After being crowned Suffolk County champions in a back-and-forth, best-of-three series against Center Moriches, Mattituck needed just one more win to become Long Island champions.
Their opponent: Nassau County representative, Wheatley.
The location: Farmingdale State College.
Win or go home.
Before the Tuckers took their first at-bat, coach Steve DeCaro had a simple message to his players: “We worked hard all year. Now, just go out and have some fun.”
It’s easy to have fun when you’re winning.
Mattituck (21-3) barely broke a sweat, cruising to a 9-2 victory after leading the entire game.
Cameron Burt got the start for the Tuckers and handled business from the get-go. His curveball was his go-to pitch in every and any situation possible.
He threw it in a 2-0 count. He threw it in a 0-2 count. He threw it first pitch. You never know when it’s coming and when it does, good luck trying to hit it.
Burt, who threw a complete game five-hitter with six strikeouts, devastated Wheatley hitters with his almighty hook. On several occasions, a Wildcat would hit the turf trying to avoid the pitch only to see it fall over the center of the plate for a strike.
“You know he’s on when he’s throwing like that,” catcher Brian Pelan said. “I don’t even have to move my glove. It’ll start in one spot and finish on the opposite side of the plate.”
Burt had plenty of insurance throughout the game as Mattituck tacked on runs in every inning they had an opportunity to do so. Whether it was the top of the lineup or the bottom, the Tuckers just seemed to find a way to get it done.
Center fielder Joe Tardif was spectacular at the plate, leading his team in hits with four. He tallied two RBIs to go along with his two stolen bases. Just a sophomore, Tardif already relishes the big moment. He doesn’t shy away. He wants to be up at bat with the game on the line.
“I just stay calm,” Tardif said. “I’ve played in big games before in summer ball but nothing compared to this. But I just had to stay calm and confident. It was fun.”
Chris Dwyer put up big numbers in the No. 3 hole, registering three hits, two of which were well-driven RBI doubles.
All the way through the lineup, you can mention players who made an impact.
Marcos Perivolaris: (2-4) RBI
James Nish: (1-4) two-RBI triple
Cameron Burt: (2-4) RBI
Will Gildersleeve: (2-4)
Ian Nish: RBI sac fly
Brian Pelan: (1-4)
When everyone can contribute a little bit, success is that much easier. The Tuckers didn’t even commit an error behind Burt.
Perivolaris gets the start in the State championship bracket that will be played Saturday at 2 p.m at Mamaronek High School. The bracket can be seen here.
They face off against No. 1 seed Rye Neck.
Asked whether Perivolaris was nervous for the start on Saturday, he answered, “I’m not nervous. I’m excited. We’re excited. We’re just trying to have some fun.”
SoutholdLOCAL photos by Emil Breitenbach Jr.
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