The Garden City 12 year old Williamsport tournament team came up big in their first 3 games of the LL tournament. Stellar pitching, great fielding and awesome hitting led the way for the 12s in their attempt to defend the district title they won as 11's last season. This team is loaded with talented young hitters. The 12s team average in the tournament is .500 and six different players have now 'gone yard' in tournament play. Luke Zeccola (2), John Dehler, Mark DeSantis, Nick Giannone, Brett Stewart, Justin Samardich have all hit four baggers.

In game one, GC fought off a stubborn New Hyde Park team to win 4-3 behind the solid 6 inning effort of Luke Zeccola, who picked up the win. Luke aided his own cause with a 3 run homer in the 3rd inning.

With the game tied going to the bottom of the 6th, Mark DeSantis led off with an infield hit and went to 2nd on a throwing error. Matt Rogers put down a perfect bunt single moving Mark to 3rd. Brian Goepfert drove in Mark with the winning run when his bunt single found a hole. Ryan Giacini added 2 hits for the winning cause.

In game two action, GC run-ruled Malverne 15-5 in 4 innings. Brett Stewart went the distance picking up the win. Luke Zeccola hit his 2nd homer of the tournament and went 3 for 3 with 3 rbi's. GC broke a 6-5 game open when John Dehler crushed a three run homer in the 3rd inning. Brian Goulard collected 3 rbi's for the day. Rich Mattone, Brett Stewart, Bobby Clarke and Nick Giannone all had two hits for GC.

In game three, GC roughed up a tough Franklin Square team 13-3. GC put on a power display with 4 home runs and 11 hits. Justin Samardich hit a walk off grand slam, Mark DeSantis and Nick Giannone hit three run homers and Brett Stewart had a solo shot. Justin made the play of the game when he ended a bases loaded one out rally by FS in the 4th by stabbing a grounder, stepping on 3rd and firing to 1st to complete an inning ending double play. Luke Zeccola picked up his 2nd win of the tournament pitching a complete game.

GC moves to the district finals next Monday July 20th at 7:30pm at Rath Park in Franklin Square.