Following a loss to New Providence earlier this season, Westfield looked to prevail and come out with a win in the Union County Quarterfinal round and enact their revenge. The first couple of innings containing multiple routine plays, the Blue Devils looked to make the first dent on the scoreboard.
Senior Nic Labin was able to obtain the Blue Devils’s first run. After getting struck by the pitcher with the ball, he walked to first and managed to make his way all the way back to home as the next batters took their turns in the batter’s box.
Ahead by only one, Westfield needed to maintain their lead. Junior Jake Alfano was able to make that happen as he hit a double, pushing two Blue Devils home with his RBI, increasing the score 3-0.
As New Providence stepped up to bat, the first few hits made it seem as if the next inning would be around the corner. Westfield unfortunately let their guard down, the Pioneers were able to get two runs off a line drive past first, shrinking the gap on the scoreboard 3-2.
Going into the fourth inning, junior Aaron Ives saw an opportunity and he took it. While making it all the way to third, he knew something needed to happen to widen their lead once more. As a wild pitch was thrown, Ives saw his shot and sprinted back to home for another point, increasing the score 4-2.
“Yesterday I didn’t do too well at the plate so today I simplified everything. It feels great going into the semi-finals but we have Johnson tomorrow so we have to focus on that,” explained Ives.
To make sure the Blue Devils achieved victory, senior co-captain Tomas Cestero stepped up to the plate and looked to make a big play happen. As his bat connected with the pitch, junior Braeden Trajkovski sprinted from third base to home, making the score go up once more.
“I’m seeing the ball pretty well right now and have had big momentum. We’ve only lost three games this year but I think we’ve kind of lost them in the right spots so we have held ourselves accountable so I’m excited,” said Cestero.
As cheers erupted, Westfield knew they’d be heading to the next round. The game ended with a 5-2 win for the Blue Devils, accomplishing their goals of knocking out New Providence early in the tournament.
“We got a couple of key hits when we needed to and had a better approach. We played hard and put pressure on the defense which is always important,” explained head coach Jay Cook.
The Blue Devils will play in the Union County semifinal round this Saturday at 12p.m. against rival Cranford.
