AAABA of Buffalo: Welcome

The Ken-Hy entry in the Zanesville regional tournament was eliminated by the Livonia Rams, 14 to 0.  The Livonia pitching did not allow an earned run in 19 innings of play.  This was no contest today.  The error bug bit early, allowing Livonia to score 2 unearned runs in the first inning, then they added 3 more in the second and  broke the game open in the 4th, scoring 9 runs off of 3 Buffalo pitchers.  Buffalo had chances early but couldn't come up with the key hit at the right time.  At the end of the game, information came from one of the franchises that is supposed to go directly to Johnstown that they may not be able to field a team, and there is a good chance that Buffalo may be selected to fill that spot in the National Tournament.  We should learn early this week if Ken-Hy will go.

In action at the Zanesville, Ohio AAABA regional, Buffalo entry, Ken-Hy, split their games today, losing the opener to Livonia Michigan, 5 to 1 and then came back to eliminate the host team, Zanesville, 12 to 8, who had lost earlier to Livonia, 8 to 0.  In the opener, Buffalo committed 6 errors, allowing all of Livonia's runs to be unearned.  Corey Paige pitched well but his lack of support doomed him.  Don Killian scored Buffalo's lone run, with Marc DiLeo getting the r.b.i. 

In Buffalo's second game the bats came alive, pounding out 17 hits to support Marcus Cavarello, who came on to relieve Brad Schlosser, to get the win.  Buffalo had gone out to a 5 to 0 lead when the error bug bit them again, and they found themselves behind, 7 to 5, before they pulled ahead to get the win.  Don Killian was 3 for 5, with 2 r.b.i.s, Zack Hayes was 3 for 4 with 4 r.b.i.s, Matt Ruggiero was 3 for 3 with 3 r.b.i.s. Mike Wagner and Paul Wujek contributed 2 hits apiece.  Wagner also earned a save in finishing up for Ken-Hy.

Ken-Hy will face undefeated Livonia in the double elimination tournament at noon with a second game, if needed, at 3pm.  The winner will go on to the National Tournament in Johnstown PA, starting August 6.

Westling went 5 and 2/3 innings, giving up just 2 runs, in Pignataro's win over Ken-Hy, 6 to 5.  This evens the series at one win each with the third and final game to be played at McCarthy on Saturday evening.  Ian Allen came on in the 7th to get the save for Pignataro's. Nick Kellner led the attack for Pignataro's, with 2 hits including a triple, while reaching base 3 times.  He scored 2 runs while recording a stolen base.  Dan Potter chipped in with a couple of hits and an r.b.i. while Zack Glowacki had a base hit, an r.b.i. and scored a run.  For Ken-Hy, Tom Ryan had 3 hits with 2 r.b.i.s, Josh Martin went 2 for 3 with an r.b.i. and Don Killian had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s. and Jared Baldinelli had 3hits.

In the first game of the final playoff series, Ken-Hy squeaked by Pignataro's, 4 to 3, scoring 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th on a bases loaded walk and a passed ball.  Pignataro's had taken the lead on a triple by Vince Bomasuto who scored on an overthrow.  Corey Paige went the distance for Ken-Hy, giving up just 7 hits.Tommy Ryan led Ken-Hy with 2 hits and an r.b.i.  Dan Potter had 2 hits for Pignataro's.  The next game is on Thursday at McCarthy #1, with a 3rd game if needed at McCarthy on Saturday. 

Ken-Hy eliminated last years champion Mader Construction, 5 to 3 Thursday night at Green Lake.  Ken-Hy jumped out to a 5 to 0 lead in the first 3 innings before Mader came back to make the game close.  Brad Schlosser started for Ken-Hy, and got the win with Derrick Mort and Mike Wagner in relief, with Wagner getting the save for the second straight game. Don Killian was the offensive star of the game for Ken-Hy, collecting 2 doubles and 2 r.b.i.s.  Phil Wells added 2 hits for Ken-Hy. Bubba Hollins and Dylan Baun had 2 hits and Brian Barry had 3 hits to lead the Mader attack. 

In the other game, Pignataro's,  last team in the playoffs, defeated the Meridian Titans for the second straight game to make it to the finas series.  The final score was Pignataro's 3, Meridian 2.  Pignataro's was cruising along with  2 to 1 lead until a passed ball in the top of the 7th allowed Meridian to tie the score.  Dan Potter had 2 hits for Pignataro's, driving in the winning run in the bottom of the 7th inning.  Bo Westlling started for Pignataro's with Vince Bomasuto getting the win in relief.  David Battel and Pat Quinn had 2 hits apiece for Meridian. 

The final series will begin on Tuesday, July 17th at McCarthy #1.  The series will continue Thursday, July 19 and Saturday, July 21,if necessary.  All final games will be at McCarthy.  This is subject to change in necessary.

Pignataro's, who got into the playoffs on the last day of the season put a hurt on previously unbeaten Meridian 9 to 7.  Pignataro's jumped out to a 6 to 0 lead and held on for the victory.  Zack Glowacki got the win with help from Vince Bomasuto.  T.J. Giczkowski reached base 4 times with 2 hits and 2 walks, along with Dan Potter with one hit and 3 walks.  Ron Canestro, T.J. Giczkowski and Bo Westling each scored 2 runs for Pignataro's.  Pignataro's leads the series with the second game to be played at McCarthy on Thursday.

In the other game, Ken-Hy jumped out to a 6 to 1 lead and hung on for a 8 to 7 victory.  Corey Paige got the win.  Tom Ryan had a double and triple, driving in 3 runs.  Josh Martin had 2 doubles, scoring twice and Vince Perricelli had 2 hits and drove in 2 runs.  A.J. Witkowski, Dave Crowley and Brian Barry each had two hits for Mader.  Ken-Hy leads the series with the next game to be played at Green Lake on Thursday.  All playoff games start at 6:00 pm. 

Meridian - Pignataro series will all be played at McCarthy #1 starting on Tuesday, July 10 and continuing on Thursday, July 12 and Saturday July 14 (if needed)  All games start at 6:00 pm.

Ken-Hy - Mader series will start at McCarthy #3 on Tuesday, July 10.  The sites for the July 12 and 14 games (if needed) will be determined no later than Tuesday.  Check this site for locations. 

The Playoff's will start on Tuesday, July 10 at sites to be determined on Monday.  The matchups are Meridian vs Pignataro's and Ken-Hy vs Mader Construction.  Each series will be a best of 3 with the winners meeting up for the right to go to the Zanesville, Ohio regional on the weekend of July 28-29.  The winner of that regional qualifies for the National Tournament in Johnstown beginning on Monday August  6 with registration on Sunday, August 5.  On August 4th Tovie Asarese, long time sponsor of the Royal Printing team will be inducted into the AAABA hall of fame at a dinner in Johnstown.  Tovie has been associated with AAABA for over 50 years as a sponsor and coach.  It was my honor to nominate Tovie for this recognition.  He is one of the finest gentlemen that I have ever met and this honor is well deserved.

Saturday.  July 7.  In a must win game to enable Pignataro's to attain the playoffs, they defeate Mader Construction 7 to 1 at McCarthy.  Ron Canestro went 5 innings to get the win with relief help from Kyle McLain.  Nick Kellner had 2 hits including a triple, while Kyle McLain chimed in with a triple.  Alex Kovachs added 2 r.b.i.s.  For Mader Rich Kowalski tripled and scored their only run of the evening.

The playoff picture is still up in the air.  The scenario is as follows.  Saturday, July 7, Pignataro's will play Mader at McCarthy #1.  If Pignataro's wins, then the playoffs will start Sunday, July 8, With Meridian playing Pignataro's and Ken-Hy playing Mader, at sites to be determined later.  If Pignataro's loses, then New Era will play Royal Printing on Sunday at a site to be determined later. Watch this website for further information.

Thursday, July 5.  Meridian Titans finished the season undefeated by beating Royal Printing 8 to 2. Mike Kaelin got the win.  Dave Battel led Meridian with a triple while Sam Cumbo chipped in with a couple of hits and an r.b.i. Jake Logudice added 2 hits for Meridian.

At Cazenovia Park, Brian Barry threw a no-hitter against New Era as Mader Construction won 10-0.  Dave Hollins and Dave Crowley led Mader with 3 hits apiece.  One of Hollins hits was a run producing triple and Crowley had 2 r.b.i.s.  John Knauth joined in with a 2 run pinch hit double.

Ken-Hy defeated Pignataro's 6 to 2, with Brad Schlosser getting the win, throwing a 2 hitter.  Josh Martin hit 2 triples, driving in a run while Vincent Perricelli went 2 for 3, driving in 2 runs.

Tuesday, July 3. In the only action today, Royal Printing defeated Mader Construction, 9 to 8.  Bo Westling went 6 and 1/3 innings to get the win, and Vince Bomasuto got the last 2 outs to get the save.  Mader made it close by scoring 4 runs in the top of the 7th to make it close, but just couldn't get the tying run.  Vince Bomasuto had 3 hits, including a triple, Sean Tenney chipped in with 4 r.b.i.s, and Bo Westling aided his own cause with a 3 run triple.  Tom LoCongo got a 3 run triple, and later scoring on an infield out in the 7th to make it close for Mader, but Bomasuto got the last out on a ground ball to short to salvage the victory for Royal.  Dan Karstedt contributed 2 hits including a triple for Mader.

Sunday, July 1   Brandon Bielecki struck out 4 while giving up just 4 hits in Meridian's 9 to 3 victory over New Era.  Jake Logudice doubled, tripled and drove in 3 runs in leading the attack for Meridian.  Tom Klein had 2 hits and scored a couple of runs.  Tom Styn got on base to lead off the game for the 7th consecutive game.  Zack Zabel had a double for New Era.

Royal Printing fell to Ken-Hy at Delaware, 8 to 6.  Tom Ryan and Paul Wujek had 3 hits apiece and each hitter drove in 2 runs.  Josh Martin had 2 hits,including a home run.  Vince Bomasuto led Royal with 2 hits including a home run while driving in 4 runs.

Saturday, June 30.  Meridian Titans continued their season long unbeaten streak by defeating second place Mader Construction, 10 to 2.  Andy DeWitt got the win, striking out 9 while giving up just 6 hits.  Sam Cumbo, with 3 hits and 4 r.b.i.s and Jake Logudice had 4 hits and 6 r.b.i.s led the Titan attack.

At Delaware #1, Ken Hy won over New Era, 6 to 2.  Corey Paige went the distance, striking out 14 batters and aiding his own cause with a single in the first inning, driving in 2 runs.

Delaware #2 saw Pignataro's defeat Royal Printing, 11 to 1.  Ron Canestro got the win for Pignataro's while Kyle McLain, Dan Potter and Nick Kellner led the Pignataro offense with 2 hits apiece.

Thursday, June 28.  While Meridian Titans cruise to the regular season championship with an unblemished record, the other 5 teams are fighting for the 3 remaining playoff spots.  With 2 points for a win and 1 point for a tie, there is only 5 points separating 2nd and 6th, with 4 teams having 3 games to play, and Mader and Royal Printing having 4 games, anything can happen.  In tonights action, New Era came from behind to defeat Pignataro's, 10 to 5.  Marcus Cavarello went the distance for the win and chipped in with 2 hits for New Era. Matt Wolcott added 2 hits and 4 r.b.i.s along with T.J. Serba adding 2 hits and 3 r.b.i.s.  Ron Canestro and Kyle McLain had 2 hits apiece for Pignataro's. 

Meridian Titans continued their win streak with a 6 to 3 victory over Ken-Hy at Vets Park.  Mike Ellwood gained the win with a complete game.  Meridian scored all their runs in the 4th inning on 4 hits and 3 walks.  Matt Notaro had 2 hits, including a double, and an r.b.i.  for Meridian.  Vince Perricelli had 3 hits for Ken-Hy.

In other action, Royal Printing lost to Mader, 7 to 0. 

Tuesday, June 26.  Mader Construction extended their winning streak to 4 games, defeating Ken-Hy, 6 to 5.  Jim Fitzgerald drove in David Hollins with the winning run in the bottom of the 7th to give Rich Kowalski the win in the relief.  David Crowley had 2 doubles, driving in 2 runs for Mader while Dylan Baun and David Hollins had 2 hits apiece.  Vincent Perricelli went 3 for 4, while Paul Wujek had 2 hits and Don Killian had 2 r.b.i.s for Ken-Hy

New Era got by Royal Printing, 4 to 3.  Ed Scarcione went the distance for New Era, getting the win while Josh Brosius had 2 hits and an r.b.i. for New Era.  Vinnie Bomasuto had 2 hits for Royal, including a home run.

Meridian Titans shut out Pignataro's, 15 to 0.  Mike Kaelin went the distance for Meridian, giving up just 2 hits while recording the shutout.  Ken Johnston had 4 hits including a home run while Anthony Sciro drove in 4 runs.

Sunday, June 24  Meridian Titans extended their unbeaten streak by defeating Royal Printing, 7 to 0 behind the pitching of Brendan Bialecki.  Sam Cumbo led the attack with 3 hits and 5 r.b.i,s while Pat Quinn and Mike Orlowski had 2 hits apiece and scored 2 runs each.  Mike Ellwood also scored twice for the winners. Royal Printing garnered 7 hits including 2 by Matt Wineberg, but just couldn't get the opportune hit to break into the scoring column.

In action at Delaware park, Mader won it's third game in a row, defeating New Era 8 to 1.  Jim Fitzgerald pitched the complete game to get the win.  A.J. Witkowski had 2 hits and an r.b.i. while Kyle Sherman had a 2 run double to pace Mader.

In the other game at Delaware, Pignataro's won 17 to 5 over Ken-Hy.  Zack Glowacki on the mound got the win for Pignataro's.  The offense for Pignataro's was led by Dan Potter who had 3 hits including a home run, Matt Creenan with 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s, Nick Kellner had 2 hits along with Tony LoBuglio who had 2 hits also.

Saturday, June 23.  Mader's A.J. Witkowski led off the game against Pignataro's with a triple and scored on David Hollins single for the only run of the game as Mader got by Pignataro's, 1 to 0.  Rich Kowalski got the win, giving up only 4 hits in the shutout.  A.J. Witkowski, David Hollins and Dylan Baun got 2 hits apiece for Mader.

At Delaware Park, Ken-Hy defeated Royal Printing, 7 to 6.  Vince Perrecelli led Ken-Hy with a 3 run homerun, while Zack Hayes reached base 4 times for the winners.  Marc Dileo had 2 hits and Bo Westling had 2 hits and 2 r.b.i.s in a losing effort for Royal.

Thursday, June 21.  Mader Construction and Ken-Hy Auto played the highest scoring game in 2 years, with Mader prevailing, 12 to 11.  Mader jumped out to an 8 to 1 lead, with key hits coming from Jim Fitzgerald, a 2 run double, David Hollins, a 3 run triple and Tyler Ferretti, a solo home run.  Ken-Hy battled back to take a 9 to 8 lead, and the two teams traded runs until the top of the 7th, when Mader scored 2 runs to take the lead.  Joe Mesi scored the winner on a bases loaded walk to David Baskerville.  Tyler Ferretti came on in the bottom of the seventh to save the game for Brian Barry, who got the win.  For Ken-Hy, Tom Ryan had 2 hits and 4 r.b.i.s, Jared Baldinelli had 2hits and scored 3 runs, and Phil Wells scored 3 runs for Ken-Hy.

At Vets, Meridian Titans continued their unbeaten streak, defeating Pignataro's 4 to 0.  Andrew DeWitt pitched his second shutout in as many starts,  while Meridian scored all of their runs in the 4th inning, with only one earned.

At Delaware Park, Royal Printing got by New Era, 4 to 0.  Daren Powers pitched 5 innings, giving up just 2 hits, with Vince Bomasuto coming on for the final 2 innings, striking out 4 of the batters he faced. Ricky Mendiola contributed an r.b.i. double for Royal Printing.  Marcus Caravello struck out 8 hitters for New Era in a losing effort. 

Tuesday, June 19.  Two games at Delaware Park and the results are identical.  Ken Hy defeated New Era, 2 to 1, and Pignataro's defeated Royal Printing, 2 to 1.  In the Ken Hy victory, pitcher Corey Paige gave up 2 hits while striking out 10 batters.  Josh Martin reached base 4 times and scored 1 run while Tom Ryan went 2 for 4 with an r.b.i.

In the Pignataro victory, Zack Glowacki went the distance, giving up just 2 hits, while shutting out Royal for 6 innings before he was reached for a run in the top of the 7th.  Ian Allen had a double and a triple and scored both runs for Pignataro's.

At Vets, Meridian Titans defeated Mader, 10 to 1.  Brandon Bialecki went the distance, giving up 5 hits while striking out 5.  Tom Styn, Mike Orlowski, Pat Quinn, and Sam Cumbo all had 3 hits for the Titans, with 2 of Cumbo's hits going for extra bases.  Jim Fitzgerald had 3 hits for Mader. 

Saturday, June 16.  Royal Printing pounded out 14 hits tonight, defeating Mader Construction, 9 to 3.  Mike Wagner, with 3 hits and Sean Tenney with a 3 run double paced Royal tonight.  Brad Smith went the distance for the win.

At Delaware, New Era got by Pignataro's, 6 to 5.  Tyler Hoffhines and Jake Weiser had 2 hits apiece for the winners, while Brett Bauth drove in the winning run in the bottom of the seventh inning.  Ed Scarcione was the winning pitcher for New Era.  Nick Kelner had a 2 run home run for Pignataro's, his second in as many games.

Meridian Titans continued their undefeated season, defeating Ken-Hy, 4 to 2 at Vets Park.  Michael Kaelin got the win for the Titans, with help from Mike Ellwood.  They combined for the 5 hit win, striking out 10 hitters.Ken Johnston drove in the winning run for the Titans.  The only extra base hit in the game came off of Jake Kopacz' bat for Ken-Hy. 

Thursday, June 14.  Pignataro's won their first game of the season, 4 to 0 over Mader Construction at California road.  Zack Glowacki pitched a complete game giving up just 2 hits, while striking out 3.  Nick Kelner had a 2 run home run to lead Pignataro's. 

In other action, Ken-Hy came from behind to beat Royal Printing, 4 to 3.  Joe Dileo came on in relief of Corey Paige to get the win.  Vincent Perricelli had a 3 run triple to provide the margin of victory for Ken-Hy.  For Royal Printing, Mike Wagner pitched a tremendous game, giving up just 3 hits while striking out 9 in a losing effort.  Bo Westling homered for Royal Printing.

Meridian Titans got by New Era, 10 to 0.  Anthony Schiro had a double with 2 r.b.i.s, while  Ken Johnston chipped in with 2 hits for Meridian.  Andy DeWitt pitched the complete game to get the win.

Tuesday, June 12.  The games at Orchard Park and at Vets stadium were postponed because of wet grounds and the game at Delaware Park was called after only 2 batters.  These games will be scheduled for July 5th at sites to be determined later.

Sunday, June 10  Meridian Titans ran their record to 4-0 with a 2 to 0 win over Mader Construction at Orchard Park High School. Tom Styn, with a double and a walk scored  both runs for Meridian.  Two Niagara C.C.C. teammates, Brandon Bialecki and Rich Kowalski, hooked up in the pitchers duel, that was finally settled in the top of the seventh when Meridian scored the insurance run, giving Bialecki the win.  Bialecki faced only 22 batters in the game.  Mike Orlowski and Pat Quinn added two hits apiece for Meridian, while Tom LoCongo had two hits for Mader.

New Era won its second straight game to even their record to 2 and 2 with 5 to 2 win over Ken-Hy at Delaware Park.  Brad Bauth pitched 5.2 innings to get the win, while Josh Brosiusand Marcus Cavarello  got 2 hits and Blair Lakso hit a r.b.i. double to pace New Era. Ben DeAngelo had two hits for Ken-Hy in a losing effort. 

At Vets Park, Royal Printing went 9 innings before overcoming Pignataro's, 5 to 3.  Vince Bomasuto started the game and pitched 7 innings, serving up 7 strikeouts.  Mike Wagner came on in the eighth to get the win. Brian McCarthy was the game hero, driving in the winning runs in the bottom of the ninth.  Bomasuto aided his cause with two hits including a double, driving in two runs.  Josh Vacaro struck out 8 for Pignataro's.

Saturday, June 9.  The Meridian Titans tightened their early hold on first place by getting by Ken-Hy Auto, 3 to 2 at Vets park.  Mike Ellwood pitched 6 strong innings, giving up 3 hits and 2  runs to get the victory, with Mike Orlowski stranding 3 runners in the bottom of the seventh to finish the game for the Titans.  Tom Styn was on base 4 times with a double and 3 walks, Mike Ellwood and Pat Quinn had 2 hits apiece.  Matt Ruggerio had a double for Ken-Hy for their only extra base hit.

In other action tonight, New Era gained their first win of the season, getting by Pignataro's, 2 to 1 at Delaware Park. Ed Scarcione pitched the win for New Era while Blair Lakso had 3 hits and Tyler Hoffhines had 2 hits and the game winning r.b.i.

The Royal Printing-Mader Construction game in Orchard Park was postponed due to wet grounds.

Thursday, June 7.  Ken-Hy Auto put one in the win column tonight, pulling out a 4 to 3 victory in 10 innings over last years champion, Mader Construction.  Joe Pernick, Steven Zaprowski, and Corey Paige each contributed 2 hits for the victors, with Zaprowski scoring  the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Paul Wujek.  Joe DiLeo got the win in relief for Ken-Hy.

In other action, Royal Printing got their first win, beating New Era, 3 to 1.  Brad Smith was the winning pitcher for Royal, striking out 5 batters while scattering 6 hits.  Vinnie Bomasuto led the Royal attack with a r.b.i. triple.  Marcus Cavarello struck out 9 in a losing effort for New Era.  At Vets Park in Tonawanda, Meridian Titans took over sole possession of first place, with a 6 to one win over Pignataro's.  Mike Kaelin pitched 5 innings for the win for Meridian, giving up only 2 hits.  Mike Ellwood got the save while Jonah Heim and Tom Klein had 2 hits each to lead the way for Meridian.

 Mader Construction opened defense of their AAABA title by defeating New Era, 5 to 1.  Zack Derrico threw a 5 hitter while striking out 4.  Tom LaCongo provided a two run double for the winners. 

At Vets field in Tonawanda, the Meridian Titans got by Royal Printing, 3 to 2.  Brandon Bielecki was the winning pitcher, striking out 10 batters, while Mike Elwood had 2 hits and drove in 1 run for Meridian. Mike Wagner had 10 strikeouts for Royal in a losing effort.

In the game played at Delaware Park, Pignataro Financial and Ken-Hy Auto played an extra inning tie, 3 to 3. 

Welcome to the 2012 AAABA baseball season.  Sorry to say that the opening games will not be played today due to the weather.  Look at the schedule section in the left hand column for the location of our games on Tuesday.  You will note that we are playing more games out side of the city this year.  The reason for this is we are trying to use more enclosed parks, hoping that this will draw more college Div. I players.  We are still playing at least one game a playing date at Delaware or Cazenovia parks.

 We are proud to announce the selection and pending induction of Tovie Asarese into the AAABA Hall of Fame in Johnstown this summer.  He has been a longtime participant in our league, both as a sponsor and a manager.  If you see Tovie at the park this summer, be sure to congratulate him on his selection.  It is well deserved.