Hewlett Baseball Routed by South Side, 11-0

The Hewlett Bulldogs put the ace of its staff, Spencer Prusak, on the mound against Conference A-II front runners South Side yesterday, but a lack of command and a poor third inning hurt the Bulldog's hurler. The team lost to the Cyclones on Monday, 11-0.

Prusak, who earlier this season threw a no-hitter against New Hyde Park, lasted only 3.2 innings and gave up eight runs.

Bulldogs head coach Andy DeBernardo said that Prusak didn't have his usual control, and a heavy-hitting team like South Side will make a pitcher pay for not commanding the strike zone.

"He wasn't commanding his three pitches," he said. "He was not throwing strikes with his curveball or changeup, and any good team, which South Side is, will hit the fastball."

Asked what he wants his team to work on for today's game against South Side, DeBernardo had one word. "Hits," he said.

It was an inconspicuous start for Prusak. With two outs and two on in the first, South Side's Louis Matarazzo (2-for-4, RBI, run scored) blooped a fly ball to right, but Hewlett's right fielder misplayed the ball and two runs scored.

The wheels came off for Prusak in the third.

After Matt Sollin (1-for-3, RBI, run scored) led off with a single, Matarazzo laced an RBI single to right to make it 4-0. Andrew Talbot (2-for-3, run scored) singled, and after Dylan Leary and David Hawley walked (3 BBs, RBI, 3 runs scored), Thomas Kane (2-for-3, 3RBIs) drove in two more with a single to centerfield. Joe Geraci followed with an RBI single to give South Side an 8-0 lead.

How the Playoffs Work

For seeds 1-8, it's double elimination. The No. 1 seed will play No. 8, No. 2 will play No. 7, etc., on Saturday. The winners of those games receive a bye on Monday and advance to a best of three series that starts May 18. The losers of those games play the winners of the No. 9 through No. 16 matchups, who also play Saturday, on Monday.