2017 Knights Sweep White Sox for 25+ ‘A’ Division Title in Long Island MSBL

Long Island MSBL 25+ ‘A’ Division

New York Knights 7, North Shore White Sox 3

‘Iron Man Lagos Leads on the Bump’

Submitted by Tony Scime, Knights manager

The New York Knights closed out the 2017 regular season on a five game winning streak (13-5) and continued their winning ways going 4-1 during the playoffs, sweeping the North Shore White Sox in the Championship Round by the scores of 6-5 and 7-3 capturing their second MSBL Title in the last three years.

Game one saw the Knights defeat the North Shore White Sox 6-5. Knight’s ace lefty Tyrone Lawrence worked the first 7 1/3 innings holding the powerful White Sox to just three earned runs before giving way to Will Lagos, who recorded the last five outs for the save.

The Knights offense was spearheaded by the top two hitters in the lineup, center fielder Juan Pantoja and second baseman John Calarco, who each delivered two clutch RBI hits. Rookie right fielder Sonny Losito also came up big with a clutch RBI single and the defensive play of the game, a great running catch that shut down a late White Sox rally.In game two the Knights defeated the North Shore White Sox7-3, winning the 2017 MSBL Championship. Knights ace righty pitcher Will Lagos went the distance scattering just five hits while striking out seven. Lagos was phenomenal during the Knights playoff run, hurling 31 2/3 innings while allowing only four earned runs (1.14) ERA, winning three games and saving one of the Knights four playoff wins.

The Knights batting stars were center fielder and leadoff man Juan Pantoja, who paced the Knights 12 hit attack with two hits, two walks and two runs scored, and shortstop Joe Clemente who contributed two hits, including a 2-RBI double. John Calarco, Ty Lawrence, Carlos Leon, Tommy Assenzio, Polo Rivera, Derek Genova, Tom Chang and Brian Cummings all chipped in with big hits.