The Milford Junior Major League Braves took the diamond vs the talented Rays in a Rookie Division matchup on May 31.
Manager Ray Salati and his Rays came out on fire, hitting and blazing a trail on the base paths led by 8U Tournament players Mathew Stevens and Andre Peterson.
The Rays played an aggressive and well rounded game in all phases and were also aided by the play of Jake Murphy, Allen Niper, Philip Pacelli, Major Peterson, Jonathan Peterson, Antonio Salati, Anish Sharma, Nicholas Stevens and Ethan Toledo.
The Braves were led offensively by 8U Tournament players William LeCuyer (two hits) and Luis Lozada (two hits), along with Kevin Chen and late game day pick up and also an 8U Tournament player, Jake Stash (two hits, home run).
Defensively, the Braves were bolstered by the play of Ruby Moretti, Mike Smith, Logan Harriman, Matthew Sissick, Caleb Jordan and Kevin Chen.
The game ball was awarded to James Cavallo for his efforts at the plate and defensively.
Braves-Rangers
In what was a close and competitive game throughout, the Braves and Rangers were in action on June 1, and did not disappoint the Rookie Division fans in attendance.
Manager David Rodriguez had his 8U Tournament trio of Alex Rodriguez, Jack Thomas and Cal Wrigley leading the way.
Along with Robert Baker Jr, Matthew Berendt, Alden Hanks, Sean Luxeder, John Messore, Brennan Ruane, Gabriel Santiago and Brady Sciuto, the Rangers displayed good fundamentals and sportsmanship.
The Braves were once again led at the plate by William LeCuyer (two doubles)oubles ) and Luis Lozada (three hits) at the plate.
The Braves gloves were at the ready and leading the way in the field were LeCuyer, Logan Harriman, Mike Smith, Caleb Jordan, Ruby Moretti, PJ Fiallos and Kevin Chen.
The game ball was awarded to Logan Harriman for his all around play and especially for his work defensively at shortstop.
Braves-Red Sox
In what was to be a rain shortened affair, the undermanned Braves played the Red Sox at Bernard Field under the lights on June 3.
Manager Mark Beaupre had his team well prepared and was even gracious enough to loan some of his players to the short handed Braves.
The Red Sox were led by 8U Tournament team selection Ben Britto and teammates Jake Ackley, Jack Neaupre, James D’Angelo, Jake Israelite, Zachary Israelite, Andrew Israelite, Damian Krieder, Tyler Mackowski, Jaimie Sanz and Joshua Yazdzik.
The Braves were led at the plate by William LeCuyer, Kevin Chen and Ruby Moretti.
Defensively the Braves were led by LeCuyer, Chen, Caleb Jordan, James Cavallo and Mike Smith.
Red Sox players Yazdzik, D’Angelo and Krieder played well in assisting the Braves.
The game ball was awarded to Mike Smith, who went 2-for-3 and played well defensively in center field and at second base.
The Braves will be in action this Friday, June 6, at Bernard Field vs the Yankees with a 6:30 p.m. start.