Every once in a while you just tip your cap to the opposition. That was the type of game it was for Hicksville’s JV baseball team in their 3-0 loss to Massapequa. The starting pitcher for the Massapequa Chiefs, Patrick Clyne threw a complete game shutout, while allowing three hits, walking none and striking out four.
Clyne was forced to pitch under duress only one time and that was in the third inning with the game still scoreless. He allowed a two-out single to opposing pitcher Terrence Wong. The next two batters followed with infield hits to load the bases. He was able to make a big pitch, however, to end the threat and keep the Comets off the board.
Wong was nearly just as effective and breezed through the first three innings allowing only three singles while striking out two. He ran into trouble in the fourth, however. He allowed a leadoff single to Doug Smith, before getting the next two batters out. A wild pitch put Smith into scoring position. The following batter, Stephen Codispodo smacked a double to put the Chiefs on the board. The next batter, Justin Schirmacher, lined a single to drive in Codispodo which provided Clyne all the support he needed.
From that point on, neither team was able to muster any more offense. Hicksville did put a runner in scoring position in the sixth inning after a dropped fly ball by the center fielder, but Clyne escaped the jam by striking out Sarni.
Wong threw a very clean game, and kept his composure after the tough fourth inning. It was a very impressive outing for a 14-year-old ninth grader against the Chiefs, who are now 6-0.
“I thought he pitched real well for the most part,” said Hicksville coach Casale. “Massapequa is a team that can hit the ball, if you get behind and you have to throw a strike, they can make you pay.”
A strong point for the Comets was the defense. Wong benefitted from some strong play, especially from the infield defense who made some difficult plays appear very easy.
Casale stated that the offense struggled, but they are generally a potent lineup. They had averaged eight runs a game until this series, when they ran into upper echelon pitchers.
The game was completed in a tidy one hour and 10 minutes. The Comets moved to 5-2-1 with the loss.
