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GAME RECAP: 8-Run Sixth Proves the Difference in Ospreys’ 11-0 win

by Tucker Terranova_x000D_

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The 2023 season was a forgettable one for the North Fork Ospreys, compiling an 11-22 record that left them at the bottom of the standings. They struggled in all facets, ranking last in runs scored and first in runs allowed._x000D_
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However, 2024 has ushered in a fresh start for North Fork under new head coach Vinnie Morelli. With a nearly complete roster overhaul, retaining only two players from last year, North Fork has surged to the top with an impressive 8-4 record heading into today’s game._x000D_
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In another standout performance, North Fork’s offense ignited for 11 runs on 11 hits, with every player in the lineup reaching base. Bobby Jellison excelled on the mound, pitching a stellar game to lead North Fork to a commanding 11-0 victory over the Westhampton Aviators. The game was efficiently concluded in just six innings, wrapping up in only an hour and 40 minutes._x000D_

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North Fork wasted no time getting to work. As the HCBL’s second-highest-scoring team, North Fork has excelled this season by frequently jumping ahead early. In the top of the second inning, Tyler DiRocco smashed his second home run in three days, launching a towering shot over the left-field wall to establish the tone and put them on the scoreboard with a solo blast._x000D_
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In the top of the fourth, North Fork capitalized on a two-out rally that loaded the bases. Aidan O’Keefe hit a high popup to first base, which Tyler Smith mishandled, allowing two to score and giving North Fork a 3-0 lead._x000D_

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Westhampton struggled to mount an early response as Jellison dominated their lineup all afternoon, limiting them to just five runners left on base._x000D_
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“Command was a big part, I was getting ahead early in counts,” Jellison told Axcess Baseball after the game. “The pitch calling was awesome today. It allowed me to get in a rhythm early.”_x000D_
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The right-handed sophomore from Salem St. College secured his first win of the summer with an impressive performance. Jellison allowed four hits, issued one walk, and recorded five strikeouts on 78 pitches, effectively navigating through Westhampton’s offense._x000D_
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North Fork’s offensive explosion unfolded in the sixth inning when Aviators’ starter Mikey Myro exited in favor of Stefan Swee._x000D_
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Swee faced a rough reception, as North Fork capitalized with eight runs (two earned) in just 0.2 innings of relief. The onslaught began when Leighton Hefflick walked, stole second and third on consecutive pitches, and scored on a liner to left field by Nicholas Lorenzo. Lorenzo later scored on a passed ball. Anthony Equale contributed his third single of the afternoon, followed by Ty Acker, currently pacing the HCBL with a .532 batting average, who added a single of his own to load the bases._x000D_

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Equale crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice, followed by Nick Pratt, Jason Hanson, and Kai Aoki each adding RBIs of their own. Hefflick, batting for the second time in the inning, capped off the rally with a two-run homer, extending North Fork’s lead to 11-0 with a total of eight runs scored in the inning._x000D_
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“Our offense has been hitting really well lately. It gives me confidence as a pitcher, knowing that if I keep the score low we’ll probably win the game,” Jellison said._x000D_
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This proved to be more than enough for North Fork, as the game was called under the mercy rule at the end of the sixth inning._x000D_
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North Fork will return home for the sixth time in their last seven games to take on the Shelter Island Bucks, a showdown between the top two teams in the HCBL tomorrow afternoon. First pitch is set for 5 pm._x000D_
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Meanwhile, Westhampton heads home aiming to rebound against the South Shore Clippers tomorrow at 5 pm._x000D_
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“We’re feeling good right now. We’re a close team just having fun and winning games,” said Jellison._x000D_
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