The Lower East Side Gauchos 14-and-under team had a busy week winning four games and losing one. The Gauchos began the week at Inwood, playing the all-star team from that Washington Heights League. The Gauchos were outmuscled 15-7 in the first game, but came back to beat Inwood 7-3 in the second game. Ismael Alvarez pitched brilliantly in the second game, going the distance for the win. That game also marked the return of second baseman Jesus Velazquez, who, fresh off the plane from an extended trip to Puerto Rico, made two marvelous defensive plays to end Inwood rallies.
The Gauchos then turned to Harlem RBI League action, where they swept two different teams from Harlem, the Warriors and the Stars. Velazquez continued to sparkle going 3 for 5 against the Stars.
Finally, the Gauchos came home and played neighborhood rival Aguila. The Gauchos won 21-5 in a game that was highlighted by a mighty grand slam home run by Alvarez.
The Gauchos are now 9-2 in Felix Millan League play and 17-4 overall. This week they will be attending the “Best of the Best” tournament in Mansfield, Penn., where they will play top teams from across the East Coast.
