Guilford Pulls Ahead Late vs. Middletown

Apr 6, 2024

Lucas Deshefy's 2-RBI single in the top of the 7th broke a 1-1 tie, and allowed Guilford to exit Palmer Field with a 3-1 victory over Middletown HS on Friday afternoon. Adam Copeland tossed 6 innings, allowed just 3 hits and 1 run for the win, while Massimo Ruotolo earned the save in his Varsity pitching debut.

The Grizzlies only run through the first 6 innings came in the top of the 4th, when Bryce Meder reached on a Middletown infield error, and moved to 2nd when Copeland walked. Matt DiNardo followed with a ground ball that got past the pitcher, who then fielded the ball behind the mound, but his throw sailed past the Blue Dragon 1st baseman, allowing Meder to score from 2nd to give Guilford a 1-0 lead.

Copeland's only blemish in his 6, outstanding innings of work came in the bottom of the 6th, when Middletown's Frankie Randazzese, lead off the inning with a solo homer that tied the game at 1.

Meanwhile, Middletown's starter, Luke Weisenberg, held the Grizzlies' bats in check through his first 6 innings of work, striking out 10 batters while allowing just the 1 unearned run.

In the top of the 7th, Joe Tafro singled to start the inning before 2 more Middletown errors allowed the Grizzlies to load the bases with 0 outs. Deshefy would then deliver a 2-RBI, ground-ball single through the middle of the infield, and Guilford had regained the lead at 3-1.

Ruotolo would take the mound in the bottom of the 7th, in a closer's role, and pitched a hitless, scoreless frame to earn the save, and seal the victory for Guilford.

Alex Tafro lead the Guilford offense going 2 for 3 with a 2B and a run scored in the win. (video)

After a 2-0 start to the 2024 season, Guilford faces a quick turnaround as they will head to Trumbull on Sat. morning for a noon matchup vs. St. Joseph HS.