The East Boston Knights continue to stay hot winning 4 out of 5 games in the YBL this week and giving themselves some separation as they now lead the Yaz division by 3 games over rival South Boston. The YBL Knights have now won 3 in a row and 5 out of their last 6. Pitching has been the key to the success and with the offense heating up the Knights are going to be a hard team to beat down the stretch. Said GM and field Manager Eric Bellavia “I think we were all a little frustrated at the way the beginning of the season went. Win one, lose one, seemed like it rained every day. We actually have had 11 rainouts thus far but we fought through it and are now starting to have a little consistency and its starting to show with our record.” The Knights now own a 10 – 7 record and are heating up at the right time. “Last year we were hot out of the gates and slowed down as the playoffs approached. Hopefully now we can get hot and ride this into the post season” said Bellavia. The Yawkey League has selected pitchers Kenny Luongo, Branden Eaton, Sean Hannon and RF Wilson Mercado for the EMass tournament July 13th vs the Intercity League. Manager Eric Bellavia was selected to manage the team. “It’s a huge honor for me. The EMass tourney is important to all the major amateur baseball leagues (YBL, Intercity, Park League and Cranberry League) and I hope that I can lead our league to victory and land the Yawkey League on the map”
The RRBL Knights sat idle though the 4th of July weekend and still sit atop the Fenway Division tied for 1st with the Beverly Indians at 9 – 3. They face off against the Indians this Sunday for a 1st place showdown at Gordon College at 4pm. The RRBL allstar game is quickly approaching and you can vote for your favorite Knights players at www.Ebknights.com. Vote early and often!!!
July 2
Brighton, MA….The Knights traveled to Rodgers Park to complete the home and home series against the Black Sox. The Knights sent Steve Hueston to the bump and the Sox countered with Collin Geagan. Both pitchers did well but Hueston stole the show cruising through 7 innings earning the complete game victory keeping the Sox off balance all night.
Offensively for the Knights Wilson Mercado (2-3, BB, 1R, 1 RBI) continued his torrid pace and is now batting an even .400 on the season. Eduardo Colmenares also chipped in with 2 hits and an RBI of his own while playing stout defense behind the plate. Knights win 3 – 0.
July 3
Dorchester, MA…..The Knights faced off against the Brighton Minutemen at Ronan Park on the eve of July 4th. Ronan Park was jumping with people and fireworks on this hot and steamy Knight. The Knights jumped out to a 4 – 0 lead only to see it disappear. Shoddy defense cost the Knights this one as Branden Eaton suffered the tough luck loss allowing 6 unearned runs as the Knights dropped a tough one to the Minutemen losing 7 – 4. Jose Paulino and Eduardo Colmenares each had 3 hits for the Knights. Both players are now hitting over .400 on the season.
July 7
Waltham, MA….The Knights hosted the South Boston Saints in the first game of a split entrance double header vs division opponents at their home away from home Brandeis University. Sean Hannon took the bump for the home town team and he proved why he is one of the best in the business. Hannon went the distance allowing 1 run (unearned) silencing the Saints bats while allowing his team to hang around and have a chance to win with a walk off victory. Tied 1 a piece in the bottom of the 7th, Brad Tardugno led off with a single and after a fielder’s choice that put the winning run on 2nd with 2 out Geoff Harris lined a single to right field to clinch the game for the Knights. Knights win 2 -1.
July 7
Waltham, MA….After winning the first of the Split entrance double header the Knights were poised to complete the sweep on the day facing off against the pesky McKay Club. Kenny Luongo took the rock for the Knights and got the job done. Luongo went 5 innings allowing 4 runs (2 earned) and was the beneficiary of some offensive fireworks provided by the offense. The Knights plated 4 runs in the 2nd and single runs in the 4th and 5th chasing ace pitcher Greg Dubella in the 3rd inning. That would not be all for the Beacons as they clawed back into the game with 3 runs in the 4th but a bases loaded double by Brad Tardugno put the game out of reach. Things got interesting in the top of the 7th with the Beacons down 11 – 4 scored 3 runs and at one time had the tying run on deck. Cory Laliberte worked though some trouble but got the job done for the home town team. The Knights win 11 – 7 sweeping the all-important division double header and staying in first place.
July 8
East Boston, MA……After almost a 6 week hiatus from East Boston Stadium the Knights returned to their home field to face off against division rival South Boston Saints. Knights pitcher Branden Eaton faced off against Chris Dupay and cruised through a complete game 3 hit win. Eaton kept the Saints bats silent all night with the exception of a Kent Graham deep fly ball that got lost in the sky and dropped in for a triple with no outs in the 4th inning. Graham eventually scored to give the Saints a 1 – 0 lead. The Knights would then explode for 8 hits and 6 runs in the bottom of the 4th inning batting around and taking a 6 – 1 lead they would not relinquish. They would add a run in the 5th to push the lead to 7 – 1. Ben McBride led the attack for the Knights going 3 – 3 with 2 doubles, 2 runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Kenny Polanco added 2 hits of his own along with 2 RBI. Knights win 7 – 1.
As always you can follow the Knights at:www.Ebknights.com
www.yawkeybaseball.com
www.royalrootersbaseball.com
www.facebook.com/knightbaseballclub
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Player Profile:
Player: Jose Paulino
Position: Shortstop
Throws: Right
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180
Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
College: Fisher College
Favorite Color: Blue
Claim to fame: Mom nicknamed him Booboo
Joined the team 2012 season as the DH….won the starting SS position this season for the Knights….leadoff hitter batting .440 with 13 steals this season…career .354 hitter with 27 steals and a career .482 on base percentage…solid glove and strong arm at ss….Currently lead the YBL with 21 hits and 13 stole bases.