Compiled from Staff Reports

PSAL AAA Championship

Date: Monday June 12th
Time: 7pm
Location: Yankee Stadium / Bronx, NY

Tottenville
Record: 18-3
How did they get here: Defeated Gregorio Luperon two games to none in semifinal series. Previously defeated Mott Haven (9-0), Susan Wagner (5-4) and Midwood (6-0) in tourney play.
Key Contributors: Matt Bass, Anthony Bellina, Antonio Gaudino, Dom Curcio, Tim Hodgens & Paul DeVito
Keys to the Game: There probably is no team more hungry then the Pirates who have come up short the last 3 years in the title game. Bass (Pace University Commit), is the lone starter from last year's squad will be the spark plug to the deep lineup. Look for senior RHP Anthony Bellina, who is 5-1 and does not allow runners (14 hits, 10 walks over 42 IP on the year), to get the ball. He'll be backed up by Junior Nick Metzger, a command arm who is 8-0 on the year. Tottenville goes for their 12th PSAL title.

James Monroe
Record: 19-2
How did they get here: Defeated Telecom two games to none in the semifinal series. Previously beat Franklin K. Layne (5-0), John Adams (11-0) and Benjamin Cardozo (6-3)
Prep in rematch to advance to the final series.
Key Contributors:    Jason Pineda, Danny Betances, Derrick Jimenez, Samuel De La Cruz, Henry Heredia, Freddy Rojas
Keys to the Game: Pineda, the Michigan commit, is the big offensive threat that could beat you in a low scoring affair. Possible arms that might appear in the final include Betances (3-0; 1.92 ERA), Jimenez (2-0; 0.49 ERA) or event Pindea who has come on strong in the postseason. De La Cruz and Rojas are dynamic players that could change the momentum. If Monroe can do the little things correctly and execute they will be right there in the end.

Our Thoughts

"Tottenville and Monroe have been very stingy when it comes to allowing runs. The key will be, like in any woodbat competition in a spacious venue (Yankee Stadium), to execute the finer points. A key walk, stolen base, bunt or error may mean the difference in the outcome. Both skippers are no strangers to the big stage. We think this one is going to be a thriller, that might not get settled in 7 innings. In the end, Tottenville breaks the streak and walks away with the title."

What do you think? Make your voice heard with our twitter poll that ends at 7pm.

 

PSAL: We're going to extend our "weekend" to Monday. Yankee Stadium, PSAL Title game at 7pm. @MonroeEaglesNY & @_TvilleBaseball . Pick it>

— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) June 11, 2017