Sports
Manalapan's Bats Power Braves to Beat Lions
Kyle Rubbinaccio has another strong outing as Braves topple Lions.
There is not much Kyle Rubbinaccio cannot do these days.
The Braves right-handed starting pitcher had another strong outing, throwing 4 2/3 innings, striking out five, walking three, and allowing three earned runs -- all of which came in the fifth inning -- as Manalapan cruised to a 12-3 win over Middletown North, Wednesday April 27 at .
"Kyle [Rubbinaccio] pitched well,"Manalapan head coach Brian Boyce said,"I thought he got squeezed late in the game which lead to a couple runs, but he battled out there. Kyle give us everything."
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Alex Decastro lead the way for the Braves with a three RBI day, including a two-run home run to right field in the bottom of the fifth inning to help put the game away.
Nick Kreiger had a strong day at the plate as well, going 2-3 with a walk and drove in two runs.
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The Braves got their runs started in the bottom of the first, scoring three runs with two outs in the inning. Chris Baird drove in Decastro with a two-out double to center field.
Derek Kawa would then drive home Baird with an RBI single to left field. Baird would come around and eventually score on a wild pitch.
The Braves would add two more runs in the second inning when Decastro walked with the bases loaded, and Baird delivered a sacrifice fly to right field.
Baird added a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth to pad the Braves lead to 8-0. Manalapan gained two more runs in the inning and an RBI double from Frank Derise; Kawa scored on a play at the plate, making it a 10-0 game.
"That's been our game the whole year," Boyce said, "Our lineup has some good at-bats. If it's not the top of the order it could be the middle or the bottom that gets the job done."
Billy Gulino came in relief for Manalapan, allowing just one hit, one walk, and struck out four batters over the 2 1/3 innings that he was on the mound.
"We expected to play well and that's what we did," Boyce said, "When we jump out early, we are able to become a pretty good team."
The Braves will be at home again April 28, hosting Christian Brothers Academy at 3:45 p.m.
