Semifinal Predictions
June 2nd, 2009 by Rob DiAntonioWe’re down to the nitty gritty now. Five North County teams were knocked off in the quarterfinals, and three are left standing. Here’s some quick predictions.
Class A
No. 1 Lakeland vs. No. 4 Ardsley
Rematch anyone? Ardsley pulled off a big upset over Lakeland in the quarterfinals last season in a 2-1 pitchers duel. Don’t think for a second this isn’t on the Hornets’ mind. Jon De Marte was a stud in Lakeland’s 4-2 quarterfinal win over Pearl River. He struck out 11 and socked two home runs. Joe Arena gets the ball in this one and he’s been just as unhittable as his sophomore counterpart. The Hornets get their revenge and move into the finals.
Prediction: Lakeland 3, Ardsley 2
No. 2 Somers vs. No. 6 Beacon
Dan Zlotnick went the distance in the Tuskers 5-0 quarterfinal win over Eastchester. Does Zlotnick really seem to turn up the dial come sectional time or what? I’m thinking Chase Levi gets the call here, although it could possibly be Henry Ruhlandt. Either way, I think the Tuskers pull this one out. Beacon isn’t nearly the same team without ace Anthony Cervone on the hill, who pitched in the win over Hen Hud. Then again, you could say the same about Somers and Zlotnick. But in the end, the team with the superior lineup and pitching depth takes it.
Prediction: Somers 7, Beacon 4
Class B
No. 1 Kennedy Catholic vs. No. 4 Rye Neck
I was shocked when I was told that Pleasantville gave the Gaels a scare. Kennedy trailed heading into their final two at bats. But the bats responded, capped off by a walkoff single by Mark Palmer. I don’t think the Gaels let something like this happen again. Not in the near future at least. And without Ryan Pennell on the hill, let’s face it, Rye Neck is just a middle of the road team.
Prediction: Kennedy 8, Rye Neck 2
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