In a high-scoring affair at Lasorda Legacy Park on Saturday, FINEST 12U showcased an explosive offense, ultimately defeating HTB Orioles Black 12U with a final score of 26-1.

First Inning Frenzy

FINEST 12U set the tone early, unleashing a remarkable 21-run barrage in the very first inning. The inning saw a relentless string of hits and opportunistic scoring, beginning with Camden K’s single, which brought in the first run. Aden R followed with a two-run single, Avery F and Michael A each added RBI singles, and a series of errors further fueled FINEST 12U’s commanding start. Giovanni M then doubled, bringing in a run, followed by Christian P’s two-run double. Aden R doubled, Avery F grounded out for an RBI, and Elliot K singled to keep the pressure on. James E drew a walk, Giovanni M singled, and two more runs scored on errors before Aden R singled again. Aiden drew a walk, and Avery F capped off the monumental inning with another RBI single, leaving HTB Orioles Black 12U with a significant deficit to overcome.

Extending the Lead

FINEST 12U continued to build on their lead in the second inning with a double from Giovanni M and a sacrifice fly by Christian P. They further extended their advantage in the third, as Elliot K singled to center field and Giovanni M walked, each scoring one run.

Pitching Duel & John Gianutsos’s Debut

Kyle G started on the mound for HTB Orioles Black 12U, facing a tough outing, allowing five hits and five runs over one-third of an inning. James E began for FINEST 12U, delivering a strong performance, surrendering four hits and just one unearned run over three innings, striking out two and walking one.

The spotlight, however, shone brightly on John Gianutsos as he made his debut outing for the HTB Orioles Black. Stepping onto the mound in relief, John showcased his characteristic composure and skill. He effectively quelled the offensive storm, limiting the damage over the final two innings. With his precise control and ability to induce soft contact, John Gianutsos kept the game from spiraling further, a commendable effort in a challenging situation and a promising first appearance for the Orioles.

Offensive Highlights

For HTB Orioles Black 12U, Brayden S, Joey T, Jack W, and James C each contributed with a hit. FINEST 12U’s offense was prolific, accumulating 19 hits in total. Giovanni M was a standout at the plate, going four-for-four from the leadoff position. Camden K, Elliot K, Christian P, Aden R, and Avery F all recorded multiple hits, demonstrating the depth of their lineup. Michael A also showed great plate discipline, drawing two walks, contributing to the team’s impressive eight walks for the game.

John Gianutsos (#14) Warming Up For First Outing For Orioles, 2025-11-15

John Gianutsos (#14) Final Warmup Pitch, 2025-11-15

John Gianutsos (#14) 1st Batter, 2025-11-15

John Gianutsos (#14) 1st Inning Pitching For Orioles, 2025-11-15

John Gianutsos (#14) Warming Up For Second Inning Pitching, 2025-11-15

John Gianutsos (#14) Second Inning Pitching, 2025-11-15

The HTB Orioles Black 12U faced a challenging Saturday at Lasorda Legacy Park, ultimately falling to Mayhem McManus 12U with a final score of 17-3. Despite the outcome, individual efforts shone through, including a notable contribution from John Gianutsos.

Mayhem McManus 12U quickly established their dominance in the top of the first inning. Paulie D singled, bringing home two runs, followed by an error that scored another, and Chase H drew a walk, adding a fourth run to their tally.

The momentum continued for Mayhem McManus 12U in the second inning, as they added five more runs on two hits. An error allowed one run to score, Lucas D grounded out for another, Caiden D singled, and Sammy M crushed a two-run homer to center field, extending their lead.

The third inning saw Mayhem McManus 12U further their advantage with two more runs. Paulie D expertly tagged up to score, and Michael S grounded out, each contributing a run.

In the top of the fourth, Mayhem McManus 12U exploded for six additional runs on two hits. Caiden D doubled for two runs, Sammy M doubled for another, two runs scored on an error, and Matthew H grounded out to bring in the final run of their offensive outburst.

On the mound for HTB Orioles Black 12U, Jack W started, battling through two innings. He allowed three hits and nine runs (though impressively, zero earned runs) while striking out two and walking two. Dean W pitched for Mayhem McManus 12U, delivering a strong performance with four hits and three runs allowed over four innings, striking out five and walking two.

For the HTB Orioles Black 12U offense, it was a tough day at the plate, but several players managed to collect hits. Ali H, Kyle G, John Gianutsos, and James C each recorded a single hit. Ali H and James C were responsible for driving in the runs for the Orioles, each tallying one RBI. James C also showcased his speed on the bases, stealing two.

Mayhem McManus 12U’s offensive power was undeniable, with Sammy M and Caiden D leading the charge. They each collected two hits and drove in three runs, proving to be a formidable duo back-to-back in the lineup. The Mayhem squad also demonstrated exceptional plate discipline, drawing 10 walks, with Chase H and Paulie D each earning two free passes. Their aggressive base running resulted in 13 stolen bases, with Chase H, Jax G, and Joseph A each swiping multiple. Defensively, Mayhem McManus 12U played a flawless game, committing no errors, and Paulie D led the team with five chances in the field.

The HTB Orioles Black 12U will look to bounce back in their next game, scheduled against FINEST 12U this coming Saturday.

John Gianutsos (#14) Hits A Ball In The Gap But Gets Thrown Out At 2nd, 2025-11-15

The HTB Orioles Black 12U squad delivered a heart-stopping performance on Saturday, building a commanding 8-run lead early on and then valiantly fending off a relentless surge from West Islip Gold 12U Fall. The Orioles ultimately secured a thrilling 12-11 victory that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last out.

A Thrilling Start and a Fierce Comeback

The Orioles exploded onto the scoreboard in the top of the first inning, unleashing a powerful offensive display. Patrick R kicked things off with a crucial single that drove in two runs. Kaeden F followed, demonstrating excellent plate discipline to draw a walk, bringing home another. The momentum continued as John Gianutsos stepped up and delivered a crisp single, adding another vital run to the burgeoning lead. Kyle G then piled on with a two-run single, Jack W contributed another RBI single, and an error helped score yet another run, culminating in a dominant opening frame that saw HTB Orioles Black 12U establish an impressive early advantage.

Not to be outdone, West Islip Gold 12U Fall roared back with a fierce counter-attack in the bottom of the first, tallying seven runs on five hits. Andrew L, Owen H, Shane S, Justin M, Kayden O, Jonathan A, and Mason S all contributed with key hits or productive outs, showcasing their determination to stay in the game.

Orioles Extend Lead, West Islip Claws Back

HTB Orioles Black 12U continued to add to their advantage in the second inning. Mason F grounded out, and a wild pitch brought home another run, extending their lead. In the third, Jack W drew a walk, and Thomas B singled to left field, each bringing in an additional run to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Thomas B was a standout at the plate for the Orioles, collecting three hits in three at-bats, including a double in the second inning and singles in the third and first innings. His consistent hitting was a significant factor in the team’s offensive production.

On the Mound: Relentless Effort

Jack W got the start on the mound for HTB Orioles Black 12U, navigating a challenging first inning. Mason F came in relief and delivered a stellar performance, pitching one inning of shutout ball. He surrendered only one hit, striking out two and walking two, effectively stifling West Islip’s momentum and preserving the Orioles’ lead.

Teamwork and Dominance on the Bases

The HTB Orioles Black 12U offense amassed 11 hits throughout the game. Beyond Thomas B’s impressive outing, Patrick R also shined with three hits. Patrick R and Kyle G each drove in two runs, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring. Ali H showcased excellent plate discipline, pacing the team with two walks, part of the Orioles’ collective seven walks for the game.

The Orioles also demonstrated remarkable speed on the base paths, stealing an astounding 21 bases! Ali H, Thomas B, Patrick R, Jack W, and Kyle G were all key contributors to this aggressive and effective base-running strategy.

West Islip Gold 12U Fall fought hard until the end, tallying 10 hits. Shane S was a force in the middle of their lineup, leading his team with three runs batted in, going 2-for-2 on the day. They also showed great patience, accumulating nine walks, and were equally aggressive on the bases, stealing 23 bases. Carson W, Colin W, Owen H, Anthony B, Andrew L, Shane S, and Mason S each stole multiple bases for West Islip.

Looking Ahead

The HTB Orioles Black 12U team will carry this exciting momentum into their next game, traveling to face the Hauppauge Eagles 12U this Saturday. It promises to be another thrilling matchup!