Mental errors led way to a early three-run deficit for Mattituck in the first inning but it didn’t take long for the Tuckers to come storming back against Port Jefferson (11-10) in the first round of a three-game series of the Class B bracket on Wednesday.
The Tuckers (20-1) found themselves in a odd position being behind but the bottom of the order stepped up and guided the team to victory to take game one of the series, 9-4.
John Dwyer, who didn’t get many at bats during the season, was key in the comeback victory. Batting as the DH, he doubled in Mike Onufrak in a four-run fourth inning that ballooned the score from 3-3 to 7-3. Dwyer finished 2-for-3 in the game with two RBIs.
“The bottom of the order really came up big today,” Tuckers head coach Steve DeCaro said. “Usually our one through five guys get the job done but it was the bottom of the order that did it today.”
Will Gildersleeve added a 2-for-4 performance with two RBIs in the six hole.
Joe Tardif got the start and recorded the win after a solid outing. Victor Proferes came in relief and got the job done the rest of the way.
“Victor’s a guy who will be a starter for us next year,” DeCaro said. “There’s no spot in the rotation for him right now but it’s great to have him coming out of the bullpen for us. He really shut them down today.”
With game one in the books, Mattituck is one win away from getting into the Class B county championship. They’ll send Marcos Perivolaris to the hill for game two.
James Nish, who is usually the game two starter in a regular season series, will be counted on to come out of the bullpen if needed.
Game two will be played in Port Jefferson on Friday at 4 p.m.
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