NY Bombers Team Recap: Week One

Overview: Phil Fresiello sat out due to illness and Pete Slater was unable to play due to a prior commitment, leaving the Bombers with only half of their expected number one ranked team. But with a roster that still boasted the reigning league MVP Kevin Norris along with Joe Purcell and fill-in Anthony Ciricillo, were the Bombers able to hold down the fort on Opening Day?

At the Plate: The Bombers failed to live up to their name through the season's first four games combining for just one extra base hit, a double by Norris in game two. It was a day to forget at the plate for Norris, who had just four hits, three RBI and 15 strikeouts in 31 plate appearances. The C-Notes Rob Longiaru held Norris hitless in the final two games of the day.

“It seemed every time we were starting to get to him, (Rob) stepped up,” Norris said. “He made some big pitches and just did a great job.”

Fortunately for the Bombers, Ciricillo stepped up huge. In game one, the Ten Run Rule member had a two-RBI single for the Bombers' only runs in a 2-1 victory over the Risers. Circillo added another three RBI in game two versus the C-Notes. Purcell led the team with seven hits and nine walks in 30 plate appearances.

“Joe and Anthony picked up the slack for us as I wasn't myself at the plate,” Norris said. “Anthony just did an incredible job as a replacement player, and is a big reason why we are 2-2 right now.”

Fresielllo was able to make three plate appearances on the day, but after nearly a month of inactivity, all three at-bats ended in strikeouts including the final out of game four.

“We just didn't play as well as a team of our caliber should,” Fresiello said. “Even with two missing starts, we need to turn it up a few notches as a team.”

On the Mound/In the Field: While Norris struggled at the plate, he looked like his usual self on the mound. The righthander went 2-0 on the day, allowing three runs on seven hits with 22 strikeouts in 10 innings.

Purcell, who appeared to be dealing with a bit of arm fatigue, was rocked in his only start on the day. The number two starter allowed nine runs on seven hits and 10 walks in five innings in a 9-2 loss in game three. He did manage to bounce back with a strong relief appearance in game four, allowing only a hit and three walks in 3.2 scoreless innings.

Meanwhile Circicillo shined on numerous occasions in the field. Despite some swirling winds, Circillo had at least three to four occasions where he had to dive for pop-ups that appeared destined to head towards right center field, only to twist around towards the right field foul line.

Looking Forward: The Bombers fully expect to bounce back when play resumes on June 5th, as circumstances could not be much tougher than they were on Sunday.

“Norris had the worst performance of his career Sunday, we were missing two starters and we are still 2-2, we can only up from here,” Purcell said. “Once Phil and Pete get back in the lineup, you can look for the New York Bomb Squad to turn things around.”

Norris offered a similar outlook.

“Next week, with Phil and Pete back, I'm looking to be in the upper echelon of New York once again.”

---------------------------------------------------

The New York region of Golden Stick resumes play on Sunday, June 5th at the soccer fields in Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, NY.  Spectators are always welcome!