66°
STAMFORD, Conn. Stamford American Legion senior baseball is finally beginning to get on the right side of one-run games. Stamford Legion Post 3 has played in a staggering 10 one-run games out of 17 played this season, and has gone 4-6 in those close affairs. Stamford got its second one-run win this week on Wednesday, hanging on to nip Norwalk, 8-7.
"This is a big boost for us, especially because of all the one-run losses we've had," Stamford head coach Kevin Murray said. "We'll take it one game at a time, but I like our chances. I think tonight we proved we can hit with the big boys."
Stamford thought it would finally come away with a convincing win against second-place Norwalk, leading 8-4 entering the final inning. Then the wheels came off for Stamford starter Dan White, who gave up a two-run double to Eric Stenger.
The ball briefly trickled past third baseman Phil D'Amico and Stenger broke for third. The Norwalk shortstop was a bit too greedy and was thrown out at third. That first out would end up being the key to Stamford's victory.
Ryan Curto came on in relief of White and was greeted with three consecutive Norwalk hits, cutting Stamford's lead to one. With the tying run on third and the go-ahead run on first, Matt Ederle grounded into a game-ending 6-4-3 double play.
"I wasn't even watching on that last play I was so nervous. It's always nice to get a win, especially against Norwalk," Stamford designated hitter Mike Beldotti said. "This is really the first time we've come out and hit a lot. We need to start doing this every game if we want to make a run."
Stamford jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Mike Beldotti drove in the game's first run, followed by a two-run triple by Brandon Docimo. Norwalk stormed right back in the top of the second with four runs.
Stamford took the lead again in the bottom of the frame on an RBI double by Ryan Curto, Beldotti's second RBI single, and on a Norwalk error. Stamford pushed the eventual game-winning run across in the fifth inning on an RBI single by Alex Rough.
With the win, Stamford (9-8) climbs back over the .500 mark, something it has struggled to do all season. Stamford needs to win six of its final 10 games to qualify for the state tournament. Stamford travels to last place Ridgefield on Friday for a 5:30 p.m. game.
Follow Eric Gendron on Twitter for the latest MSC-Fairfield County sports coverage.
Like The Daily Stamford on Facebook.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
