National 10s go down fighting in District play
BY WAYNE WITKOWSKI
Staff Writer

Brick National Little League's 10-year-old All-Stars turned in a strong effort in its second game in the District 18 tournament before getting eliminated by Jackson, 4-2, early last week.

John Sullivan lashed a triple down the right-field line in the fourth inning that drove in both Brick National runs after Jackson scored all four of its runs an inning earlier.

"We left men on base in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings, and two on in the second and third innings with one out," said manager John Vitale. "That was a key. We were one hit away every time from tying it up."

Harry Eaton had the only other hit for Brick National, and Brian Henrey threw five solid innings before Sullivan threw the sixth. Jared Egan made a sharp play in the outfield as did Andrew Reiss at third base. Brick National also threw a Jackson runner out at the plate early in the game.

"But I'm proud of what we accomplished with this team," said Vitale, who praised the efforts of all of his players.

They include Tyler Wicker at first base, Sullivan at second when he wasn't pitching, Eaton at shortstop, Reiss at third base, Henrey catching when he wasn't on the mound and Brian Gallagher. Vitale said Reiss was "solid at third base throughout the tournament."

The outfield included Brad Strycharz in left, Jake Erickson in center and Conner Mulligan in right. The bench also contributed and included outfielders Egan and Matt Olsen, Brian Price at catcher and in the outfield and Zack Greco, who pitched and played many infield positions.

Their exit and the late exit of Brick National's 13-year-olds, who were eliminated on Friday night in the loser's bracket finals, made for a strong season for the league in District play.

"We're proud of all of our teams," said Brick National Secretary LouAnn Payne, who also is the District 18 secretary. "They did better than usual.

"They all really pulled together," said Payne. "They did a great job and the coaching staffs were phenomenal. It's great to see teams go far. And with the new indoor batting cages, we hope it will help our teams so they can go farther into the states."

Payne was particularly impressed with Brick National's Seniors and Juniors, which both reached the District championship game, as well as the Brick National 10s and 11s, which both advanced out of pool play. Even the 12-year-olds came close to advancing out of pool play and won their final game against eventual District champion Brick American convincingly.

Add to that the exciting races within many of the Brick National leagues and it made for another exciting summer for the league.