Lakewood Village guts it out over Long Beach, 3-1.

The Villagers took on LBLL's big dog on a balmy Thursday night at Stearns Park and took advantage of their precious opportunities to get the win. Justin Boyd started a rally with a leadoff single in the 3rd inning, Tiger Jablonski specially ran for him, and scored with alacrity on a Mondesi Blanchard single followed by an error by the Long Beach centerfielder. David Rivera then drove in Mondesi with a groundout, and that ended up being enough for Mondesi (5-1/3 IP-11 strikeouts-2 hits-2 walks-1 hbp) to win and Ian Konek to save the game for LVLL. Ian was also rock solid at first base, making every play hit his way. The 11/12 year olds will next play on Friday, July 9th at 7:30 pm versus Greater Bellflower.

These boys are really showing a lot of resolve so far in this tournament. The pitcher for LB was about 6'2" and at least 160 pounds. Our tallest player is Mondesi at 5'7", 135#. However, these kids are just not impressed--not only with him, but with coaches yelling at them, with the weather, with parents' expectations, or with "pressure" from baseball. Once again, when we won this game, the lads let out a collective yawn. The coaches were MUCH louder in comparison.

So... that's how it is! Satisfaction for these guys would appear to be found in "not losing" as compared to "winning". They just expect to win and seem to be interested in seeing how it will happen this time around. That said, it is truly remarkable to see Justin (Tips), an 11-year old, starting off a rally against a cheddar-throwing monster like Long Beach's pitcher. This kid is a little chubby and was a little soft to start the season, but when he goes to the plate (or plays outfield or pitches), just seems to be unflappable. One gets the feeling that he fully expects to get a hit each and every time up, although he seems to cope just fine when he does not.

And, meanwhile, whither Mondesi? Johnny (the manager) states that the reason why Mondesi has been successful is that a) he is left-handed and b) his "stuff" moves. He was a sight to see tonight. This was a true pitcher's duel; Jay (LB's starter) struck out 9 in only 4-2/3 IP, and there were no bombs hit off of him--we had to scratch and claw for every run. Mondesi was probably better (although maybe our hitters are also), as LB only got one ball to leave the infield, and that one was a chopper that went over Nate's head at third base.

Maybe they'll have more excitement at the BBQ with the fireworks this weekend...