UCSSL 2016 PLAYOFF RESULTS
50’s Division
First Round for Week of August 1, 2015
Linwood Inn 13, Roselle American Legion 7
In a tightly played game which concluded the regular season for both teams, Linwood was down 6 to 5 to a undermanned Legion squad before scoring 4 in both the 6th and 7th, to seal the victory.  For the Tap House, Joe Sarica was 4 for 4, while the two Mikes (DiRienzo and Rzewuski) had three hits apiece. Pitcher Rich Johns, Jeff Villani, Jack Helfrich and Nick Mennona contributed a pair of hits each. For the Legion, Mike McGuire, Bob Colaneri and Ed Lubas led the offensive support of Pat Mooney who pitched a determined game. 
Top Line Appliance 7, Bad Brains 5
In a close defensive game, Top Line erupted for 5 runs in the 6th inning to erase an early 5-2 Bad Brains lead. The Appliance Makers were led by Ron Kulik with 4 hits.  The BB offense was led by Mike Hoffman with 3 hits, Jose Santana and Jose Cortes both with 2 hits. Joe Kenney and Keith McDede added 2 hits each coming off the DL. Top Line wins the one game play-in and will compete against Contact Lens & Vision in the first round of the playoffs.
Contact Lens & Vision 7, Top Line Appliance 2
Howard Bialos, who pitched a masterpiece, was supported offensively by Peter Byer (a perfect 3 for 3) and Ken Zierler, who tripled and singled.  The Lensmen received some clutch hitting from Tim Walsh, Neil Kaufman and Ed Quinn.  Terrific fielding from Joe DeRosa helped keep the game a low scoring affair.  Contact Lens & Vision leads the best of 3 series 1-0. 
Deegan Roofing 12, Roselle American Legion 3
Deegan pitcher Pete Appolito scattered a handful of hits and was once again backed up by solid defense. Hitting stars for the Roofers were John Garced with three hits while Marty Bernstein, Ricky McMahon and Kevin Woodring each had two hits. Deegan slugger Farlan Alusik was walked intentionally three times. Jeff Baier, Jim McCullough and Gene Antonucci led the Roselle attack. Deegan Roofing leads the best of 3 series 1-0. 
Linwood Inn 4, Liberty Lighting Group 1
In a game where the defenses dominated, the Linwood infield of Mike Rzewski (14 put outs at first base), Jeff Villani, Mike DiRienzo, Joe Lynch and pitcher Rich Johns excelled. Joe Lynch and Mac Kowaleski led the Barmen offense with 2 hits each. Dan Nigro drove in the only run of the night for LLG.  Linwood leads the best of 3 series 1-0. 
Linda’s Driftwood #2 15, AJ Jersey 6
Linda's posted a 9 run inning, which was the difference in the game.  Linda’s Driftwood Bar #2 leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Cranford VFW 14, Awnings Galore 13 (8 innings)
Awnings jumped out on top in the first inning scoring 4 times but Cranford answered in the home half with 6 runs of their own. AG battled back and took a 12-7 lead into the fifth inning but VFW chipped away and managed to send it into extra innings knotted at 12. Awnings scored a run in the eighth but VFW again had the answer as Billy Hinkle's 2 run single through the left side of the infield provided the victory of 14-13 for VFW. For VFW, Hinkle went 4 for 5 with 5 RBIs, Nick Pace was 4 for 4, Carl Gamba was 4 for 5, and Frank Verducci drove in 3 runs, all on sac flies. For Awnings, Bruce Crawford smashed 2 doubles and knocked in 5 runs, Angelo Melillo provided 3 RBIs while Mike Kovach and Neil Granstrand each collected 4 hits.  Cranford VFW leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Riverside Inn 17, D&K Associates 16
In a real nail-biter, Riverside held on for the victory as Dennis Maluchnik made 2 sparkling defensive plays in left field. Rich Conklin and Rich Polonitza led the attack for Riverside with 3 hits apiece and Tom Wolansky blasted a long, grand slam home run.
Riverside Inn leads the best of 3 series 1-0. 
Rounds for Week of August 18, 2015
Cranford VFW 11, Awnings Galore 9
The VFW jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the top half of the first and never looked back, besting Awnings Galore.  For Cranford, Bill Hinkle surrendered only 7 hits and a walk for his first career shut out. On the offensive side, Nick Pace went 3 for 4 and drove in 4 runs, Bob Ghiretti went 4 for 4, Pete Katula went 3 for 3 and Vic Trindade and Frank Verducci were both 3 for 4. 
Cranford VFW wins the series 2-0 to move into the B Division finals.
AJ Jersey 7, Linda’s Driftwood Bar #2 6
After Linda’s tied the contest in the top of the 7th, AJ came back for the walk off win as Mike Rosenberg scored from 1st on a base hit by Dave Ciarrocca.  Winning pitcher Leo White pitched a great game, struck out 4 and pounded 2 hits. Rounding out the AJ offense were Paul Scheuermann with 3 hits, Rosenberg with 2 hits and 2 RBIs, and Mark Marotta also with 2 hits including a double and triple and an RBI. 
AJ and Linda’s each have 1 victory in the best of 3 series. 
Deegan Roofing 14, Roselle American Legion 3
Doug Fischer took the mound for the Roofers and gave up just one earned run in the victory.  Ricky McMahon was a perfect 5 for 5 on the night including a double, a triple and 3 RBIs.  Fischer himself had an outstanding night at the plate going 4 for 4 with 4 RBIs.  Kevin Spellman and Marty Marks each added three hits to the Deegan hitting attack. Ed Kushner, Gene Antonucci and Jeff Baier led the charge for The Legion.  Deegan Roofing wins the series 2-0 to move into the A Division finals. 
Linwood Inn 6, Liberty Lighting Group 4
Down 4 to 2 in the top of the 6th inning, Linwood got six straight hits from the bats of Joe Menza, Bernie Maguire, Joe Sarica, Mike DiRienzo, Mike Rzewuski and Jack Helfrich to seal the victory over a tough LLG squad. Solid team defense in support of Rich Johns' well pitched game carried The Tap House. Tom Ulichny and Don Miller led the LLG offense.  Linwood Inn wins the series 2-0 to move into the A Division finals.
Contact Lens and Vision 7, Top Line Appliance 6
Kerry Gelb, with a 2 run homer and a single driving in the go ahead run, also threw out a runner in the bottom of the 7th, and led the charge for CLV. Clutch hitting from Jeff Balish, Anthony Miccio, Joe DeRosa and ageless wonder George Merlo, helped power the Lensmen offense. DeRosa also made 4 game saving catches. Neil Kaufman added a home run in the 4th. Ron Kulik led the Appliancemen attack with 4 hits. Osiris Hernandez added 2 hits including a home run. Contact Lens & Vision win the series 2-0 to move into the B Division finals. 
Riverside Inn 20, D & K Associates 5
Mark Merriman, Mario Fastiggi and Dennis Maluchnik powered Riverside with three hits apiece.  Pete Osborn delivered 5 RBIs.  Riverside Inn wins the series 2-0 to move into the C Division finals.
AJ Jersey 7, Linda’s Driftwood Bar #2 4
In another defensive struggle, AJ had Mark Marotta triple in 2 runs.  AJ Jersey wins the series 2-1 to move into the C Division finals. 
Contact Lens & Vision 5, Cranford VFW 4
Terrific pitching and defense from both teams held down the scoring until the bottom of the 7th when CLV plated 2 runs for the come from behind victory.  Peter Byer led the way for the victors with 2 hits, Neil Kaufman tripled in the first and moved up the runners in the bottom of the 7th before Ken Zierler tied the game with a clutch single and Kerry Gelb won it with a line drive base hit. The Lensmen turned 3 double plays by Ken Zierler and Timmy Walsh in support of pitcher Howard Bialos, who pitched a gem.  For The VFW, Jerry Gaeta, Dave Pringle, Bob Ghiretti and Dave Drechsel all were 2 for 3. 
Contact Lens & Vision leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Deegan Roofing 5, Linwood Inn 4
Solid defense by both teams kept this playoff game a low scoring affair.  Offensively for The Roofers were Ricky McMahon 3 for 3 (2B), John Garced 2 hits, and Scott Mugele with a double, 2 walks and 3 RBIs, supporting winning pitcher Doug Fischer. For the Tap House, who turned 3 double plays, Mike DiRienzo and Joe Lynch had a pair of hits, Joe Sarica blasted a home run and Jeff Villani had 2 RBIs.  Deegan Roofing leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Deegan Roofing 19, Linwood Inn 2 
Deegan pitcher Pete Appolito was back on the mound and scattered a handful of hits behind some solid defense and a 26 hit offensive attack.  The big hitters for The Roofers were Scott Mugele (4 for 4, 2B, 3B, 6 RBI), James Knobby Nardello (4 for 4, 2 2B, 3B, 4 RBI), and Farlan Alusik (4 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI).  Kevin Spellman had three hits and Marty Marks added a home run. For the Tap House, Steve Lerner and Mac Kowaleski had a pair of hits each.   Deegan Roofing wins the series 2-0 completing a perfect 27-0 season, and winning their third consecutive UCSSL 50’s championship. 
Contact Lens & Vision 12, Cranford VFW 7
In a total team effort CLV, got off to a fast start scoring 6 runs in the opening frame on 8 consecutive hits. Peter Byer, Neil Kaufman, Kerry Gelb, Tim Walsh, Eddie Quinn, Chad Swensen, Joe DeRosa, Jeff Balish, Bobby Beiner, Howard Bialos, Anthony Miccio and Dave Rothenberg all made significant contributions to the Lensmen offense. Dave Drechsel was a perfect 3-3 at the plate for VFW, while Bob Ghiretti, Nick Pace and Phil McGovern had 2 hits each.  Contact Lens & Vision wins the series 2-0.
Riverside Inn 10, AJ Jersey 3
Tom Wolansky led the Riverside attack with a booming first inning triple. Joe Hrubash, Mario Fastiggi and Anthony Abbaleo each contributed two hits apiece for The Barmen.  John McClung provided stellar defense at short stop. For AJ, David  Ciarrocca had 3 hits.  Riverside Inn leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
AJ Jersey 11, Riverside Inn 6
With a 2 run lead going into the final inning, Dave Tibbals and Mike Rosenberg singled to drive in a combined 3 runs, securing the win for AJ. Ken Shea, Jeff Hoffman, Howard Greco and Jeff Arkin had two hits apiece, while Chuck Serafin had a clutch hit in the 5th driving in 2 runs, all in support of winning pitcher Leo White who dominated on the mound and contributed 2 hits. Dennis Maluchnik had 2 singles and a double for Riverside.  AJ Jersey and Riverside Inn each have 1 victory in the best of 3 series. 
Rounds for Week of August 21, 2015
Contact Lens & Vision 5, Cranford VFW 4
Terrific pitching and defense from both teams held down the scoring until the bottom of the 7th when CLV plated 2 runs for the come from behind victory.  Peter Byer led the way for the victors with 2 hits, Neil Kaufman tripled in the first and moved up the runners in the bottom of the 7th before Ken Zierler tied the game with a clutch single and Kerry Gelb won it with a line drive base hit. The Lensmen turned 3 double plays by Ken Zierler and Timmy Walsh in support of pitcher Howard Bialos, who pitched a gem.  For The VFW, Jerry Gaeta, Dave Pringle, Bob Ghiretti and Dave Drechsel all were 2 for 3. Contact Lens & Vision leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Deegan Roofing 5, Linwood Inn 4
Solid defense by both teams kept this playoff game a low scoring affair.  Offensively for The Roofers were Ricky McMahon 3 for 3 (2B), John Garced 2 hits, and Scott Mugele with a double, 2 walks and 3 RBIs, supporting winning pitcher Doug Fischer. For the Tap House, who turned 3 double plays, Mike DiRienzo and Joe Lynch had a pair of hits, Joe Sarica blasted a home run and Jeff Villani had 2 RBIs. Deegan Roofing leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Riverside Inn 10, AJ Jersey 3
Tom Wolansky led the Riverside attack with a booming first inning triple. Joe Hrubash, Mario Fastiggi and Anthony Abbaleo each contributed two hits apiece for The Barmen.  John McClung provided stellar defense at short stop. For AJ, David Ciarrocca had 3 hits. Riverside Inn leads the best of 3 series 1-0.
Deegan Roofing 19, Linwood Inn 2 
Deegan pitcher Pete Appolito was back on the mound and scattered a handful of hits behind some solid defense and a 26 hit offensive attack.  The big hitters for The Roofers were Scott Mugele (4 for 4, 2B, 3B, 6 RBI), James Knobby Nardello (4 for 4, 2 2B, 3B, 4 RBI), and Farlan Alusik (4 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI).  Kevin Spellman had three hits and Marty Marks added a home run. For the Tap House, Steve Lerner and Mac Kowaleski had a pair of hits each. Deegan Roofing wins the series 2-0 completing a perfect 27-0 season, and winning their third consecutive UCSSL 50+ A Division championship. 
Contact Lens & Vision 12, Cranford VFW 7
In a total team effort CLV, got off to a fast start scoring 6 runs in the opening frame on 8 consecutive hits. Peter Byer, Neil Kaufman, Kerry Gelb, Tim Walsh, Eddie Quinn, Chad Swensen, Joe DeRosa, Jeff Balish, Bobby Beiner, Howard Bialos, Anthony Miccio and Dave Rothenberg all made significant contributions to the Lensmen offense. Dave Drechsel was a perfect 3-3 at the plate for VFW, while Bob Ghiretti, Nick Pace and Phil McGovern had 2 hits each. Contact Lens & Vision wins the 50+ B Division playoff title, 2-0.
AJ Jersey 11, Riverside Inn 6
With a 2 run lead going into the final inning, Dave Tibbals and Mike Rosenberg singled to drive in a combined 3 runs, securing the win for AJ. Ken Shea, Jeff Hoffman, Howard Greco and Jeff Arkin had two hits apiece, while Chuck Serafin had a clutch hit in the 5th driving in 2 runs, all in support of winning pitcher Leo White who dominated on the mound and contributed 2 hits. Dennis Maluchnik had 2 singles and a double for Riverside. AJ Jersey and Riverside Inn each have 1 victory in the best of 3 series.
Riverside Inn 19, AJ Jersey 5
In the final game of the 2016 UCSSL season, game 3 of the 50+ C Division championship, Riverside pounded out 25 hits which led them to a decisive 19-5 win over rival AJ Jersey.  It is Riverside’s first playoff championship in 10 years. Riverside finished with a record of 19-10, easily the most wins in the 15 year history of the team.  Mario Fastiggi pitched another outstanding game, holding AJ Jersey to 5 runs. Tom Wolansky led the team with 6 RBIs on 3 hits.  Steve Falco also had 3 hits.  In addition, James Massarelli, Pete Osborn, Bill Moore, Anthony Abbaleo, Mario Fastiggi, Paul Newton, John McClung and Joe Hrubash had multiple hit games. Dave Tibbals had two hits, including a triple, and 2 RBIs in a losing cause.