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08/13/2017 12:00 AMThe Shoreline Cougars baseball team played two games in the East Shore Travel League Playoffs at Southington High School last week. The Cougars won their first game in walk-off fashion against the Stratford Spartans, 6-5, and then saw their season come to a close with an 8-3 defeat against the New England Knights later on Aug. 8. Shoreline finished its season with an overall record of 7-16.
In the first game, the Cougars got the scoring started by plating four runs in the bottom of the third inning. Jeff Sypher reached base with a single, and Ross Meglin of Killingworth walked his way on. Ben Alonzo walked to load the bases, and then Matt Bjorkland followed with a walk to bring in a run. Killingworth’s Mike O’Toole had the big blow with double to clear the bases as the Cougars went up 4-0. The Spartans punched back with four runs in the top of the fourth and then added another run in the fifth to take a 5-4 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the Cougars led off with a walk from Sypher, after which Sam Loda laced a base hit to move Sypher to third base and then promptly stole second. Alonzo walked to load the bases, and then Carmelo Rosa came up big with a base hit over the shortstop’s head to drive in a pair of runs for a 6-5, walk-off win.
In the second game, the Cougars fell behind early against the Knights and were unable to close the gap in an 8-3 defeat.
Cougars’ Head Coach Dennis Annicelli felt pleased with the way his young team progressed this season, and he believes they are in great shape for next year.
“I always have high expectations. I was proud of the kids for competing the way they did,” said Annicelli. “Next season, we should be even better since we can bring nearly everyone back.”