One Run Defeats Stymie Finley Baseball
Six close losses stymied the J. Taylor Finley Middle School baseball team this past spring, saddling the 18-player squad with a 3-7 record despite a roster filled with talent.
The Falcons were coached by Tom Tantillo and captained by eighth graders Lee Reiver, Joey Cacciato and Anfernee Lopez. Finley dropped four one-run games and two others by two runs each, respectively.
Reiver (C, SS, 3B) and Lopez (CF, SS) led the Falcons. Reiver developed into a solid fielder, including mastering the difficult position of catcher. Tantillo said the young star “provided great defense and great leadership.”
Lopez proved to be a slick shortstop and was a consistent offensive threat. Cacciato provided timely hitting and leadership. Eighth grader Jake Ryan rounded out the collection of the team’s top three hitters.
Tantillo called his players “great, great kids” with “lots of heart.” The series of heartbreaking defeats would have broken many teams, but Finley never failed to put the losses squarely in the past and play hard on game day.
Eighth grade pitcher Kevin Montefusco turned in several fine performances on the mound. Seventh graders Liam O’Donnell and Alex Borman made the team’s starting line-up and both contributed offensively and defensively.
Looking ahead to next spring’s squad, Tantillo sees O’Donnell, Borman, Dan Reiver, William Harris, Paul O’Beirne and Chris Glowacky playing integral roles. “They’re great kids and I’m looking forward to watching them develop next year,” Tantillo said.
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