A Strong Showing for a Good Cause, RipTide win 8 - 1

July 6, 2008
Bronx, New York
Governors Field
The RipTide might have been victorious on the field against the New York State Troopers Gray Riders Baseball Club, but it was the three daughters of Inspector Berwick that really won last Sunday. In all, several hundred dollars was raised to help continue the girl’s education of their recently past father.

The game started well for the Tide as they were able to keep the Grey Riders from scoring for the first several innings. Dan Nauth took the hill and pitched very well over four innings of work. He struck out four and only walked one, all the while keeping the Troopers from reaching second base. He also did very well at the plate going 3 for 4 with a double. After Nauth blanked the Troopers over the first four Carlos Hidalgo came in for relief and threw two scoreless innings and only allowed one hit. Josh Wolchak, Charles Westby and Elliot Garcia closed out the last three innings and only allowed one run to score. As a whole the pitching staff did very well today only allowing one run and seven hits.

Out on the field the RipTide continued to shine as there were NO errors committed throughout the game. Phillip Guzman made all three outs in the seventh inning from right field, doubling up a runner at home plate on a fly ball, preventing the run, and making a diving catch deep in the right field gap preventing at least one more run to score. Brian Gibbs showed mobility both forward and backward, making a sliding catch in front of him and hauling in a fly ball hit well over his head in a full sprint. As for the rest of the fielders…no errors…enough said.

At the plate the Tide had a difficult time in the early going but started scoring in the third inning with five, followed by two runs in the fourth and then one in the fifth. It was easy to see why since the starting pitcher for the Grey Riders had a good working curveball and a zippy heater. Team captain, Justin Roth went 2 for 4 with a double, HP, and two RBI’s. Jon Mandel went 2 for 4 with a triple, two RBI’s and a swipe. Gabe Garcia hit 2 for 5 with a double and two RBI’s. Starting at third, Rob Vega went 2 for 4 with a stolen bag as well.

MVP Honors: Dan Nauth for a fantastic all around performance.

Game Ball Honors: Phillip Guzman for being the sole reason for stopping the only offensive serge the Troopers put on throughout the game.

Very special thanks to all the family and friends that came out and participated in donating for this very noble charity.