The Albany-Westchester Nationals won the 2007 25+ Labor Day Tournament by going 5-0 in classic fashion. The Nats opened up Saturday with two wins. Sunday morning brought another win against Ottawa. Jeremiah Primeau (Nationals) won this game by himself with grand slam and a two run homerun (6rbi's ). In the semi-finals we were down 2-0 until the 3rd when we scored 1 run to cut it to 2-1. It stayed that way until the bottom of the 7th when we scored a run with two outs. We finally broke through for the win in the bottom of the 10th inning to secure a spot in the championship vs. Rochester Jays.
The finals ended up being the the best baseball game most of us have ever been associated with! Bryan Murray (Cutters) saved our 2nd game Saturday, got the win in the semi's on Sunday and started in the finals. There was a lot in this game: great defensive plays and the best pitching I've ever seen. There was 10 1/2 innings of scoreless baseball. In the bottom of the 11th we got Petey (Westchester) aboard, JFitz (Nationals) came up a put down a bunt to move Petey over to 2nd base. He got to 3rd on the 1st passed ball in the game. Tony Cairone (Westchester) walked and we had 1st and 3rd with one out. Dan Ryan (Nationals) grounded to the shortstop on a double play ball, but Tony Cairone took out the 2nd basemen to break up the double play and the Nationals won the Championship 1-0 in 11 innings. 42 innings in two days!
The MVP was Bryan Murray (Cutters) who threw 14 2/3 innings of shutout baseball for us. It was an unbelievable performance.
Again, I would like to thank the Bronx Black Sox for coming to Albany and once again helping us bring home the Championship. They are welcome anytime.
Our local players:
Dan Renaud (A's); Scott Clement (A's); Kevin Moon (A's); Dan Ryan (Nationals); Bobby Lane (Nationals); Eddie Donnelly (Nationals); Jeremiah Primeau (Nationals); Brian Donnelly (Nationals); Joe Fitzgerald (Nationals); Eric Miller (Pirates); Chuck Jasinski (Pirates); Bobby Poulin (Nationals); Bryan Murray (Cutters) & Andy Sardella (A's).
Pitchers of Record:
vs. Rochester (Bobby Poulin (Nats) 1-0) vs. Connecticut (Joe Banacce (Westchester) 1-0) - Bryan Murray (Save) vs. Ottawa (Chuck Jasinski (Pirates) 1-0) vs. Connecticut (Bryan Murray (Cutters) 1-0 w/ 1 save vs. Rochester (Bryan Murray (Cutters) 2-0 w/ 1 save
Congrats Fitzy - What an amazing perfomance by Bryan!!
This was by far the most competitve Labor day tournament in years, atleast in the 25's and 35's.
Our Mutts got to play Dutchess County twice, the perenial power Long Island Mets, as well as a good Albany squad. It was great baseball in perfect weather, and a very well run tournament.
Thanks to all that put in the hard work, and special thanks to Donnie Dunham for keeping a squad together after 4 or fives guys bailed in the last day or two before the tournament.
Congrats Fitz on winning yet another LD title, and is classic style, too. With the talent in Albany, I hope Florida is in all of your futures. We could do some serious damage down there.
And while you guys were playing some great baseball, a toast to the Albany Marlins for winning the 45+ title against perennial national power Bristol Baseball Club of Conn. I hope someone writes up a recap of the game because it was a real crowd-pleaser. JimK
As the manager of the Connecticut Cardinals, I give my hat off to you guys for hanging in, and winning the championship. Our team has already said we will be back next year.
The tournament was really fun, and I wish we could get together and do this more than once a year. Thanks again for the great games, and we look forward to playing you guys all again.
I also want to thank the Rochester Team for not giving up. You guys almost made it, and showed a lot of heart on Sunday. Look forward to seeing you guys next year also.
Joe and Tony, Very well done. I saw you guys playing at Rotterdam BR early Sunday and could see the conviction to go all the way. and that you did, right through an always tough Conn. squad and the 2005 champions Rochester team . Looks like you have the formula down. And what a game in the final , 11 innings ! comes down to breaking up the DP and hustling to first. Hey Joe take the Mo to the playoffs and do it up nice...j reel ,marlins/nats 1991-2003, but bask in the glory for now, see you out there.
