Long Island Tigers 12U erupted for eight runs in the third inning and cruised to a 13-1 victory over HTB Orioles Black 12U on Sunday at Connetquot Youth Associates. The game featured a strong pitching performance from the opposing team, with John Gianutsos taking the mound to start the game for the Orioles.

Tigers Strike Early

The Tigers wasted no time getting on the board. In the bottom of the second inning, the offense came alive with a powerful display. Marco C launched a solo home run to right field to open the scoring. Matthew N followed suit with his own solo shot to right field. Luke P then doubled, bringing home two runners. Luke S capped the inning with a groundout that plated another run, giving the Tigers a commanding early lead.

Orioles Answer Back

The HTB Orioles Black 12U showed resilience in the top of the third inning when Ali H crushed a solo home run to center field, putting the Orioles on the scoreboard and providing a spark for his team.

Third-Inning Explosion

The bottom of the third inning proved decisive as Long Island Tigers 12U broke the game wide open. The Tigers scored eight runs on just four hits, taking advantage of every opportunity. An error brought in the first run of the inning. Anthony C drew a walk with the bases loaded, forcing in another run. A second error allowed another runner to cross the plate. Luke P worked a bases-loaded walk to drive in a run. Calvin B delivered a clutch single that scored one more. Luke S came through with a two-run single, and Michael F was struck by a pitch with the bases loaded, bringing home the eighth run of the frame.

Pitching Performances

John Gianutsos got the start on the mound for HTB Orioles Black 12U, taking on the challenging Tigers lineup. The right-hander worked one inning, allowing four hits and five runs (three earned) while walking one batter. John competed hard against a potent offensive attack and gave his team a chance early in the game.

Marco C started on the bump for the Long Island Tigers 12U. The left-handed pitcher was dominant, surrendering just two hits and one run over three innings while striking out four batters and issuing no walks.

Offensive Standouts

For HTB Orioles Black 12U, Lincoln R and Ali H each collected one hit. Ali H went 1-for-1 at the plate and led the team with one run batted in on his home run.

Marco C paced the Long Island Tigers 12U offense, going 2-for-2 at the plate to lead the team in hits. Luke S and Luke P were the offensive catalysts, each driving in three runs. The Tigers played flawless defense throughout the game, committing zero errors. Luke S was particularly active in the field, making the most plays with seven.

Final Score

Long Island Tigers 12U 13, HTB Orioles Black 12U 1

HTB Orioles Black 12U battled hard until the final out, but Nassau Bokts 12U – Spring Season pulled away late with a 4-3 victory on Saturday at Connetquot Youth Associates. Despite the loss, the Orioles showed resilience and determination throughout the contest, which remained tied at three until Nassau Bokts broke through in the bottom of the fourth inning when an error allowed the winning run to score.

Early Offense Sets the Tone

HTB Orioles Black 12U wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, Nick D crushed a triple that plated one run, giving the Orioles an early 1-0 advantage and setting an aggressive tone from the start.

Nassau Bokts answered immediately in the bottom of the first when Rajesh A doubled to left field, knotting the game at one and serving notice that this would be a competitive matchup.

Trading Punches

The back-and-forth battle continued in the second inning. Liam F delivered a clutch single that pushed HTB Orioles Black 12U back in front, 2-1, as the Orioles threatened to build momentum.

But Nassau Bokts wouldn’t go away quietly. Giovanni C grounded out in the bottom of the second, plating a run that tied the game once again at two runs apiece.

John Gianutsos Takes the Lead

In the top of the fourth inning, John Gianutsos stepped up in a pivotal moment and delivered exactly what his team needed. His sharp single gave HTB Orioles Black 12U a 3-2 lead, driving in what would prove to be the Orioles’ final run of the game. John’s timely hit showcased his ability to come through when the pressure was on, giving his team the lead in the late innings.

Nassau Bokts Rallies Late

Nassau Bokts 12U – Spring Season seized momentum in the bottom of the fourth. Jaxon B launched an inside-the-park home run that tied the game, and moments later, an Orioles error allowed Nassau Bokts to score the go-ahead run, making it 4-3. Despite the Orioles’ best efforts, they couldn’t answer in their remaining at-bats.

Strong Pitching Performances

Lincoln R was outstanding in relief for HTB Orioles Black 12U, pitching three solid innings. He allowed just three hits and two runs while striking out five batters and walking only one, keeping his team within striking distance throughout.

Jack W got the start on the mound for the Orioles and delivered a quality outing over two innings. He surrendered three hits and two runs (only one earned) while striking out two and issuing no walks, giving his team a chance to compete.

Giuseppe M started for Nassau Bokts 12U – Spring Season and worked four and one-third innings, allowing six hits and three runs while striking out two and walking four.

Offensive Contributions

Six Orioles recorded hits in the contest: Jack W, Joey T, Lincoln R, Liam F, John Gianutsos, and Nick D each collected one hit. Three players drove in runs for HTB Orioles Black 12U: Liam F, John Gianutsos, and Nick D. Lincoln R also contributed with his legs, swiping two bases to create scoring opportunities.

For Nassau Bokts 12U – Spring Season, Rajesh A led the offensive charge with a 2-for-2 performance at the plate. Jaxon B, Rajesh A, and Giovanni C each drove in one run. Nassau Bokts played flawless defense, committing zero errors, with Michael S handling the most chances in the field with five.

Looking Ahead

HTB Orioles Black 12U will look to bounce back as they take on Long Island Tigers 12U on Sunday. With clutch performances from players like John Gianutsos and strong pitching depth, the Orioles have plenty of reasons for optimism moving forward.

In a thrilling back-and-forth battle on Wednesday, North Shore Giants, Walker 9U held off a late rally by Connetquot Chiefs (Red) 9U to secure a hard-fought 7-6 victory. Despite watching their commanding 6-run lead shrink in the final innings, the Giants showed resilience and determination to close out the win.

Early Deficit Turned Around

Connetquot Chiefs (Red) 9U struck first in the opening frame, capitalizing on a defensive miscue to plate one run and take an early 1-0 lead.

But the Giants answered emphatically in the bottom of the second inning, grabbing the lead they would never relinquish. Noah M delivered a key single down the left field line to bring home the tying run, followed immediately by William L’s RBI single to left field that gave North Shore their first advantage of the day at 2-1.

Building the Lead

The momentum continued in the bottom of the third when Colin H drove in another run with a productive ground out, extending the Giants’ lead to 4-1.

Then came the decisive fourth inning—and Frankie Gianutsos made sure it was one to remember. With runners on base, Frankie stepped up and launched a towering home run to right field, clearing the bases and putting two more runs on the board. Dylan W followed with an RBI double that capped off a three-run explosion, giving North Shore a comfortable 7-1 cushion.

Pitching Performance and the Save

Dylan W was stellar on the mound as the starting pitcher, dominating over three innings of work. He allowed just two hits and one unearned run while striking out six batters and issuing only one walk. Landon W came on in relief to keep the Chiefs at bay.

But when Connetquot mounted their late-game rally—scoring on a ground out, a walk, and a single to make it 7-6—it was Frankie Gianutsos who stepped up once again. Taking the ball in a pressure-packed situation, Frankie slammed the door shut and recorded the save, preserving the one-run victory for the Giants.

Offensive Contributions

Frankie Gianutsos led the offensive charge for North Shore, going 1-for-2 with a home run and a team-high two RBIs. His right-handed power proved to be the difference-maker in this contest.

Noah M, Dylan W, and William L each collected one hit as well, contributing to the balanced attack. John F showed excellent plate discipline, leading the team with two walks, as the Giants compiled an impressive six walks on the day.

Aggressive Baserunning

The Giants were relentless on the basepaths, swiping 14 stolen bases throughout the game. Dylan W, Sean A, Landon W, Anthony M, and John F each stole multiple bases, keeping constant pressure on the Chiefs’ defense.

The Opposition

For Connetquot Chiefs (Red) 9U, Thomas N had an outstanding day at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Boston C started on the mound for the Chiefs, working three innings and allowing two hits and five runs (two earned) while striking out three.

Despite the loss, the Chiefs showed tremendous fight, refusing to go quietly and making the Giants earn every bit of their victory.

Final Thoughts

This 7-6 win showcased everything that makes youth baseball exciting: clutch hitting, solid pitching, aggressive baserunning, and the kind of late-inning drama that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Frankie Gianutsos delivered when his team needed him most—both with his bat in the fourth inning and his arm in closing out the game. It was a complete performance that exemplified the heart and talent of the North Shore Giants, Walker 9U.