brad Runowicz, and three hits (two doubles) and three RBI from Eric Ostroski as they beat the Gaels 7-5 under the lights. Jefferis had to endure two delays in the game because a bank of lights went out, not once, but twice. The first delay resulted in the turning off and restarting the lights. This meant that both teams and fans had to wait in the dark for about twenty minutes as the lights were slowly re-lit. As for the game, both teams came out swinging. In the top of the first, Steven Howard reached on an error by the shortstop. One out later Brad Runowicz unloaded on the first pitch for a long home run to right giving the Rams a quick 2-0 lead. Shelton would answer in the bottom of the first scoring three runs on four hits and an error. The Rams would tie the game in the second thanks to some shoddy defense by the Gaels. Catcher Connor David led off and reached on another error by the Shelton shortstop. Dan Flynn then hit a ball to the third baseman who tried to force David at second but threw the ball into right field. David moved to third. Second baseman Max Slade then dropped down a beautiful bunt, scoring David and moving Flynn to second. The rally ended there but the Rams were not done. In the third inning Cheshire would score three times. Howard led off with a walk. Dave Tammaro singled to center and Runowicz reached on the third error of the game on the shortstop, loading the bases for Ostroski. Ostroski ripped a two run double and David followed with a run scoring single to give the Rams a 6-3 lead. Cheshire would make it 7-3 in the fifth on an RBI single by Flynn, scoring Ostroski who had singled. Shelton would not go easily, as they fought back with two runs in the bottom of the 5th to cut the lead to 7-5 on three hits and an error. Jefferis induced a double play ball to end the inning and avoid further damage. Both pitchers got the side in order in the sixth. Cheshire went back to work in the top of the 7th. Tammaro walked and was forced at second by Runowicz. Runowicz advanced to second on an errant pickoff attempt and scored on Ostroski's 3rd hit of the game, a double. It was then that the lights went out for the third time, forcing the Umpires to call the game on account of darkness. The score reverts to the last complete inning thus the final score of 7-5. The stats from the 7th inning will stand however. Jefferis improves his record to 1-2. Cheshire moves to 4-2 on the season and 2-1 in the Housy. Shelton falls to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the Housy. Cheshire will not have any rest as they will host Fairfield Prep at 4:00 Friday |
| Cheshire 7 Shelton 5 Dan Manke 0-4 Steve Howard 0-3 2 runs Dave Tammaro 1-3 2 runs Brad Runowicz 1-3 HR, 2RBI, 3 runs, SB Eric Ostroski 3-4 run, 3 RBI, 2 doubles Connor David 1-2 run, BB, RBI Dan Flynn 1-3 RBI Max Slade 0-2 SAC, RBI Ryan Dupont 0-3 Jefferis: (1-2) 6 Innings, 8 hits, 5 runs (2 earned), 2 K's, 3 walk, 103 pitches |
| Cheshire 14 Fairfield Prep 0 FAIRFIELD PREP ....................000 000 0 -- 0 5 1 CHESHIRE ..............................520 700 x-- 14 13 0 Batteries: FP--Matt DeRosa (L, 0-1), Max Freccia (2), Jamie Richter (4), Will Brewster (6) and Matt Pekar, Matt Crane (5); C--Ryan Fowler (W, 2-0), Matt Croteau (6), Ryan Rougeot (7) and Connor David. Home runs: C--Brad Runowicz. Highlights: FP--Matt Orlando had two hits. C--Dave Tammaro, Dan Flynn, Max Slade, Erik Ostroski and Dan Manke each had two hits. Runowicz hit a two-run home run. Brad Runowicz homered for the second consecutive day and Ryan Fowler combined with Matt Croteau and Ryan Rougeot to shut out the Jesuits of Fairfield Prep Friday afternoon in Cheshire. Fowler gave up 3 hits, struck out 4 and didn't walk a batter, improving his record to 2-0. He has yet to allow a run in 2 starts. He got some defensive help in the second on a very nice shoestring catch by centerfielder Dan Manke to prevent a run. The Ram offense struck early and often in this one, scoring 5 in the first. The big hits were a Eric Ostroski 2 run triple and a Max Slade 2 run triple. Manke and Dan Flynn contributed to the rally with singles to set the table. In the second, the Rams scraped across a couple of runs, one on a Steven Howard groundout and another on a wild pitch to give the Rams a 7-0 lead. Manke was again on base reaching on a bunt single to lead off the inning. The Rams would bat around in the 4th, scoring 7 times to put the game out of reach. Runowicz unloaded for the second straight day, this one traveling out to right center about 390 feet away after a Dave Tammaro walk and the rout was on. Flynn would single in a run later in the inning. Another came in on an Andrew Narcisco groundout , a wild pitch brought in a run and a bases loaded walk to Haward brought in another. To cap the scoring, Tammaro drilled a 2 run single and Cheshire had the 2 touchdowns it needed for the win. The Rams improve to 5-2 overall and will look to up their record Saturday morning when they host Sheehan at Cheshire at 10:30. |
| Cheshire 14 Fairfield Prep 0 Dan Manke 2-5 2 runs, SB Steve Howard 1-2 2runs, RBI, 2 BB Greg Leonetti 0-1 Dave Tammaro 2-3 run, 2 RBI, BB Brad Runowicz 1-4 2 runs, HR, 2 RBI Eric Ostroski 2-2 2 runs, 2 RBI, SB Ryan Connolly 0-1 Connor David 1-3 2 runs, RBI Dan Flynn 2-3 2 runs, RBI, SB Kevin Jefferis 0-1 Max Slade 2-2 double, triple, 2 RBI Andrew Narsisco 0-2 RBI Ryan Dupont 0-2 run, BB Brian O'Reilly 0-1 Fowler (2-0): 5 Innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 4 K's, 0 walks, 51 pitches Croteau: 1 Inning, 2 hit, 0 runs, 3 K's, 0 walks, 23 pitches Rougeot: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 0 walks, 1 K, 10 pitches |
| Cheshire 2 Sheehan 0 Dan Manke 1-3 Steve Howard 2-3 2 RBI Dave Tammaro 0-3 SB Brad Runowicz 1-1 triple Eric Ostroski 0-3 Connor David 1-2 Dan Flynn 0-3 Max Slade 2-3 run, SB Ryan Dupont 2-2 run Howard:(1-0): 7 innings, 0 runs, 2 hits, 2 K's, 2 BB, 73 pitches |
| Howard Two Hits Sheehan, Rams Take Pitching Duel, Now 6-2 Steven Howard pitched a gem today against Sheehan....and the Rams needed it. Howard helped himself out in this one, knocking in the only two runs of the game with a single in the fourth. The hit brought in Ryan Dupont and Dan Manke, who had each singled. The rest was Howard's pitching and solid Ram defense. Max Slade, filling Howard's shortstop position, had a great game in the field, making all the plays en route to 7 assists and 3 putouts. Slade also gathered two hits at the plate. Brad Runowicz extended his hitting streak with a line drive triple to the gap in left center in the fifth. Runowicz has a hit in each of the Rams first eight games. Cheshire is now 6-2 on the season and 3-1 in the Housy. They will play Monday in New Haven against Wilbur Cross on Monday at 3:45 at Rice Field. |
| Cheshire 9 Cross 4 Dan Manke 1-4 2 runs, triple, SB Steve Howard 1-3 run, RBI, SB Dave Tammaro 1-4 run, RBI Brad Runowicz 3-4 2 RBI, run, 2 SB Eric Ostroski 0-4 Connor David 0-4 Ryan Dupont 0-2 2 runs RBI Max Slade 2-4 triple, double, 2 RBI Kevin Jefferis 2-4 triple, double, 2 RBI Jefferis: (2-2) 7 Innings, 3 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 11 K's, 3 walk, HBP, 102 pitches |
| Tammaro Single Rescues Rams Runowicz Single Wins It The Cheshire Rams let the 0-7 Wilbur Cross baseball team hang around......and it almost cost them a game. Cheshire jumped out to a 1-0 lead after in the first on a groundout by Steven Howard, scoring Dan Manke who led off the game with a triple to deep right. They extended the lead in the second with the help of the Cross defense. Ryan Dupont reached on an error by the shortstop. Max Slade would drive him home with a long triple. Slade would then score on an RBI grounder by Kevin Jefferis to make it 3-0. Everything seemed to be going the Ram's way. However, Cross would score twice in the third and twice in the fifth and we went to the top of the seventh with the Rams down 4-3. The game-winning rally would start with a great at-bat by leadoff hitter Dan Manke who worked himself a walk to start things. Manke would steal second and then Steven Howard drew a walk. That would bring up Dave Tammaro. Tammaro promptly lined a single to left scoring Manke and tying the game at 4. Both baserunners would advance on a bobble by the left fielder bringing up Brad Runowicz (who Cross should have walked) with runners on second and third. Runowicz hit a rocket past the second baseman to score both runners. Runowicz came all the way around to score when the rightfielder misplayed the ball for a 3 base error. Cheshire was not done. After a Ryan Dupont walk, Slade and Jefferis would hit back-to-back RBI doubles to provide the final margin of 9-4. Jefferis was also impressive on the mound, allowing only 2 earned runs while striking out 11 to even his record at 2-2 on the year. Cheshire will host Hamden on Wednesday at Leventhal Field and also host West Haven on Friday. |
| Cheshire 5 Hamden 0 Dan Manke 2-4 2 runs, 2 SB Steve Howard 1-3 run Dave Tammaro 2-2 run, RBI Brad Runowicz 1-2 run, 3 RBI, SB Eric Ostroski 1-2 double, RBI Connor David 0-3 Dan Flynn 0-3 Max Slade 0-2 BB Kevin Jefferis 0-3 Fowler: (3-0) 7 Innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 6 K's, 2 walk, HBP, 89 pitches |
| Fowler's Third Straight Shutout Sparks Rams Sophomore Ryan Fowler allowed two hits while walking two and fanning 6 as the Rams won their sixth straight game 5-0 over Hamden at Leventhal Field. Brad Runowicz provided all the offense Cheshire would need with a sacrifice fly, scoring Dan Manke who reached on an error, stole 2nd and 3rd. The 1-0 score remained until the fifth inning. With one out, Manke singled to right. Steven Howard followed with a single to left. Dave Tammaro then knocked in Manke with a single up the middle and then advanced to second when the ball eluded the centerfielder. Howard moved to third on the play. Runowicz then delivered a two run single to lift the lead to 4-0. Eric Ostoski then got a high fastball and drilled it off the left field fence for a double, scoring Runowicz and providing the final margin of victory. The Rams are now 8-2 overall and are ensured of a spot in the CIAC Class LL State Tournament. Cheshire will look for revenge on Friday as the host West Haven (8-1) at 4:00. West Haven handed the Rams one of their losses this year 5-2 in the first game of the season at Piurek Field. |
| Cheshire 7 Lyman Hall 1 Dan Manke 1-4 SB Steve Howard 3-4 double, 2 runs Dave Tammaro 2-4 double, 2 runs, RBI Brad Runowicz 2-4 double, run, SB Eric Ostroski 1-2 double, 3 RBI, run, BB Connor David 1-4 double, 2 RBI Dan Flynn 1-4 run Max Slade 1-2 RBI Ryan Dupont 1-3 Jefferis: (3-2) 6 Innings, 5 hits, 0 runs, 4 K's, 2 walk, , 74 pitches Slade: 1 Inning, 1 hit, 1 run(0 earned) |
| Jefferis Pitches Rams Past Lyman Hall 7-1 Ostroski Knocks in 3 Runs as Cheshire Moves to 9-2 Kevin Jefferis threw 6 shutout innings and the middle of the batting order took care of the offense as the Rams won their 7th consecutive game 7-1 at Pat Wall Field. Steve Howard had three hits for Cheshire including a long double to left center. Dave Tammaro and Brad Runowicz each had a double and a single triggering the scoring rallies in the first and third. Eric Ostroski had a two run double and a sacrifice fly and Connor David added a two run double to put the finishing touches on this one. Every Ram had at least one hit. Max Slade pitched the seventh yielding an unearned run. Cheshire will be right back at it on Tuesday at Burt Levanthal Field in Cheshire when they host 12-1 West Haven at 3:45. The Rams dropped a 5-2 decision to the Blue Devils in the season opener for both teams. With today's win, Cheshire is now 4-1 in the Housy, trailing Amity (5-1) by 1/2 game and 1/2 game ahead of Shelton (4-2). Cheshire will host both teams this week (Shelton Wednesday and Amity Saturday. Stay tuned for all of the results and boxscores. |
| West Haven 3 Cheshire 2 Dan Manke 2-4 run Steve Howard 1-3 double, RBI, BB Dave Tammaro 2-3 BB Eric Ostroski 1-3 run, SB, BB Connor David 0-3 Sac Dan Flynn 1-4 John Kubilus 1-4 RBI Max Slade 0-2 2 BB Ryan Dupont 0-2 BB Howard: (1-1) 7 Innings, 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 K's, 2 walk, 103 pitches |
| Rams Can't Hold On to Lead, Fall to West Haven 3-2 Mark Correia doubled in two runs and West Haven scored another on a 1st and 3rd baserunning play as the Devils beat Cheshire 3-2 after a rain delay at Burt Leventhal Field. Steven Howard went the distance for the Rams, giving up three runs (2 of them earned) on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. The story of this game was Cheshire's inability to come up with the big hit. The Rams stranded 12 baserunners as they outhit the Devils 8-5. West Haven pitchers came up with 10 strikeouts helping them get out of trouble in just about every inning. The Rams opened the scoring in the first when Junior Dan Manke led off with a sharp single. Howard then found the gap in right center for an RBI double with Manke coming all the way around from first. Cheshire then manufactured a run in the third when Eric Ostroski beat out a groundball for an infield single. Connor David bunted Ostroski to second and he moved to third on a Dan Flynn grounder. John Kubilus, filling in for Brad Runowicz, then lined an RBI single to left center to score Ostroski, putting the Rams up 2-0. The lead, however, was short-lived. With two outs in the fourth, Tom Lawrence singled to center. Tony Daddio walked and Correia lined a 2-2 fastball over Manke's head in center. Both runs scored to tie the game. Rich Pyrdol then reached on an error, setting up the 1st and 3rd play in which Pyrdol got picked off of first and Correia scampered home while the Rams took too long to tag out the runner and made no attempt to catch the runner going home. The lead would hold for West Haven as the Rams stranded 1 in the 4th, 2 in the 5th, and 2 in the 6th. Although it was a tough loss for Cheshire, they have about 10 minutes to get over it and get prepared to host Housatonic rival Shelton, winners of 5 out of their last 6 games Wednesday at Burt Leventhal Field. |
| Shelton 6 Cheshire 5 Dan Manke 3-5 run Steve Howard 3-4 run Dave Tammaro 1-4 run Brad Runowicz 2-3 2 runs, 2 RBI, BB Eric Ostroski 0-3 RBI, BB Connor David 0-2 2 RBI Dan Flynn 2-4 Max Slade 0-4 SB Ryan Dupont 2-4 double Ostroski: 4 Innings, 4 runs (all earned), 5 hits, 1 walk, 1 HBP, 4 K's, 61 pitches Fowler: (L,3-1) 4 Innings, 2 runs (both earned), 4 hits, 5 K's, 0 walks, 1 HBP, 64 pitches |
| Shelton 6 Cheshire 5 (8 Innings) Eighth Inning Rally Falls Short The Cheshire Rams jumped out to an early lead against Shelton today at Burt Leventhal Field but couldn't hold on, losing the see-saw battle 6-5 in eight innings. The Rams fried to stage a rally in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game, but it died on the basepaths in a bizarre finish. The loss drops Cheshire to 9-4 overall and 4-2 in the Housatonic. The Rams will play at Sheehan on Friday and host Amity on Saturday to round out league play. Cheshire will need one, if not both of those games to qualify for the SCC Tournament. Although they have already clinched a spot in the CIAC State Tourney, the league only admits 8 teams for their playoffs. Each of the four division winners and the four best records of the remaining teams in the conference will get in. 6-2 would be a strong contender, 5-3 may not. The Rams opened the scoring in this one in the first when Junior Dan Manke led off with one of his 3 hits on the day. He moved to second on a Steven Howard single and scored one out later on an RBI fielder's choice by Brad Runowicz. Cheshire added to the lead in the third on a Howard single, a dropped fly ball, an RBI double from Runowicz, an RBI groundout by Eric Ostroski, and a sacrifice fly by Connor David. At this point pitcher Ostroski had retired the first nine batters he faced and the Rams led 4-0. This was about to change. Shelton is one of the best hitting teams in the state and they showed it in the 4th. The Gaels bunched together 6 hits and a walk, parlaying it into 4 runs to tie the game. Sophomore Ryan Fowler would replace Ostroski in the 5th. Fowler would give up a double and a single resulting in the go ahead run for Shelton. The Rams would strike back in the bottom of the frame when Runowicz would double, move to third on a groundout and score the tying run on another Connor Davis sacrifice fly. We would stay knotted at 5-5 into the 8th. A single, a passed ball on a strikeout and another single scored the go ahead run for the Gaels. The Rams would not go easy. Junior Dan Flynn led off the bottom of the eighth with a line single up the middle. After he was lifted for a pinch runner, Max Slade's bunt attempt was caught by the pitcher. Ryan Dupont then doubled to give Cheshire runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out. With the infield playing back, Dan Manke hit a groundball to second. The runner at third hesitated on the play allowing Shelton to make the play at first. He was then thrown out at home trying to score after the play, cutting off the tying run and ending the game. Shelton improves to 10-5 on the year and is also 4-2 in the Housy. Amity sits atop the division with a 5-1 mark, however they must still play Shelton Friday and Cheshire Saturday. So it looks like the division battle will go down to the last day in a three team race. |
| Rams Beat Amity 6-5 Dupont Delivers Winning Hit and Howard Slams Door on 7th Inning Rally The Cheshire Rams scored three times in the bottom of the sixth and held on to defeat the defending state champs 6-5 at Burt Leventhal Field. It was the first win for the Rams over the Spartans since 2001, a span of 17 games. The win puts Cheshire in position to win a share of the SCC Housatonic Division with a win over Sheehan on Tuesday afternoon in Wallingford. Senior Captain Ryan Dupont had the big hit in the sixth with a two run single to turn a 4-3 deficit into a 5-4 lead. Senior Captain Steven Howard would drive in Dupont with an insurance run on a single. That would be a very important hit. Kevin Jefferis was on the hill for the Rams when we entered the 7th with Cheshire up 6-4. Joe Ciancolo led off for Amity with a triple to left center. Anthony Apriles followed with a double to the gap in right center to bring the Spartans to within a run. That would be the afternoon for Jefferis who went six innings, giving up 2 earned runs on 9 hits, striking out 3 and walking 3. Howard came in to try and halt the rally. After walking the first batter and going 2-0 on the next hitter, Howard induced a pop-up to the catcher for the first out. Howard then took his pitching to a new level. He found his release point and his adrenaline kicked in. He proceeded to overpower the next two hitters, striking both out on three pitches each to lock down the very exciting win. Jefferis picked up the win to improve his record to 4-2. Howard picked up the save. Amity jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the second inning thanks to a Ram error. However, Cheshire would return the favor in the bottom of the inning scoring 2 runs on 2 Spartan errors. A Brad Runowicz walk and stolen base and a Connor David single were the key at-bats in the inning. Amity would load the bases in the third with nobody out, but Jefferis worked his way out of the jam allowing only one run on a sacrifice fly, getting a popup and a fly out to end the threat. The Rams would answer again in the bottom of the third. Dan Manke singled and stole second. One out later Dave Tammaro singled to score Manke and tie the game. In the top of the 6th Amity would get runners to 2nd and 3rd with one out on a single, an error on a sac bunt attempt, and a sac bunt. The go ahead run would score on a ground out, making it 4-3 and setting up the big 6th inning rally by the Rams. Connor David led off with his 2nd hit of the game. Dan Flynn would lay down a sacrifice bunt to get David, the tying run, into scoring position. After a Max Slade single put runners on 1st and 3rd, Dupont lined his base hit into right center. Slade was running on the pitch and scored all the way from first, giving the Rams the 6-4 lead. The Rams are now 10-4 on the year and 5-2 in the Housy. Amity drops to 11-5 and 6-2. A win for Cheshire over Sheehan on Tuesday will give the Rams a share of the Housatonic Crown. They will, however, first have to go down to Fairfield University Monday to take on a much improved Fairfield Prep squad at 4:00 |
| Cheshire 6 Amity 5 Dan Manke 1-4 run, SB Steve Howard 1-4 RBI Dave Tammaro 2-4 RBI, 2 SB Brad Runowicz 0-0 runs, 2 SB, 4 BB Eric Ostroski 0-4 Connor David 2-3 2 runs, SB Dan Flynn 1-2 Sac Max Slade 1-3 run, SB Ryan Dupont 1-3 run, 2 RBI, SB Jefferis(W,4-2): 6+ Innings, 4 runs (2 earned), 9 hits, 3 walk, 3 K's, 89 pitches Howard: (S,1) 1 Innings, 0 runs, 0 hits, 2 K's, 1 walks, 14 pitches |
| Cheshire 8 Fairfield Prep 3 Dan Manke 1-3 2 runs, 2 SB, HBP Steve Howard 3-3 double,2 RBI, BB, SB Dave Tammaro 1-4 double, 2 RBI Brad Runowicz 3-3 2 runs, RBI, 2 SB, BB Eric Ostroski 0-3 BB Connor David 0-3 HBP Dan Flynn 0-4 run, RBI, SB Max Slade 0-3 run, BB Ryan Connolly 1-3 run, RBI Fowler(W,4-1): 5+ Innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 10 hits, 2 walk, 4 K's, 100 pitches Ostroski: 2 Innings, 0 runs, 1 hits, 3 K's, 0 walks, 39 pitches |
| Rams Defeat Very Pesky Prep Squad 8-3, Move to 11-4 on the Season Brad Runowicz and Steven Howard had three hits a piece and Ryan Fowler picked up his fourth win as Cheshire defeated Fairfield Prep 8-3 Monday despite being outhit 12-9. Prep left 12 men on base as Fowler worked his way out of jams in just about every inning. He got some defensive help when the first batter he faced lined a shot into right center, but Eric Ostroski got a great jump and dove, fully extended, to make the spectacular catch. The Rams put together 4 hits, a walk, 2 hit batsman and a grounder to push accross 6 runs in the top of the second. Brad Runowicz singled, stole second, and scored on a Dan Flynn grounder. Flynn would steal second and, after a Max Slade walk, Ryan Connolly, playing for the injured Ryan Dupont lined an 0-2 fastball into left center for an RBI single. After Dan Manke was hit by a pitch, Howard and Dave Tammaro would go back to back two run doubles to open up the game. Cheshire would add a run in the 4th when Manke singled, stole second and third and scored on a Runowicz single after a 11 pitch battle with sophomore lefthander Anthony Redamonte. Prep would score single runs in the 4th, 5th, and 6th to inch the Jesuits closer, but the Rams would pick up an insurance run in the top of the seventh when Runowicz scored from third on a fielders choice after a drop third strike. The catcher failed to look Runowicz back before throwing to first and Runowicz scampered home with the final run of the game. Ostroski retired the side easily in the seventh on 2 strikeouts and a popout and the Rams would win this one. Cheshire will play at Sheehan tomorrow. A win would give the Rams a share of the Housatonic Title. |
| Sheehan 4 Cheshire 3 Dan Manke 1-4 SB Steve Howard 0-3 HBP Dave Tammaro 0-3 BB Brad Runowicz 0-1 SB, 3 BB Eric Ostroski 1-4 double, run Connor David 1-4 run Dan Flynn 1-4 HR, run, 3 RBI Max Slade 2-3 Ryan Connolly 0-3 Howard (L,1-2): 6 Innings, 4 runs (all earned), 9 hits, 1 walk, 4 K's, 71 pitches |
| Rams Lose Heart breaker to Sheehan. Amity Cops Housatonic Title Sheehan Pitcher Ryan Moore kept the Cheshire bats quiet Tuesday as the Titans ruined the Rams bid for the SCC Housatonic Title with a 4-3 win in Wallingford. Moore scattered 6 hits over 7 innings, striking out 8 and walking 4 as he outdueled Cheshire's Steven Howard. Howard pitched all 6 innings giving up 4 runs (all earned) on 9 hits, striking out 4 and walking one. Sheehan would score a run in the third on back to back doubles, another in the fourth and two in the fifth to jump out to a 4-0 lead. The Rams would finally get to Moore in the sixth. Eric Ostroski led off with a long double to left, Connor David would reach on an error by the second baseman, and Junior Dan Flynn would line a three run homer to left center, narrowing the lead to 4-3 with no outs. The Rams were not done quite yet. After two quick outs, Dan Manke would line a single to center and steal second. The next batter was Howard, who hit a routine grounder to shortstop which was booted for an error leaving men on first and third. However, well after the play was over, the Umpire called Manke out for interference with a defensive player trying to make a play on the ball. Coach Bill Mrowka was livid and argued the play, but with no success, ending the inning and the threat. Howard got the Titans in order in the bottom of the sixth. Cheshire would get a Runowicz walk and a David single but were not able to push the tying run across. The loss drops Cheshire to 11-5 overall and 5-3 in the Housatonic. Amity, with a record of 6-2 will win the title for the 5th consecutive year and get the automatic bye into the SCC Tournament. Cheshire is still in pretty good shape for a wild card if they can take care of business down the stretch. They will begin their quest tomorrow with the Annual Senior Day game when Wilbur Cross will visit Burt Leventhal Field. The Rams will be honoring 7 Seniors: Ryan Dupont, Steven Howard, David Tammaro, Andrew Narsisco, Eric Ostroski, Brad Runowicz, and Kevin Jefferis. Cheshire will then play under the lights, Friday night in Hamden at 7:00, an 11:00 am start at Hand Madison on Memorial Day and the regular season finale on Wednesday at Ryan Field in Derby at 3:45. I hope everyone gets a chance to stop by and honor our Seniors tomorrow night in their final home game (regular season, that is). |
| Cheshire 16 Wilbur Cross 5 Dan Manke 2-2 2 doubles, 2 runs, 3 RBI, SB, 2 BB Steve Howard 2-3 2 runs, SB, BB Dave Tammaro 2-4 run, 3 RBI, BB Brad Runowicz 3-5 triple, double, 2 runs, 3 RBI Eric Ostroski 2-3 run, 3 RBI, 2 SB Connor David 2-4 double, 2 runs, 2 RBI John Kubilus 0-1 Dan Flynn 0-2 2 runs, 2 BB Dom Severino 0-1 Kevin Jefferis 1-4 run Ryan Rougeot 0-1 Andrew Narsisco 2-3 3 runs, 2 RBI, BB, SB Jefferis (W, 5-2): 5 Innings, 5 runs(3 earned), 6 hits, 6 K's, 2 walks, 80 pitches Croteau: 1 Inning, 0 hit, 0 runs, 2 K's, 0 walks, 9 pitches Rougeot: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 1 hits, 0 walks, 1 K, 14 pitches |
| Cheshire 16 Wilbur Cross 5 Brad Runowicz had a single, double, and triple as the Rams pounded out 16 hits on the way to a convincing win over Cross on Senior Day. Dan Manke, David Tammaro, Eric Ostroski joined Runowicz collecting 3 RBI each in this one. Connor David and Andrew Narsisco each picked up two RBI as the Rams improve to 12-5 on the year. Cheshire also has qualified for the SCC Tornament which will start on the 26th in West Haven. Pairings have yet to be announced. Cheshire scored 7 runs in the first inning to jump out in this one, but when Cross answered in the third with four runs, the Rams had to turn the offense back on, and they did scoring 3 in the third, a single run in the fourth and 5 more in the 5th to put this one on ice. Sophomores Ryan Rougeot and Matt Croteau each pitched a shutout inning in relief for the Rams. Manke, Steven Howard, Tammaro, Ostroski, David, and Senior Narcisco all contributed two hits to the offensive explosion. The Rams will play under the lights on Friday night in Hamden at 7:00 before finishing the regular season on Monday (Memorial Day) at Hand Madison at 11:00am. The Derby game that was rescheduled for Wednesday the 27th, is in the process of being moved to Saturday to accomodate the SCC Tournament. Time is still a TBA but it looks like 4:00 has been floated out there. I will report the change when it is official. |
| Cheshire 13 Hamden 2 Dan Manke 3-5 HR, 2 runs, RBI Steve Howard 3-3 double, 4 runs, BB, RBI Dave Tammaro 2-4 double, BB, 3 runs, RBI Brad Runowicz 3-3 double, 2 SB, 2 BB, 3 RBI Eric Ostroski 0-4 sac fly, RBI Connor David 0-4 run Dan Flynn 0-2 run, 2 BB Max Slade 2-4 run, 2 RBI Dom Severino 1-4 double, 2 RBI Fowler (W,5-1): 6 Innings, 2 runs (both earned), 4 hits, 1 walk, 7 K's, 77 pitches Slade: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 1 hit, 1 K, 0 walks, 10 pitches |
| Cheshire 13 Hamden 2, Rams Improve to 13-5 Brad Runowicz continued his amazing season, going 3-3 with 2 walks, 3 RBI, and 2 stolen bases to lead the Rams to a convincing win under the lights in Hamden. Steven Howard continued his torrid hitting (3-3, 4 runs scored) and Sophomore Ryan Fowler picked up his 5th win of the year as the Rams continue to climb up the seedings board for the LL State Tourney. Cheshire now stands 9th in the seeding with two regular season games to go against Derby (Today at 2:00 in Derby) and Monday morning at 11:00 at Hand of Madison. Cheshire can climb as high as 5th with a couple of wins. Junior Dan Manke started this one off in style, lacing a 3-2 pitch over the fence in center field for a lead off home run to put Cheshire up 1-0. Hamden tied it in the bottom of the frame on a walk, a passed ball and a two out single and took a 2-1 lead in the second on a home run. The Rams would then bat around in the third scoring 6 runs. Manke led off with a single. Howard ripped a double to the gap scoring Manke. Dave Tammaro would then turn around a fastball, lining it to the fence in left center scoring Howard. Runowicz walked. With two outs, Dan Flynn walked to load the bases. Max Slade then hit a ground ball to third that was booted, scoring Tammaro and moving the runners up. Sophomore Dom Severino, getting his first Varsity start as the DH, then hit a long double to the fence in center, scoring Runowicz and Flynn to make it 7-2. The Rams would extend the lead in the 4th on an Eric Ostroski sacrifice fly and a two run single by Slade. Runowicz would drive in the final three runs with an RBI single in the 5th and a two run double in the seventh. After a slow start, Fowler settled into this start, allowing only two baserunners from the 3rd to the 6th innings. Slade would come in for the seventh to mop things up . Cheshire third baseman Dave Tammaro had an outstanding game defensively Note: Runowicz has now reached base in 22 of his last 26 plate appearances. |
| Cheshire 9 Derby 3 Dan Manke 1-3 2 runs, RBI, BB Steve Howard 1-4 2 runs Dave Tammaro 1-3 run, 2 RBI, SacFly Brad Runowicz 2-3 HR, run, 2 RBI Matt Croteau 0-1 Eric Ostroski 1-3 triple Andrew Narcisco 0-1, run, RBI Connor David 1-3 BB Dan Flynn 2-4 2 RBI Max Slade 1-4 HR, run, RBI John Kubilus 1-2 BB Ryan Connolly 0-0, run, SB Ostroski (W,3-0): 5 Innings, 3 runs (2 earned), 4 hits, 0 walks, 3 K's, 68 pitches Howard: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 1 hit, 2 K, 1 walks, 19 pitches Rougeot: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K, 0 walks, 11 pitches |
| Late Rally Helps Cheshire Get By Derby 9-3 Brad Runowicz came back into the game after a shin to shin collision on the basepaths just in time to crack a two run, game winning home run in the 6th inning, igniting the Ram offense en route to a 9-3 win over a very aggressive Derby team. Entering the 6th, Cheshire was trailing 3-1 with the only offense being a Max Slade solo home run in the third. Dan Manke led off the 6th with a walk. Steven Howard would reach on an error with Manke moving to third on the ensuing throwing error. Dave Tammaro would then launch a towering fly ball to center deep enough to score Manke to cut the lead to one. Runowicz then launched the towering drive to left center that was grabbed by the trees to put the Rams up 4-3. Howard would come in to relieve Eric Ostroski and pitch a scoreless 6th. Ostroski pitched a solid 5 innings to pick up his 3rd win of the season against 0 losses. The Rams would open it up in the seventh. John Kubilus walked. Ryan Connolly ran for Kubilus and stole second. Manke would drive him in with a single. Howard singled and Dave Tammaro doubled in Manke to make it 6-3. One out later, Andrew Narcisco would reach on an error by the first baseman scoring Howard. With two outs Dan Flynn would lace a single to right center scoring Tammaro and Narcisco to provide the final margin of 9-3. Ryan Rougeout would come in and retire the side in the 7th for the Rams, who improve to 14-5 with the Memorial Day tilt with Hand at 11:00 AM down in Madison to round out the regular season. |
| Cheshire 8 Hand 4 Dan Manke 2-4 HR, triple, 2 runs, RBI, BB Steve Howard 2-4 2 runs, BB Dave Tammaro 1-3 Sac Brad Runowicz 1-3 double, run, RBI, Eric Ostroski 0-3 sac fly, RBI Connor David 2-4 double, 2 runs Dan Flynn 2-4 double, run, 2 RBI Max Slade 1-4, RBI Kevin Jefferis 0-4 Howard (W,2-2): 6 Innings, 4 runs (1earned), 5 hits, 2 walk, 2 HBP, 4 K's, 81 pitches Slade: 1 Inning, 0 runs, 0 hits, 1 K, 0 walks |
| Rams Beat Hand 8-4, Finish Season 15-5 SCC Tourney Starts Tuesday vs Nemesis West Haven Dan Manke homered and tripled and Dan Flynn knocked in two runs with a single and a double as the Cheshire Rams finished the regular schedule with an 8-4 win at Hand-Madison Monday. Steve Howard picked up the win for the Rams. Connor David had a single and a double for Cheshire and Howard chipped in with a couple of hits as well. The Rams will kick off the SCC Tournament on Tuesday night at 7:00 at Quigley Stadium in West Haven. Two of Cheshire's losses this year have been to West Haven. As they have done so many times this year, Cheshire jumped out quickly scoring three in the first. Manke walked and Howard reached on an infield single. Dave Tammaro advanced both runners with a sacrifice bunt. After Brad Runowicz was intentionally walked, Eric Ostroski hit a sacrifice fly to score Manke. Another run would score on a wild throw from third on a David grounder. Flynn would then single to left to score Runowicz for a 3-0 lead. Manke would drill his second homer in the last three games with a bullet just inside the left field foul pole to extend the lead to 4. The Rams would add a single run in the 3rd on a David single. He moved to second on a Flynn grounder and scored on an error by the 3rd baseman on a Max Slade grounder. After the Tigers grabbed a run in the 4th, Cheshire answered. David doubled. Flynn doubled him home and Slade singled in Flynn to make it 7-1. Runowicz would double home Howard, who had walked in the 6th. Hand would score three unearned runs in the bottom of the sixth to pull within 4, but Slade would come in and close out the game, getting the Tigers 1-2-3 in the seventh to preserve the win. |