The Eagles strung together several hits in the next inning but were kept off the board by WHS senior pitcher Mike Androconis. The two-time varsity player struck out three consecutive batters to counter Edison’s scoring threat.

“Our pitching was better than theirs, if we got in trouble with runners on base early in an inning, Androconis beared down and got key outs to help kill their momentum,” said Ionta.

In the bottom of the second inning, senior Marc Luino singled to center, and Perconte followed with a walk. However, the next WHS batters were retired to keep the runners stranded.

The game quickly heated up in the top of the third when Edison scored on a single to left field to take a 2-1 lead. When the Blue Devils came up to bat again, they could not capitalize with runners in scoring position.

Said Androconis: “We’ve done well with getting guys into scoring position but, we struggle with getting the big hit to drive the runs in and break the game open.”

WHS caught up with Edison in the fourth inning when Luino reached third on a fielder’s choice and an overthrow. Luino then scored on a passed ball tying up the game, 2-2.

The fifth and sixth innings continued with neither team scoring.

It was not until the last inning that WHS took the game. Ionta hit a double to right field with an 0-2 count. Junior Dan DoCampo then laid down a suicide squeeze allowing Ionta’s hit to come home with junior pinch runner Colin Dursee, finishing off the game 3-2.

Said DoCampo: “I expected the squeeze earlier in the count, but when coach called it with two strikes I was surprised because of the risk involved with the play but I embraced the challenge and got it done for the win.