2016 Hammonton Black Sox Repeat in 35+ American in South Jersey MSBL
South Jersey MSBL 35+ American Division
Hammonton Black Sox 6, Bordentown Patriots 0
Front Row left to right: Mike Martino, Frank Levin, Lou Rios, Gary Fischer, Ron Rossi, Chris Mitchell. Back Row left to right: Pete Sirocco, Chris Caprio, Rick Craig, Charlie Dae, Gregg Balin
‘Black Sox Sweep Through Playoffs for Repeat Title’
The Hammonton Black Sox, from the South Jersey MSBL 35-over American Division, rolled through the playoffs with five straight wins to repeat as champions.
In game one of the playoffs the Black Sox defeated the Cherry Hill Tigers 9-3. The winning pitcher was Frank Levin. Lou Rios blasted a home run, Gary Fischer and Mike Martino had three hits apiece with two RBI and Chris Caprio also had three hits and knocked in one.
That brought on a best of three series in the semi-finals against the Riverton Rangers. In game one Frank Levin was once again the winning pitcher and round-trippers were hit by Levin, Mike Martino and Ron Rossi. Gregg Balin contributed two hits and two RBI and Pete Scirocco and Rick Craig kicked in two hits apiece. The Black Sox went on to win 12-2.
Game two saw Chris Caprio on the mound as the Black Sox went on to sweep the Rangers with a 5-4 victory. Gregg Balin was 3-4, with a double and three RBI, while Gary Fischer and Ron Rossi had two hits apiece in the victory.
The Championship series brought on the Bordentown Patriots in a best of three format. In game one Hammonton brought their sticks and pounded out a 17-6 win. The winning pitcher was Chris Caprio, who also went 5 for 6 on the day including four RBI. Rick Craig was 3 for 5 with two doubles, Pete Scirocco contributed three hits and a couple of RBI, Lou Rios was 4 for 4 while Ron Rossi, Frank Levin, Charlie Dae and Mike Martino had two hits each.
Game two sealed the sweep as Hammonton shut out the Patriots 6-0 to claim the title. Frank Levin got the win on the bump while throwing a five-hitter and striking out ten. Rick Craig had a double and two RBI, while Ron Rossi blasted two hits, including a double, and knocked in two. Charlie Dae kicked in two hits and an RBI while Gregg Balin helped eliminate the Patriots with an RBI single.