The NEAA Senior Dodgers have a 21 and under team in the Lou Tompkins All-Star Baseball league.
As we approach the end of the regular seasons the Dodgers have clinched first place. The 21u team is 15-1-1 and have been dominant all year.
This team won the championship last year and is trying to repeat that feat this year. The Dodger’s trademark is dominant pitching and air-tight defense. Led by the three headed monster of Greg Bilikas, Vin Lopriore and Ryan Colbert runs have been very tough to come by against the Dodgers.
All three have been “Aces” and all three have been unhitable in most of their outings. To help out the strong pitching, the Dodgers play rock-solid defense. The infield of Nick Iudiciani at 3rd, Joan Figueroa at SS, Frank Iudiciani at 2nd and Mike Martignetti at 1st has been as good as it gets. Whether Nicky is back-handing balls or Mike is picking short hops the Dodgers infield defense is 2nd to none.
Not to be outdone the Dodgers boast an outfield of three gold glove defenders all who have tremendous speed and rocket throwing arms. With Vin Lopi in left and Bob Mello in center and Rick Martignetti in right very few balls that go in the air ever land anywhere other than in their gloves.
Rounding out the Dodgers starting 9 is arguably the most important piece of their juggernaut, the catcher Ryan Carvalho. Carvs is a top-notch defensive catcher who calls a tremendous game. In addition to all he adds in the field Ryan is also a tremendous hitter lacing line drives all over the field and then a threat to steal at any time with his speed.
In addition to the starting nine the Dodgers also have a very deep bench that has won them many games this year. The Ditomassi brothers James and Jack, Pat O’Donnell and PK Baez have come up with big hits and big plays all year when called on. The Tompkins Dodgers begin their quest for a playoff championship tuesday July 30th. The final game is Sunday August 4th.
NEAA Junior Dodgers (13-15) Finish 9-2 in RBI Season
The NEAA Junior Dodgers wrapped up a strong regular season by finishing 9-2 during the RBI season.
The Junior Dodgers were led by do-everything shortstop Rob Pagliuca. Rob played flawless defense all year and was nearly impossible to get out. Rob was a hitting machine and once on base was a threat to steal 2nd and 3rd every time.
For his efforts Rob was chosen to play on the RBI All-Star team which flew down to New York to play against other RBI teams from the east coast. Helping Rob and the Dodgers be so successful was the pitching of Anthony Freni, Lorenzo Pantaleo and JC Pezzuto.
The Dodger’s rotation was very good at throwing strikes and getting outs. In the field and at the bat Timmy Martin, Brett McAllister, Kurt Martin Ariyand Aminpour and Chris Troiano consistently contributed with big hits and stellar defensive plays.
The Dodger’s also got support from some of their up and coming players as Colman Shea, Owen Locke, Vincent Coppola and Jase Cherchi frequently found ways to help the Dodgers to victory.
Overall it was a solid team effort from start to finish and one the Dodger’s hope to keep going in the playoffs.
NEAA Senior (16-18) Dodgers Finish RBI Regular Season Unbeaten
The NEAA 16-18 year old Dodgers wrapped up an impressive regular season by going 10-0 to finish in first place.
The Dodgers were led by Vin Lopriore, Nick Iudiciani and Ryan Colbert all three of whom pitched and hit the Dodgers to victory.
The Dodgers await their first round opponent in the playoffs.
In addition, the Dodgers also got solid contributions from shortstop Jack Ditomassi and 2nd baseman Eli Swab. Jack and Eli played great defense all year and were very effective at reaching base and scoring runs during the Dodgers 10 victories.
Dodger’s outfielder James Ditomassi also contributed with solid defense and some clutch hits. Anthony Coppola started several games for the Dodgers on the mound all ending in victory.
Anthony was also one of the Dodger’s biggest power threats. The Dodgers hope to keep their roll going and take home the RBI Championship.