By Lucas Mann
The playoffs began this past weekend for the Majors Division of the Greenwich Village Little League, capping a hard-fought and successful season. The 2007 season marked the highest number of participants ever in the Majors Division, according to Tom Ellett, league president.There are now 11 teams between Majors A and B, up from eight, two years ago.
In Majors A, there were some tight contests, as well as some blowouts, in the playoffs’ first round, but each game sported some sparkling play.Every team made the playoffs, with the last-place Reds getting a first-game bye. In Saturday’s first game, the Marlins vs. Astros, the score was tied, 4-4, in the last inning when Cole Kitchen hit a towering walk-off home run.
The next game, between the Dodgers and Padres, did not have the same drama, with the top-ranked Dodgers routing their opponent. It did provide some fireworks, however, most notably a laser-beam hit over the center-field wall by Dodger catcher Avery Perez. After the game, Coach Carlo Santana had nothing but praise for his star player, saying, “He is a great hitter and a solid fielding catcher. That was his fourth home run of the season.” Santana also commended his two pitchers, Levi Stern and Tyler Lane, who combined to no-hit the Padres.
In G.V.L.L.’s double-elimination system, Sunday saw a chance for the Astros to save their playoff hopes, but they fell short, losing to the Reds. Meanwhile, in the battle of the top two teams, Perez threw off his catcher’s gear and took the mound for the Dodgers. He held the Marlins scoreless until Jesus San Martin tagged him for a three-run homer. The game was close throughout, but the Dodgers ended up winning, 6-4, with a last-inning surge.
As of weekend’s end, the Majors A playoffs are still anyone’s to win. The Dodgers (2-0) are automatically in the championship game, while the Marlins (1-1) the Padres (0-1) and Reds (1-0) will battle it out to play them. With the no-hitters, home runs and nail-biting games that the first weekend provided, the final weekend of the playoffs should provide more great baseball action.
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