By: Coach Carchietta for MorrisCountyHSsports.net
Sophomores Greg Brueckner and Dawris Gonzalez both showed signs of promising futures today at Dover. With both programs are sporting a majority of underclassman and newcomers in the starting line up, you wouldn’t expect either team to respond like veterans. But, up for the challenge on opening day, both squads erased deficits and battled until the final out. Madison won the season opener between to no non-conference foes 5-4. The Dodgers received clutch hitting performances from Steve Martin (2-4), Robert Emmerich (3-4), Matt Behre (2-4) and Pat Shea (2-4). The Dodgers struck first and led 1-0 as a result of a leadoff double by Behre in the top of the 2nd. Behre moved to third as Andrew Retica advanced the runner. An RBI-single by Greg Brueckner changed the scoreboard.The Tigers responded in the bottom of the third. Catcher Justin Hartman lead off the inning with a single. With one out, Luis Mendoza safely reached 1st on an infield single. DH John Garcia walked to load the bases for Gonzales. The Sophomore singles in two runs with a sharp drive to right. The Tigers added a third run on a well executed 1st and 3rd taking a 3-1 lead. Madison’s defense was still sharp and avoided a big inning. For the second time in the game, the Dodgers caught the runner from third breaking for home on contact. Both defensive plays kept Dover taking a commanding lead. Like true veterans, the Dodgers responded. Immediately. Behre singles. Retica doubles. A sharp ball down the line hit by Brueckner manages to squeak into right. A balk, a double by Shea and deep fly ball that was misplayed lead to a four run fourth for the Dodgers. Dover added a run in the fourth as Alex Firmenich lead off with a triple. Garcia’s single scored Firmenich to get the Tiger within one. Brueckner was sharp, despite the big third inning for the Tigers. The sophomore looked impressive in the first striking out two and leaving a running in scoring position; then again in the 5th. Brueckner used two more K’s to hold off the Tigers and leave runner stranded at 2nd and 3rd. Dover left 4 runners (out of 5 LOB) in scoring position and had two thrown out at the plate. Mother Nature took care of clearing up the sky and heating it up for perfect baseball weather. Madison and Dover took care of making it an entertaining game for those at hand.
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