South Orange Heartbreaker

South Orange's Junior American Legion team played the kind of game Sunday that can be looked upon with good memories – despite a heartbreaking finish.

The Cougars dropped a 6-5 decision to Sparta in the District 1 Tournament at Gardner Field in Denville. The Cougars – who lost to Denville Saturday in the opening game -- were thus eliminated from the tournament. The Cougars finished the season with a 14-10 record and with good thoughts of what's head.

Head coach Chris Henry was quick to say that he believed his team played its best game of the season. Columbia High's baseball program appears to be in good shape.
"I'm so proud of these guys,'' said Henry.

There was two fine catches by second baseman Brendan Clark, a strong throw home by right fielder Sean Tamayo to wipe out a runner trying to score. That was after a leadoff triple in the fourth inning. Clark made a scoop of a tricky grounder, holding the runner at third. That was followed by the fly ball to Tamayo who threw to first baseman Nick Rego who threw home to catcher Ben Szydlowski who applied the tag. The Cougars also put down three sacrifice bunts that moved runners up on the basepaths.

"Our guys played great,'' said Henry. ""We played against some older guys. There's no excuse, but this was a great thing for our players. I'm proud of what they did. By far they played so well top to bottom.''

The Cougars held leads of 2-0, 3-2 and 5-4 entering the bottom of the seventh. Sparta tied the game on a passed ball, and then won it on a hit.

The Cougars took a 2-0 lead in the second inning. Nick Rego walked, was moved up to second on a Tamayo sacrifice bunt, and then scored on Jake Pomper's double. Pomper then scored on a balk. The Cougars broke a 2-2 tie in the fifth on RBI doubles by Brandon Spears and Dan Heffley. South Orange made it 5-3 in the seventh on Heffley's single, which scored Clark.

"It was tough,'' said Henry about losing in the seventh. ""But I'm proud of what they did. They really came together midway through the season. Even though we lost it was a positive.''

Garrett Garneau pitched well, making it into the seventh inning.
""Garrett did a great job, he was really locating the ball and they were way out in front,'' Henry said.