The Port Washington Youth Activities (PYA) 9U Legends Blue Team got off to a great start to their tournament season by winning the East Meadow Memorial Day Tournament, their first entry for the team. The team has only been playing together since the beginning of May.
The tournament began on Saturday, May 28, with the Legends winning their first game against Garden City by the lopsided score of 17-2. The following day the team played a doubleheader, losing the first game to the Long Island Indians, 21-10, and coming up short in the second game by a score of 10-3 to Central Nassau.
However, it was different story on Memorial Day in the tournament semifinals. The Legends avenged that loss to the Indians by shutting them out, 7-0. The game was a pitching classic. Jake Scharlat pitched four innings, giving up no runs and striking out eight. Jack Russo then pitched two scoreless innings in relief to close out the game while striking out four batters. Outstanding team defense helped keep the Indians off the board. The Legends had timely hits by Brayden Corber and Max Spiryda, along with great base running to help fuel our well-balanced offensive attack.
In the rematch against Central Nassau in the finals on June 7, the Legends stormed to a 13-1 victory to win the tournament. The Legends wasted no time by scoring three runs in the first inning aided by a bases loaded two-run double by Alden Ruskin. PYA kept up their offensive attack by scoring nine runs in the second inning, highlighted by heads-up base running and another bases loaded hit by Alden Ruskin. Key defensive plays by Max Spiryda, Brayden Corber and Ryan Krainman helped keep Central Nassau from mounting a comeback. Jake Scharlat again started the game with two effective innings pitched, striking out three. Mizuki Ishikawa finished the last three innings with shutout baseball, striking out two, aided by another all-around stellar defensive team effort.
Other key players contributing to the championship were Leo Herman, Aoi Ishikawa, Matthew Rubin, Mike Solomon and Ryan Surdich. Needless to say, Team Manager Matthew Russo, and his coaches Howard Corber, Doug Krainman, Keith Solomon were very pleased with the overall
effort and results the team showed in their inaugural tournament.
PYA is a nonprofit organization formed to promote the development of youth through sports. PYA teaches teamwork and individual responsibility in an atmosphere of respect and sportsmanship. While PYA places emphasis on the development of sports skills, its primary mission is to develop character and an understanding of how participation in sports can prepare one for success in all endeavors.
