Kinnelon 12U Champions of the Suburban League

Members of the Kinnelon 12U Colts baseball team won the championship of the North Jersey Suburban League on Sunday. The Colts offense was an unstoppable force as they outscored their opponents 40-17 during the playoffs. The championship was won with a 17-2 victory over the Ridgewood Rebels on Sunday.

The championship run started with a hard fought 11-9 victory over the Glen Rock Panthers on Thursday. Tyler Duffy started for the Colts and got the victory after pitching four solid innings. Ryan Lafergola pitched two solid innings before Kyle Schaper came in to close out the game and claim the save. The offense was led by Greg Brinster who had two hits including a big hit with two outs and the bases loaded in the second. Patrick Hepner laid down a beautiful bunt in the 5th that shook the Glen Rock defense and led to a five run inning. Konner Hinz scored a pair of runs for the Colts after collecting a single and a walk. The Colts defense was anchored by the solid outfield play of a very busy Nick Carlson in right, and a double play in the first started by Ryan Lafergola from centerfield.

The victory over Glen Rock advanced the Kinnelon Colts to the Saturday semi-finals and a date with the Hurricanes of Upper Saddle River. Under a sweltering sun, with temperatures in the mid 90’s, Vrathan Reddy started for the Colts and earned a 12-6 victory with three solid innings of pitching. Quinn Duffy pitched three plus innings in relief before giving way to Kyle ‘the Sandman’ Schaper. Kyle collected the save with a one pitch performance. The pitchers were backed by Chris Masherelli and Robert Mauriellos’ lock down defense at first base. Anthony Bassi and Thomas Hatch shared the catching chores and did not wilt during the heat. Evan Airey paced the offense with three runs scored during the contest.

The Colts then advanced to Sunday’s final against the top-seeded Ridgewood Rebels, owners of a 9-1 regular season record. The Colt’s ace, Tyler Duffy, pitched three quick innings but Ridgewood would not yield, and the game was tied going into the fourth. Thomas led off the fourth with a double, one of his four hits on the day, to open the floodgates for the Colts offense. Ryan Lafergola and Tyler Duffy would also hit doubles in what turned out to be a six-run inning for the Colts. The Rebels attempted comeback was snuffed out when Kelly Duffy took a double away with a diving catch in right center to end the inning. The Colts would score ten times in the fifth inning to put the game out of reach, and secure their first Summer League Championship with a 17-2 victory.

Patrick Hepner

Photo:

Front row right to left: Nick Carlson, Kelly Duffy, Tyler Duffy, Patrick Hepner, Konner Hinz, Christopher Masherelli.

Second row: Anthony Bassi, Robert Mauriello, Vrathan Reddy, Ryan Lafergola, Quinn Duffy, Evan Airey, Kyle Schaper

Back row: Coach Steve Schaper, Manager Patrick Hepner, Thomas Hatch, Greg Brinster, Coach Mike Airey.