Toms River East Slams Rutherford in 12-0 Victory
Toms River East Little League will be Representing the East Region in the 2022 Little League Intermediate World Series
July 27, 2022
The Outstanding Season of the 12U All-Stars from Toms River Softball ended on Wednesday night in the Little League World Series
July 28, 2022Toms River East Slams Rutherford in 12-0 Victory
Toms River East beat Rutherford 12-0 in a Little League N.J. State Tournament game at Washington Park in Pequannock on Wednesday, July 27, 2022.
Toms River East Wins Opening Game of the New Jersey Little League State Tournament
On July 27, 2022, the first game of the New Jersey Little League State Tournament, there was one obvious goal for Toms River East and they succeeded with a 12-0 victory against Rutherford.
Gaining the advantage of playing in the winners' bracket in the double-elimination, four-team tournament is the result of winning. A successful start in the opening game of the tournament is an immeasurable first step toward a state championship, a spot in a regional tournament, and hopefully a spot in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. To avoid having to play every day, it's imperative to remain in the winners' bracket, according to Toms River East Manager Mike Mendes.Video: 2022 Preview of Little League NJ State Tournament
In a 12-0 defeat of District 2 Champions Rutherford on Wednesday night at Washington Park of Pequannock Little League, Toms River East solidified its position in the winners bracket by displaying a well-rounded squad.
In the game that barely lasted four innings due to a mercy rule, Toms River East, fresh off winning the District 3 championship in a winner-take-all final versus Milltown, not only blasted four home runs but also pitched a no-hitter.
Starting pitcher Logan Macchia declared, "I think we're going to go somewhere this year, I think we have a fantastic chance at winning this."
Toms River East Pitcher, Logan Macchia, #54; Photo Credit: Michael Karas/NorthJersey.com
Macchia was dominant on the mound, striking out six batters in three innings of no-hit ball, with the exception of two first-inning walks.
Due to Little League regulations governing rest after a specific number of pitches, Macchia was removed after the third inning with a 12-0 lead to ensure he could take the mound sooner, according to Mendes. Since Macchia was taken off the field after just 52 pitches, he might start pitching as early as Saturday. If they lose (on Thursday), they play on Friday, then on Saturday, and finally on Monday. In order to ensure that players are eligible for specific days and specific games, per Coach Mendes he needs to monitor pitching and pitch counts.Game Highlights
Christian Mascaro's solo home run in the first at-bat of the second inning gave Toms River East the advantage. The team's second home run of the inning was hit by catcher Ryan McHugh four hitters later, giving Toms River East a 4-0 advantage.
The lead was increased to 6-0 in the next inning when Macchia, who was batting cleanup, provided himself with some additional run support by blasting a two-run moonshot to left centerfield. Deklan Sloan, who had been on the bench, also hit a home run in the fourth inning. For Toms River, there were more than ten players who advanced to second base, so it wasn't simply home homers. The power tricks on exhibit were complemented by disciplined hitting and astute baserunning.At 8 p.m. on Thursday, Toms River East will play District 4 Champions Haddonfield in an attempt to stay in the winners' bracket. Prior to Toms River's triumph, Haddonfield easily defeated District 1 Champions West Milford 14-3.
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