The Rocco Brothers This past Monday night, the regular season champion Cardinals defeated the Giants in the National League Championship game, 1-0. With two of the league's best hurlers on the mound, Matt Rogers and Luke Zeccola, both teams were geared up for a pitcher's duel.

Rogers and Zeccola did not disappoint. Both pitchers allowed few base-runners and struck out a combined total of 15 batters. After a close call at the plate where Giants catcher Marty Waters tagged out a sliding Jack Cashwell, the Cardinals were finally able to get on the board early with an RBI single by slugger Tom VanWallendael, scoring Matt Rogers from third base. One run was enough to secure the victory.

The Cardinals played flawless defense all night. Jack Cashwell made a big catch in right field and catcher Brogan Mahon made a brilliant throw to second base when the Giants attempted to steal. First baseman Jack Lori and second baseman Tom Rocco formed a wall on the right side of the infield, shutting down multiple Giant batters. Justin Samardich and Devon McGuinness took care of the left side of infield, scooping up ground balls and making major league quality throws to first all night. Timmy Dolan, Cole Drummond, and Drew Mancusi anchored the outfield with laser-like throws which kept the Giant base-runners in check. Ross Sutton, the Cardinals version of Mariano Rivera, once again handled the 6th inning pressure with ease by forcing the Giants to ground into a 6-3, Rogers to Lori, game-ending double play.

Two Time Champion T.V. All of the Cardinals players made a significant contribution to the team's success this year. A special congratulations goes out to the older Cards-Jack Lori, Tom Rocco, Matt Rogers, Justin Samardich, and Tom VanWallendael-for their second championship in a row.

The Giants knew that the Championship game was going to be tough with Matt Rogers on the hill, but were ready to accept the challenge. Luke Zeccola took the mound and delivered his patented fastball with pinpoint accuracy. Marty Waters, who has been solid all year, called a great game behind the plate.

The Giant first base platoon of Daniel Combatti and John Malandro scooped up everything thrown their way. Andrew Ferri played an alert second base, Brett Alvarez was sure-handed at short, and a combination of Joey Rocco, Nayeem Baksh, and Jack Fenty played a mean third base at the hot corner. The Giants outfield was also at its best with Richie Mattone the glue in center, Zack Stamoulis showing off his gun for an arm, and Tommy Lane chasing down anything hit his way.

Two Generations of Waters The Giants had trouble generating much offense, but Luke Zeccola hit a shot to left center in the 4th, putting himself in scoring position. There was a little brotherly love when Giant Joey Rocco beat out an infield hit, but was thrown out trying to steal second base tended by his brother Tom. Most of the Giants were able to hang tough with the bats, but the Cardinals' defense would not break.

All in all, both teams played one of the better games of the year and treated the fans to some high quality baseball.

National League Cardinals, left to right, rear: Coach Cashwell, Justin Samardich, Jack Cashwell, Matt Rogers, Drew Mancusi, Jack Lori, Cole Drummond, Coach Lori; left to right, front: Devon McGuinness, Tom Rocco, Tom VanWallendael, Timmy Dolan, Ross Sutton, and Brogan Mahon. National League Giants, left to right, rear: Coach Zeccola, Luke Zeccola, Coach Mattone, Dan Combatti, Zack Stamoulis, Marty Waters, John Malandro, Coach Waters, Thomas Lane; left to right, front: Andrew Ferri, Brett Alvarez, Richie Mattone, Jack Fenty, Joey Rocco, and Nayeem Baksh.