Unearned Runs Multiply, as Engineer Errors Turn Close Game vs. Midwood into Lopsided Mis-Match, 12-3

4/22/2025

From Coach Nardiello: Starter Jake Rapoport was dealing early, and along with reliever Silas Hubbell, seemed to “deserve” more than what Fate had in store. Misplays and walks put guys on, and Midwood did not miss their opportunities to turn our mistakes into runs. An early 2-0 lead seemed larger, as Midwood’s starter was working quickly and getting all the outs he needed. Tech battled back and tied the game on a two-out error by their centerfielder.

Our team wanted this home game to be emblematic of their comeback this season. After a hard-fought game, and late-inning loss to Tottenville before the Break, the boys were ready to start the 2^nd half by reaching the .500 mark (and hopefully going from there). Tech had entered into the Mascali tournament during the Easter/Passover break and went to the Finals on the strengths of pitching, defense and timely hitting.

But we wound up with a 3W-5L record. The Engineers lost their edge with poor base-running and fielding that was less than crisp, and ultimately, lost any chances to win. Grounders to our infielders at Parade Grounds field 1 should be easier to field for our players. And Midwood’s infielders handled anything we hit to them. We feel we are “better than this,” and just have to keep the focus on each inning and each play.

The team was down, because it had come back to tie the game–before simply falling apart. We handed them 10 more runs across the 6^th and 7^th innings and only was able to score one on our side. The loss left a bad taste, and could be the low-point of the season — we hope!

After two home losses in games with a tie-score after five full innings, the team is hoping to pour on more offense and score earlier in games, to tighten up their infield play, and to stay around the strike zone. Simple walks can lead to rallies, pressured defense, and unearned runs, as we learned against Midwood.

We think we’ve had enough of this.