The Westbury baseball team dominated Roosevelt 11-0 on Monday, May 8th. Sophomore Jonathan Cruz pitched a five-inning no-hitter, and Westbury improved to 11-5 on the season. First place in the Countywide 2 Conference is in reach with one more win against Roosevelt on the road on Tuesday.
Cruz brought his usual dominant pitch mix, and struck out twelve Roosevelt batters over five innings without letting up a hit or a run. He also added an RBI at the plate.
The Westbury offense was led by the seniors. The senior class combined for seven of ten Dragons hits on the afternoon. Miguel Reyes drove in Ryan Alvarez for the game’s first run on a line drive to center field in the second inning. Alvarez drove in two more runs and stole two bases in the game. Omar Ahmad Ventura piled on the final two RBI in an 11-0 blowout. The umpire called the game after five innings.
Coach Ryan Mulholland honored the team’s five graduating seniors before the final home game with thoughtful words of encouragement in front of their teammates and family members.
“Everybody’s really contributed this year, especially these five young men,” said Coach Mulholland.
The five seniors, Ryan Alvarez, Alex Munguia, Miguel Reyes, Omar Ahmad Ventura, and Spencer Sossous, all received a framed picture and signed baseball to remember their time with the team.
Coach Mulholland gave high praise to senior Ryan Alvarez as a natural hitter and for his ability to play all over the field. Mulholland also revered how well-respected and liked by his teammate Alvarez has been over three seasons on varsity.
“We’re going to miss everything he brings to the table, especially his bat, his glove and his arm,” said Mulholland.
Alex Munguia, the Dragons’ captain and longest-tenured varsity player, was lauded by the coaches for his leadership.
“Alex is the king of respect here. Everybody looks up to him. He’s always looked to help everybody out, especially guys who are newer to the team,” said Coach Mulholland.
Munguia battled through an injury last season but was able to contribute to the Dragons’ success in a big way his senior season.
“One of the most heart-wrenching times I’ve been a part of here was Alex separating his shoulder last year,” said Coach Mulholland. “Thank God he was able to come back. He’s back in the order, and he’s having a great season.”
Omar Ahmad Ventura only started playing baseball last year, but had a great all-around senior season for the Dragons as the team’s leadoff hitter and center fielder. Ventura hit for a .491batting average over his varsity career, heading into Senior Day..
“Stepping on the field for the first time against varsity opponents and putting those kind of numbers up is incredible,” said Coach Mulholland.
Spencer Sossous was another welcome addition to the Dragons this spring. Sossous also learned game for the first time in high school, but Coach Mulholland commended his improvement throughout the season and his team-first attitude.
“I give him all the credit in the world for coming out and playing a sport that he did not know at all. He put himself out there, and now he’s our starting DH today,” said Coach Mulholland before the game.
The coaching staff was also impressed with senior Miguel Reyes’ development as a player in his two varsity seasons. Reyes’ strong qualities as a teammate also stood out to them this season.
“He’s always getting the team going. He’s one of the most respected guys we have on this team; we’re going to miss him a lot,” said Coach Mulholland.
This Westbury senior class has contributed to some of the most successful years in program history the last two springs. The team finished on a nine game win streak last season, and now have their sights set on the first conference title in fifty years.
(Credit: Joe Morreale)
(Photos by Joe Morreale)
