Top Tier Aviators 12U Soar 17-2 as John G’s Hustle Fuels 11-Run Third
Top Tier Aviators 12U turned a tight start into a runaway 17-2 win over the Nesconset Panthers 12U on Thursday, breaking the game wide open with an 11-run third. In the middle of the charge was John G, whose patience, contact, and aggressive baserunning kept the pressure on from pitch to pitch.
The Aviators struck first in the top of the opening frame, taking a 2-0 lead on a Panthers miscue and a Tommy E RBI groundout. Nesconset answered, but the game’s tempo flipped for good in the third.
That decisive inning was a clinic in team offense: Mason S ripped a bases-clearing double for three, Shea C added an RBI single, and walks by Mason G, Jameson K, Michael G, and John G each forced in a run. Daniel P punctuated the rally with a two-RBI single, and a steal of home capped the avalanche. When it finally ended, 11 runs had crossed, and the Aviators were in full flight.
John G made his mark in multiple ways—working a bases-loaded walk for an RBI during the third-inning surge, collecting a hit, and swiping multiple bags to keep Nesconset on its heels. He also matched the team high with two walks, embodying the Aviators’ patient, pressure-packed approach at the plate.
On the mound, Mason G set the tone and earned the win, striking out six over 3 1/3 innings while allowing just two hits and two unearned runs. Morgan B came on in relief to close the door. Nesconset’s Jack S took the loss, going two innings with six runs allowed (four earned).
The Aviators’ lineup was deep and disciplined all game long. Michael G led the team with three RBIs from the nine spot and went 1-for-2. Eight Aviators logged a hit: Shea C, Hunter H, Michael G, Daniel P, Matthew G, Mason S, Tommy E, and John G. The team piled up 11 walks—led by Hunter H, Mason G, and John G with two apiece—and ran wild with 14 stolen bases, with multiple thefts from Shea C, Daniel P, Matthew G, Morgan B, and John G.
Nesconset’s offense managed three hits on the day, with Vincent L, John K, and Michael (Moose) S each recording one. Vincent L and Michael (Moose) S drove in the Panthers’ two runs.
Final: Top Tier Aviators 12U 17, Nesconset Panthers 12U 2. The Aviators are back in action Friday on the road against the Moriches Bay Red Devils 12U.