John G drove in four runs on two hits to lead HTB Orioles Black 12U past Lev-IT Patriots 12U 13-8 on Saturday at Baldwin Park. John G crushed an inside-the-park home run in the sixth inning, scoring three runs, and added a clutch single in the fifth inning that drove in one more.

HTB Orioles Black 12U rallied for an impressive comeback victory despite trailing 8-2 in the fourth inning.

Early Action

HTB Orioles Black 12U got on the board first in the opening inning after Nate B singled, scoring one run and setting an aggressive tone.

Lev-IT Patriots 12U answered quickly in the bottom of the second. Anthony F smashed an inside-the-park home run to tie the game at one.

HTB Orioles Black 12U reclaimed the lead in the top of the third when Daylen C induced Liam F to hit into a fielder’s choice, but one run scored to give the Orioles the advantage, 2-1.

Patriots Surge, Orioles Answer

Lev-IT Patriots 12U flipped the game on its head in the bottom of the fourth, exploding for seven runs on four hits to seize the lead, 8-2. The biggest blow in the inning was an inside-the-park home run by Daylen C that drove in three.

But HTB Orioles Black 12U refused to quit. They stormed back to tie the game in the top of the fifth thanks to a single by Kyle G, a single by John G, a double by Nick D, a ground out by Nate B, and an error. The six-run rally brought the score to 8-8 and ignited the Orioles’ momentum.

John G’s Heroics Seal the Victory

HTB Orioles Black 12U took complete control in the top of the sixth, scoring five runs on four hits to seize the lead for good, 13-8. The biggest blow in the inning was an electrifying inside-the-park home run by John G that drove in three and put the game out of reach.

Pitching and Defense

Jack W stepped on the mound first for HTB Orioles Black 12U. The starting pitcher allowed four hits and seven runs over three and two-thirds innings, striking out nine and walking six. Kyle G tossed two outstanding innings of scoreless relief for HTB Orioles Black 12U. The hurler gave up just one hit while striking out six and walking none, shutting the door on the Patriots’ comeback hopes.

Daylen C started on the bump for Lev-IT Patriots 12U. The starter gave up two hits and two runs over three innings, striking out five and walking two.

Offensive Standouts

HTB Orioles Black 12U piled up 12 hits in the game. Ali H, Brayden S, and John G each collected two hits for HTB Orioles Black 12U. Nick D stole three bases, keeping constant pressure on the Patriots’ defense.

HTB Orioles Black 12U were sure-handed in the field and didn’t commit a single error. Mike F had the most chances in the field with 15, playing stellar defense throughout.

For Lev-IT Patriots 12U, Daylen C went 1-for-3 at the plate and led the team with three runs batted in. Anthony F went 2-for-3 at the plate to lead the Patriots in hits. Colin M led Lev-IT Patriots 12U with two walks. Overall, the team had a strong eye at the plate, collecting six walks for the game. Lev-IT Patriots 12U turned one double play in the game.

Looking Ahead

Next up for HTB Orioles Black 12U is a game at Finest 12U on Saturday.

The North Shore Giants, Walker 9U put on an impressive show on Wednesday, defeating the Longwood Lions 9U by a score of 8-1. Leading the charge was Frankie Gianutsos, who dominated both at the plate and on the mound in a complete performance that set the tone for his team’s victory.

Frankie Sets the Pace Early

The Giants wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the bottom of the first inning, Frankie Gianutsos stepped up to the plate and launched a solo home run to right field, giving his team an early 1-0 lead. The blast energized the Giants and put the Lions on their heels from the opening frame.

Giants Build on Their Lead

North Shore added two more runs in the third inning when Cooper R singled to right field, extending the lead to 3-0. The Giants were building momentum, and the Lions’ pitching staff was beginning to feel the pressure.

Fourth Inning Explosion

The fourth inning is where the game truly broke open. The Giants exploded for five runs, turning a comfortable lead into a commanding one. The rally featured contributions from throughout the lineup:

• William L drew a walk, scoring one run
• Anthony M drew a walk, scoring one run
• Sean A singled, driving in two runs
• Colin H drew a walk, scoring one run

When the dust settled, the Giants held an 8-0 advantage, and the game was firmly in their control.

Frankie Dominates on the Mound

Not content with just his offensive heroics, Frankie Gianutsos took the mound and delivered a masterful pitching performance. The right-hander was nearly untouchable over three innings of work, surrendering just one hit while striking out five batters and walking only one. His command and composure kept the Lions’ offense completely off-balance, and he earned the well-deserved win for his efforts.

Dylan W came on in relief and continued the strong pitching, tossing one inning of no-run ball. He surrendered zero hits while striking out two and walking none, preserving the Giants’ commanding lead.

Offensive Contributions

While Frankie Gianutsos was the star of the show, the Giants received offensive contributions throughout their lineup. Sean A and Cooper R each drove in two runs, providing crucial run support. Dylan W had an outstanding day at the plate, going 3-for-3 to lead the team in hits.

The Giants also displayed excellent plate discipline, drawing nine walks as a team. Noah M and Colin H each worked two free passes, demonstrating patience and a strong understanding of the strike zone.

Lions Fight to the End

For the Longwood Lions 9U, Jagger C started on the mound and battled for three innings, striking out five batters. Billy A, Benjamin R, and Jagger C each collected one hit for the Lions, who managed to score one run before the game concluded.

Final Thoughts

This was a complete team victory for the North Shore Giants, Walker 9U, but Frankie Gianutsos was undeniably the catalyst. His home run set the tone early, and his dominant pitching performance ensured the Lions never had a chance to mount a comeback. It’s performances like these that make baseball exciting and create memories that last a lifetime.

Final Score: North Shore Giants, Walker 9U 8, Longwood Lions 9U 1