New Hyde Park Little League Loses Close Game to Malverne

Malverne's senior division baseball team pulled out a tough 14-12 win over New Hyde Park on Saturday in the first game of the double elimination Little League tournament. It was the continuation of a game from Friday that was called off in the third inning because of bad weather.

"We gave up a big lead in the bottom of the sixth inning but we were able to hold on and win the game," said Malverne Head Frank Leone. "I thought our hitting was good today and starting pitcher Nick [Leone] came in and helped us close out the game."

Malverne had a seven run lead, 12-5 entering the bottom of the sixth, but New Hyde Park's bats got hot. They rallied, scoring six runs to cut Malverne's lead to one run.

Batters Will Hickey, Matt Davang and Brendan Parnell all knocked in doubles to help New Hyde Park mount its comeback. It looked like they would take the lead over Malverne when Leone stepped in to relieve pitcher Franklin Abreu. Leone was able to stop the bleeding with two outs and thwart New Hyde Park's comeback attempt.

"Our boys never gave up today," said New Hyde Park head coach Will Hickey. "We were down yesterday 5-0 and came back to tie the game and today came within one run of tying up the score. These guys have no quit in them, that's for sure."

Glen Carey and Nick Leone each had a home run for Malverne.

Liam Knight, Alec D'aulisa and Matt McDaniels also had big hits to help Malverne in its win.

New Hyde Park lost their second game to Valley Stream, 13-0, to be eliminated from the tournament.