American Legion  –April 30, 2008, Brooklyn

 When Coach Denis Canale of the Xaverian Clippers summons on Junior Justin Giammarino (46), the lefty always produces. And, that’s what he did in the seven-innings-shut-out of Holy Cross  in the Catholic High Schools Athletic Association Brooklyn Diocese “A” Varsity Baseball game.

The Clippers had a lot to gain by winning today’s ball game against the Knights. They had to remain on top of their division on their quest to capture that division’s championship. As for Holy Cross the Knights could not afford to lose to Xaverian, since a loss would drop them down to a full game in the standing.

So, both teams squared off, playing one of the most impressive high school baseball game, where the Knights’ catcher, #19 Valle (don’t have first name) gunned down  Alex Maldonado(#51) who tried to steal third in the first inning. Maldonado lead-off with a double. One inning later, Valle erased Paul Perez (#12) who tested his arm on an attempt to steal second base.

The south paw, Giammarino,  pitch all seven innings, fanned five Knights in the outing, and picked-off Valle who left first base for second, too early.  The Clippers starting pitcher got in a bit of trouble in the top of the sixth inning, when he gave up a double to # 26 Renzi (do not have first name), who later got gunned down at third by  Clipper catcher, #19 Johnathan Mendez.

Mendez, who bats fifth in the line-up, turned out to be the hero of the day. He grounded a single in the middle to drive John Fugarile (#5) home in the bottom sixth inning. Fugarile singled, stole second base and reached third on a throwing error by Valle.

Coach Doug Manfredonia said it was enough for his Knights’ starter, Andrew Mulvey (#16) who pitched 5 2/3 innings of the game in a tough loss.

Matt Troisi (#6) scored the insurance run on a wild pitch. Troisi got on base on an intentional walk. He reached third base on Mendez’ hit. Then, Giammarino retired the Knights in their seventh inning.

Story by Cameraman: Max Sanchez-Martinez