Senior standout Tommy Corey played significant roles in his team’s contests against both the Alvirne High Broncos and the Pinkerton Academy Astros last week. But unfortunately for Corey and his crew, they had to be satisfied with spliting those games.
Corey pounded two home runs in the Lancers’ 13-6 thumping of Alvirne in Londonderry Wednesday, May 7. But a strong pitching performance by Corey went to waste two days later in a tough, 4-2 Beeman Trophy loss to Pinkerton in Derry.
In the blasting of the Broncos, Corey’s two homers were integral to the Lancers’ win, which made them an excellent 8-2 in Division I and handed them their fourth win in their previous five games. Alvirne moved to 5-4 with the loss, which ended a five-game win streak following an 0-3 season start for veteran coach Mike Lee’s crew.
“Tom had one of the most dominating offensive performances in recent seasons, hitting two long, three-run home runs that turned the momentum our way both times. It was a great day for him,” said LHS coach Brent Demas.
The winning side also got fine production from Brett Evangelista (2-for-5)), Rob Del Signore (2-5), Geoff Kayo (2-3, two runs scored), Zach Tavano (2-3), and Troy Nielsen (1-2, three runs batted in).
A five-run sixth inning output enabled the hosts to make an 8-6 game in their favor a lopsided 13-6 contest.
Starting pitcher Geoff Kayo overcame a rough start – including a 3-0 Alvirne lead – to pitch well, with reliever Nick Musto overcoming some trouble as well later.
“Both showed encouraging signs today that they are moving forward,” said Demas.
In the Friday road game at Pinkerton, Londonderry claimed a 1-0 lead in the top half of the first inning but never led again.
Corey gave his squad a complete-game pitching performance and only allowed five total hits and no walks, but the defense behind him got a bit sloppy and only two of the four runs scored against him were earned.
“Unfortunately, our usually-solid defense broke down in one inning and it gave Pinkerton the opportunity to put up all the runs they would need to hold on for the win. Tom deserved a better fate, but he had a great game,” said Demas.
The host Astros knotted the score at 1-1 in the bottom of the first and then scored three times in the latter half of the fourth – aided by LHS fielding woes – to snag a 4-1 advantage.
Londonderry only managed to collect four hits off PA pitchers Chris Gerossie and John Polichetti in moving to 8-3 on the campaign. And no LHS hitter had more than one safety.
The victory was 8-3 Pinkerton’s sixth in its last seven games.
Del Signore shoved his team back onto the winning path this past Monday with a masterful, two-hit performance in an 8-1 home victory over Salem.
The skilled lefty hurler struck out 15 Blue Devils and contributed to his squad’s ample offense by driving in two runs. The Lancers also received two hits apiece from Corey and Kayo in the win.