On Thursday, May 14, the 14-5-1 Carey Seahawks traveled to Clarke High School to face the 18-3 Clarke Rams for game 1 of a three game playoff series. Last Monday, Carey hosted Long Beach for their first playoff game, where they defeated them 10-0 in 6 innings due to mercy rule. Meanwhile, the Rams also played Long Beach on Tuesday, defeating them 12-1 after 5 innings due to mercy rule as well.

Starting on the mound for Carey was Luca Lentini, meanwhile Clarke’s starting pitcher was Matt Kurz. Clarke’s offense struck first in the bottom of the first inning, when right fielder James Millman stepped up to the plate with bases loaded and hitting bases clearing double, putting Clarke up 3-0. Clarke would score again in the second inning off of an RBI single by designated hitter Nick Buffolino, extending Clarke’s lead to 5-0. Lentini would throw 2 scoreless innings in the third and fourth innings, with shortstop Jasper Persaud making a diving stop on a ground ball to get Clarke’s starting pitcher Matt Kurz out at first. Lentini would end his night in the 5th inning after 4 full innings, with Joe Camarda coming into pitch. In the 5th inning, Clarke’s left fielder Luke Walker hit a double to drive in Clarke’s 5th run of the game, followed by another RBI by Nick Buffolino in the 6th. Michael Agostino would take Camarda out after one full inning, throwing a scoreless frame to end the 6th inning. Meanwhile, Matt Kurz would go the distance, giving up 6 hits and no walks and striking out 2 in a shutout win, giving the victory to Clarke 6-0. Game 2 will be played on Saturday, with the date and time to be announced.

Carey’s top batters:

CF Jayden Gigante: 2-3, 2 1B

LF/P Michael Agostino: 1-2, 1B

DH Brody Kennedy: 1-3, 1B

Carey’s pitcher(s):

Luca Lentini: 4 IP, 3 K, 6 BB, 4 H, 5 ER

Joe Camarda: 1 IP, K, 2 BB, 2 H, 1 ER

Michael Agostino: 1 IP, 1 BB, 0 ER