UCSSL 2022 PLAYOFF RESULTS
50’s Divisions
	Playoff Rounds for Week Ending July 24, 2022
	AJ Jersey 28, Garwood Metal 12
	After falling behind 5 to 0 after the top of the 1st, AJJ went on to score 28 runs over the next 5 innings to defeat Garwood Metal in the opening game of this best of three B Division playoff series. For AJ, Jeff Hoffman (3 RBIs) , Mike Rosenberg (4 RBIs) and David Ciarrocca (2 RBIs) were all perfect at the plate. Mark Marotta (3 RBIs), Bernie Buniak (2 RBIs) and Rob Denner (2 RBIs) collected 3 hits each. Dave Rizzo (2 for 3, 2 RBIs), Chuck Serafin (2 for 4, double and 2 RBIs) and Nick Nitti (2 for 2, 3 RBIs) contributed to the team effort. AJJ turned 4 double plays on the night including 2 by David Ciarrocca.  Garwood Metal was led by Greg Hartnett and Rory Caldwell, each with 3 hits apiece.  AJ Jersey leads the series 1-0
	Suspenders 17, Linda’s Driftwood 16
	Linda’s Driftwood put a scare into last year’s C division champions, but Suspenders prevailed in the opening game of this best of three 50’s B Division playoff series 17-16.  The pubmen plated 9 in the bottom of the 5th and 2 in the bottom of 6th and 7th as Pete Corvelli and Ricky Gregorio provided huge 2-out triples followed by Carl Herman’s line drive single to score Tony Taddeo with the winning run. For Suspenders. Ricky Gregorio went 3 for 3 with 3 triples and 4 RBI’s and Pete Corvelli went 3 for 4 with 2 triples and 3 RBI’s. Dave Reid, Bob Dlugosz, Carl Herman, Tony Taddeo all had 3 hits on the night.  Suspenders leads the series 1-0.
	Hard Rock Café/Tad Pools 12, Cranford VFW 10
	Hard Rock nipped Cranford VFW in the opening game of this 50’s AB division best of three semifinal playoff series.  Hard rock leads the series 1-0
	Linwood Tap House 19, Douglas VW 11
	Linwood Tap House defeated top-seeded Douglas VW in the opening game of this best of three A division playoff series at Jerseyland Park in Scotch Plains.  Linwood leads the series 1-0.
	Phenomenal Boyz 12, Sonia’s BCE 11
	Phenomenal Boyz defeated Sonia’s BCE in the opening game of this 50’s AB Division playoff series at Tremley Field in Linden by a score of 12-11.  Phenomenal Boyz lead the series 1-0
	Suspenders 15, Linda’s Driftwood 12
	Suspenders closed out this best of 3 B Division semifinal playoff series by defeating Linda’s Driftwood 15-12. Suspenders plated 7 in the top of 7th and came away with the win to advance to the finals.  For Suspenders, Pat Peterpaul went 4 for 4, Angelo Puerari went 3 for 4 and Ricky Gregorio finished 3 for 4 with 7 RBI's including two dinger's over the right field fence. Suspenders wins the series 2-0.
	Deegan Roofing 21, Rocky’s Bar & Grill 14
	In game one of the opening round A division playoffs, Deegan put up 6 first inning runs to jump out to a lead and made several outstanding defensive plays in the outfield to keep Rocky’s at bay and secure the series opening win 21-14. Deegan was led by pitcher John Deitch who hit for the cycle and added 4 RBI. Scott Mugele  (4-4  with 2 2Bs, 3B, HR), Nick Mennona (4-4), Marty Bernstein (2-2), and Kevin Spellman (HR)  contributed to the victory.  For Rocky’s, Matt Walsh went 2 for 3 with a walk. Dave Martorano’s first at bat was a grand slam and he finished the night 2 for 4 with 5 RBI’s. Dave Grandmaison went 2 for 3 with a walk and 3 RBI’s. Also contributing for RBG were Dennis Maluchnik  (2 for 4, 1 RBI), Gary Roman (2 for 3), Steve Monek (2 for 3 and 1 RBI). Deegan leads the series 1-0.
	Garwood Metal 18, AJ Jersey 10
	Garwood Metal bounced back from their poor showing in the 1st game of this semifinal B Division playoff series, and defeated AJ Jersey by a score of 18 -10.  The Metal Men led 12 to 9 after three innings and finally put the game away in the sixth inning scoring 6 runs.  The Metal Benders were led by Jose Jimenez and Rory Caldwell with 3 hits apiece.  Paul Falzarano connected on a long 3-run home run for the Metal Men. For AJ Jersey, Dave Rizzo was 2 for2, Jeff Hoffman 3 for3 and Chuck Serafin 2 for 3, including a triple. The playoff series is tied 1-1.
	Hard Rock Café/Tad Pools 17, Cranford VFW 5
	Hard Rock Café defeated Cranford VFW by a score of 17-5 to close out this best of three AB Division semifinal playoff series.  Hard Rock wins the series 2-0.
	Phenomenal Boyz 21, Sonia’s BCE 20
	Phenomenal Boyz defeated Sonia’s BCE in the second game of this AB division semifinal playoff series.  Phenomenal Boyz win the series 2-0 and advances to the finals.
	Playoff Rounds for Week Ending July 31, 2022
	Deegan Roofing 20, Rocky’s Bar & Grill 7
	Deegan Roofing closed out this best of three 50’s A Division semifinal series with a 20-7 win over Rocky’s Bar and Grill. The Roofers used a strong start (10 runs in the first two innings) and a strong finish (8 runs in the last two innings) to secure the victory over a strong Rockys squad. For Deegan, John Deitch was outstanding on the mound, while Damon Roth (4-4 2 HRs), Kevin Spellman (4-4), Nick Mennona (3-4) and Tom Ulichny (3-4) powered the offense.  For Rocky’s, Mike Valicky went 3 for 4, Bob Howlett 2 for 3 with 1 RBI, Dave Martorano 2 for 3, and Dave Grandmaison 2 for 3. Jerry Isolda's double brought in 2 runs, and Matt Walsh's 5th inning home run brought 3 runs.  Deegan wins the series 2-0 and moves on to the Finals.
	Hard Rock Café/Tad Pools 18, Phenomenal Boyz 16
	In the opening game of this best of three 50’s AB Division championship series, Hard rock Café nipped Phenomenal Boys 18-16 at Linden Memorial Field.  Hard rock leads the series 1-0.
	Hard Rock Café 19, Phenomenal Boyz 9 (8 innings)
	Hard Rock Café exploded for 12 runs in the top of the 8th inning and held on for the victory to catapult them to the 50’s AB Championship trophy.
	Douglas VW 18, Linwood Tap House/EIS 17
	Douglas VW nipped Linwood Tap House 18-17 to even their 50’s A Division semifinal series 1-1 at Linden Memorial Field. the Douglas crew bounced back from a very uninspired game #1 loss to hold on for a close 1 run win.  Leading the offense was Rodney Monteleone with a perfect 5 for 5 game including 3 doubles. Mike Hoffmann was 4 for 4 with a triple and Justin Doyle had 4 hits including a Home Run.  Also, with big contributions were Al Genova (3 hits) and John Tropiano with 2 monster Home Runs.  Pete Appolito picked up the hard-fought W on the hill.
	Douglas VW 20, Linwood Tap House/EIS 17
	Douglas VW closed out this best of three A Division semifinal series by defeating Linwood 20-17 at Linden Memorial Field. With the season on the line the Douglas Boys got punched hard early but punched back for the victory over a very determined and talented Linwood team.  The V-Dub offense was kicked started by Lou Rivera (5 hits w/ an inside the park Home Run), Mike Hoffmann (4 hits including a bases loaded triple) and Rodney Monteleone (3 hits, highlighted by a massive 1st inning Home Run).  Also contributing on offense were Justin Doyle (4 hits), Farlan Alusik (3 hits) and Al Genova (3 hits).  On the mound, Pete Appolito picked up the win and played shut down defense. Douglas wins the series 2-1 and moves on to the finals to meet Deegan Roofing.
	Garwood Metal 19, AJ Jersey 13
	Garwood Metal closed out this 50’s B Division best of three semifinal series with a hotly contested 19-13 victory.  With the game tied 12-12 after five innings Garwood Metal picked up a run to take the lead going into the 7th inning.  But the Metal Men showed their metal, scoring five runs in the 7th to notch the victory. Garwood Metal was led by Bill McCormack with 4 hits. Rory Caldwell added 3 hits for the metal benders. A host of players chipped in 2 hits towards the victory.  Garwood Metal wins the series 2-1 and moves on to the B championship series.
	Garwood Metal 29, Suspenders 19
	In the opening game of the 50’s B Division championship best of three series, Garwood Metal erupted for 16 runs in the seventh inning to run away with the game and win 29-19.   It was a tight game with Garwood leading 13-10 after five innings, but Suspenders knocked out the Garwood Metal pitcher by scoring 6 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take a 16-13 lead.  But the Metal Men bent but did not break with their explosive 7th to put this game to bed.  Bob D'Meo provided much needed relief support from the bullpen in the bottom of the 7TH to close it out.  Garwood Metal was led by Paul Falzarano with 5 hits and 7 runs batted in.  Rory Caldwell contributed 5 hits as well.  Tommy DeRocco and Don Montefusco chipped in 4 hits apiece for the Metal Men. For Suspenders, Brad Steel had 4 hits with 2 doubles and 4 RBI’s, and Pat Peterpaul had 3 hits with 3 RBI's.
	Playoff Rounds for Week Ending August  7, 2022
	Deegan Roofing 13, Douglas VW 12
	In Game One of the 50+ A Division finals, defending champion Deegan Roofing staged a furious late game rally to secure a thrilling one run victory 13-12.  The Roofers scored 10 runs in the final 3 innings to take a one run lead, then made several key defensive plays to thwart a Douglas comeback. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Douglas crew as they let multiple opportunities slip through the cracks.  John Deitch picked up the win on the mound with a strong pitching performance.  Scott Mugele led the Deegan offense by going 4-4 with a 2B, 3B and 2 HRs. Tom Ulichny, Damon Roth and Kevin Spellman each added multiple hits including several clutch two out RBI hits.
	Standouts on offense for Douglas were Rodney Monteleone who hit 2 monster home runs on his way to a perfect night.  Also having big nights were Al Genova, Justin Doyle and Farlan Alusik who each collected 3 hits.
	Douglas VW 19, Deegan Roofing 4
	After a quiet start to the game by both teams in Game 2 of this best of three 50+ A Division Championship series, Douglas broke the game open with their potent hitting and spectacular defense.  Leading the charge on defense were Lou Rivera, Al Genova, Mike Hoffmann and Justin Doyle who each played perfect D all night. The offense was spread out amongst everyone but standouts were Hector Munoz, Dan Righetti, Al Genova and Rich Gaul who each collected 3 hits.  Meanwhile, Deegan did not respond as Douglas pulled away to even the finals at one game each. Deegan bats were quiet, but did receive multiple hits from Nick Mennona, Damon Roth and Kevin Woodring
	Suspenders 25, Garwood Metal 8
	Suspenders came back into game two of this 50+ B division best of three final series at full strength and scored the maximum runs in 3 of the 7 innings to walk away with a 25-8 victory to even the series at one game apiece.  Suspenders exploded with 34 hits in the win as every player in the lineup had two or more hits.  The infield of Ricky Gregorio, Pat Peterpaul, Greg Herzfeld and Angelo Puerari played stellar defense as pitcher Carl Herman kept Garwood Metal hitters at bay.  Brad Steele had a long HR over the fence and 3 RBIs.  Pat Peterpaul led the team with 5 RBIs.  Bob Dlugosz, Angelo Puerari, Carl Herman, Greg Herzfeld and Frank Verducci each had 3 hits.  Garwood Metal was led by Greg Hartnett with 3 hits.  Bob D'Meo and Joe Apruzzese contributed 2 hits apiece for the Metal Benders.
	Suspenders 26, Garwood Metal 10
	Suspenders defended its 2021 Championship with a dominating win in game 3 of the 50+ B Division Championship finals as they again pounded out over 30 hits to walk away with a 26 to 10 victory.  Seven Suspenders players had 3 hits on the night including Bob Dlugosz (HR, 2B, 3RBI), Ricky Gregorio (HR, 2B, 2RBI), Pat Peterpaul (2B, 2RBI), Carl Herman (2B, 3B), Gregg Herzfeld (3RBI), Dave Reid (3RBI), and Joe Michael (3RBI).  Chipping in with 2 hits apiece were Frank Verducci (2B, RBI), Angelo Puerari and Brad Steele.  Garwood Metal was led by Rory Caldwell with 3 hits.  Carey Durrett, Greg Hartnett, David Ball, Bill McCormack and Rocky Pencinger each chipped in 2 hits for the Metal Benders.  Recognition also goes out to Ron Kulik, Bob D'Meo, Don Montefusco, Paul Falzarano, Rich Polonitza, Jose Jiminez, Bob Greco, David Mendoza, and John Llano for their contributions to this special comeback season.
	Playoff Rounds for Week Ending August  14, 2022
	Douglas VW 15, Deegan Roofing 14
	Douglas VW held Deegan Roofing scoreless in the final inning to nip the eight-time defending champions 15-14 in the rubber game of the best of 3 UCSSL 50’s A division championship series.  The lead in the game changed hands five times as both offenses kept punching but it was the late-inning pitching of Pete Appolito who earned his 1st save of the season and the stellar defense of Lou Rivera that slammed the door shut. Other huge defensive plays were made by Rodney Monteleone, Hector Munoz, Mike Hoffmann and Travis Howell. On offense John Tropeano led the way collecting 3 hits including 2 towering home runs and driving in 5 runs. Other key contributors were Al Genova (3 hits), Lou Rivera (3 hits), Dan Righetti (3 hits) and Justin Doyle who hit a huge 2nd inning 3-run home run.  Mike Hoffmann, Rodney Monteleone, Farlan Alusik and Rich Gaul all contributed with 2 hits each. Rich Gaul picked up his 2nd win of the championship series on the hill. For Deegan  John Deitch pitched a strong game for Deegan and added two timely RBI hits. Scott Mugele had 3 hits including a long hone run, while Ricky McMahon, Nick Russo and Mike Juchnik all added multiple hits.
	Playoffs Completed