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Mo. Knolls prevails over Randolph
James Aliotta pitched six innings of 1-hit ball and lifted Morris Knolls to its first win of 2012, 6-2, over cross-town rival Randolph.
“I came out thinking I just want to throw strikes and pound the strike zone, I was able to get my curveball working and being able to throw it for strikes was huge,” said Aliotta, who also chipped in with an RBI single in the 6th inning to help his own cause.
With the score tied at 2-2 in the 5th senior Brian Stagg came to bat and drilled one of his two singles to the opposite field scoring Evan Steidl, who had reached on a Randolph error. The Rams showed some early rust committing a few errors on the evening, including a couple during that big 3-run 5th for the Golden Eagles.
“Jumping on them at the moment was really important,” said Stagg. “We could sense that was our moment to take control of the game, we needed a hit and I was able to step up and deliver for my team.”
Connor Grady came in and pitched a hitless ninth to save it for Aliotta, who finished with a line of 6.0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 K, 3 BB. On a night where there was a chill in the air and wind gusts of over 40 mph, Aliotta somehow had tremendous command of the baseball.
“I think adrenaline took over, it warmed me up,” Aliotta smiled, “I think a good offseason helped too. I have really been working hard, especially on my off-speed pitches and I think that has helped me a lot on the mound.”
It was a good victory for Morris Knolls and to get in the win column against a Northwest Jersey Conference power and rival in Randolph. Both teams are now 1-1 on the season and will certainly cross paths again before this season is through.
Contact John Quirk at jquirk@cablevision.com. Follow him on Twitter: @QuirkMedia
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