In a game that was never really in doubt, Patchogue-Medford (11-5) blasted three home runs in route to a 8-1 victory over William Floyd on Thursday night at the Lincoln Avenue Complex.
The Raiders started the scoring early. In the first inning, after leadoff hitter Dave Tornetta singled to get on base, third basemen Frank Capraro, after faking a bunt on the first two pitches of the at bat, hit a home run over the left center field fence to give Patchogue-Medford an early 2-0 lead.
Their offense continued as a Matt Vogel single was followed by Justin Mercurio, in what was the beginning of a huge offensive day, doubling down the first base line to give Patchogue-Medford an early 3-0 lead.
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“It lets everybody breathe a little bit,” said head coach Tony Frascogna, referring to his team jumping out to an early lead.
With the advantage in hand, the pitching took over from there, not allowing William Floyd any chance to get back into the game or build any momentum.
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Starting pitcher Tyler Moston overpowered William Floyd hitters, striking out nine in 5 1/3 innings pitched. Moston didn’t allow a hit through the first four innings, constantly getting ahead of the hitters and forcing them to swing at pitches outside of the strike zone.
According to Frascogna, the early lead gave Moston the ability to relax and pitch his game.
“It gave Tyler a chance to go out there and not be so perfect,” Frascogna said. “He tends to throw some extra pitches here and there, so it was nice that we made a cushion.”
Patchogue-Medford continued the scoring in the fourth inning, as a Brian Cioffi triple gave them a 4-0 lead. The next batter, Tornetta came through again for Patchogue-Medford bunting Cioffi in from third base. The William Floyd third basemen bobbled the bunt when he went to pick up the ball, so Tornetta beat out the throw with his speed. This further increased their lead to 5-0.
A key moment in the game came in the bottom of the sixth inning. Back-to-back walks lead to Frascogna taking Moston out and bringing in Vincent Volpe out of the bullpen. There was runners on first and second with one out and the score 6-1. An extra base hit would’ve scored at least one run for William Floyd and let them back into the game.
On the second pitch of the at-bat, the ball was hit very sharply to the shortstop Vogel, who stepped on the second base bag and threw to first to turn the double play himself and end that inning with zero runs scored.
“Matt Vogel made a couple of plays there that were pretty much the best plays you’re ever gonna see in high school.” Frascogna said.
The win moves Patchogue-Medford to 11-5 going into their final regular season series against Ward-Melville that begins on Monday. William Floyd falls to 8-8 overall. They will face Sachem East in a three game series that also starts on Monday.
