Sports Shorts

Led by the terrific pitching from starter Evan Waldron (three innings and four strikeouts), the Monroe Blast U9 baseball team jumped out to a 4-1 lead after three innings against the Manalapan Cyclones this past weekend. Catcher Kevin Darrar had a single in the early going. The pesky Cyclones chipped away at Monroe’s lead and finally tied the score in the top of the fifth. With two outs in their half of the inning, the Blast bats went to work. Willie Levier (three runs scored) started the two-out rally with a single to left. Anthony Brocato (two hits and an RBI) followed with a single of his own. Ryan Jendras (two hits and an RBI) knocked in Levier with a single, and Evan Waldron (four RBIs) delivered his third two-out hit of the game, knocking in Brocato and Jendras, staking Monroe to a 7-4 lead.

After the Cyclones added a run in the top of the sixth, Chris Germano came on in relief with a runner on first, the tying run at the plate, and no outs. Germano struck out the first two Cyclones batters he faced and got the next to bounce back to the mound to end the game.

Tommy Sorrentino struck out four in two innings of relief. The defense was led by Richie Poland, who made a great running catch of a Cyclone bomb in left. Mario Danza, Michael Rela and Michael Loschiavo held the Cyclones bats in check with clutch defense along the way.

The Men’s Adult Baseball League of New Jersey is currently forming and admitting new teams for the summer season. Individual players and/or teams 18 years and up of any skill level are welcome. Internet statistics and box scores for all games — a 10-game season plus the playoffs, and an all-star game in pro baseball stadium. Season starts in early June. For more information, call representative Dave at (973) 699-8336 or e-mail mabl3@msn.com. Or visit www.amateurbaseballnj.com.

The Monroe Thunder U12 girls travel softball team opened its 2005 season last weekend at a tournament in Hamilton. The Thunder came away with a 3-1 record and finished in sixth place out of 28 teams. In the opening game the Thunder defeated the Central Jersey Lightening by a score of 11-2. Brittany Scott pitched a complete game one-hitter for the victory. Jillian Hassler was 3-for-3 including a triple and had four RBIs. Courtney Baron was 2-for-3 with three runs scored. Erica Beyer and Jenny Garavente scored two runs apiece. The Lightening loaded the bases in the last inning with no outs when center fielder Baron ran down a sinker liner and made a spectacular catch, threw to Beyer at second for the second out, and Beyer threw to Jenna Giaquinto at third to complete the triple play to end the game.

In the second game the Thunder defeated the home team Hamilton Hurricanes 10-7. Jillian Hassler went the distance for the win. Jenny Garavente, Courtney Baron, and Jenna Giaquinto all had three RBIs a piece.

In the third game the Thunder coasted to a 16-1 victory over the Brewster, N.Y., Rockets. Erica Beyer, Megan Mascali, Jenny Garavente and Courtney Baron all scored three times. Baron added six more RBIs, giving her 10 for the day. Jenna Giaquinto pitched a complete game two-hitter to earn the win.

Monroe’s only set-back came against the Rising Stars of Long Island, N.Y., dropping the contest by a score of 15-4. Manager Sandy Mascali was overall very happy with the strong effort her team showed in its first tournament.

“We’re off to a great start,” she said.

The Thunder will be playing seven more tournaments this summer, including a trip to the Pony World Series held in Sterling, Va., in July.

Golden Bear Chargers Pop Warner Football & Cheerleading will be holding registration for boys and girls ages 5-15 on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; May 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Big Apple Day School on Summerhill Road; May 26 from 6-8 p.m. at the Spotswood Municipal Building; and June 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Big Apple Day School. For information, call Eileen at (732) 735-4168, Steph at (732) 744-4484, visit the GBC Web site at gbcfootball.com or e-mail GBCFootball@comcast.net.