The East Passyunk baseball squad tasted sweet revenge Tuesday by knocking off the school that eliminated them in 2010.
Joey Gorman picked up the win In Tuesday’s Catholic League final.
The Neumann-Goretti baseball team enjoyed the Memorial Day holiday, but the day after celebration is the one they’ll remember most. Tuesday afternoon, the East Passyunk squad traveled to Widener University to face Monsignor Bonner for the Catholic League crown. Unlike the 2010 playoffs, the Saints, based at 1736 S. 10th St., left the Chester County campus with a little extra baggage in the form of a Catholic League championship following a 3-1 victory.
The latest triumph improved the squad’s record to a perfect 21-0 and gave Neumann-Goretti its second league crown in three seasons. Head coach Lou Spadaccini entered the season quite confident that his team had the talent to get the job done.
“I always thought we would win because we have such tremendous heart and passion,” he said. “I’ve never seen kids so relentless to win every game. It’s special to see neighborhood kids care so much about each other. We always expect to win the championship, that’s why we work so hard all year round.”
The contest was tied 1-1 following seven innings, but the Saints needed only one extra frame to achieve their goal. Marty Venafro and Jimmy Kerrigan led the winning effort by contributing RBI singles. Joey Gorman picked up the win. In his eight-inning effort, he allowed just four singles and three walks while striking out three.
The crowning moment allowed the Saints to avenge last spring’s postseason defeat to Bonner, who eliminated the local squad in the semifinals.
“It was nice to right that wrong and take back our title from Bonner,” Spadaccini said.
Neumann-Goretti is now focusing on its next test: Franklin Towne Charter in today’s District 12 Class AAA City title game. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. at Richie Asburn Field in F.D.R. Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue.
“We are looking forward to Thursday and becoming City champions,” the coach said.
The first round of the PIAA playoffs follows on Monday.
Contact Editor Bill Gelman at bgelman@southphillyreview.com or ext. 121.
The rotund rocker Meat Loaf declared “Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad” in 1977, long before the baseball players at Ss. Neumann-Goretti High School, 1736 S. 10th St., were born and only three years into coach Lou Spadaccini’s existence. If they were to meet the singer, they would surely balk at his reasoning.
Article:
Public League baseball roundup
Article:
Neumann-Goretti baseball in final four
Article:
Prep Charter seniors ready for playoffs
Article:
Little League teammates compete at Sabres Field
Article:
Gloria Brown completes UTEP career
Article:
Saints three-peat as PIAA champs
Article:
Scoop Jardine prepares for Sweet 16
Share this Story: