Little League Red Sox Dismantle East Lake Pirates Pitching

The Greater Dunedin Little League's Majors Red Sox jumped on the Greater Largo Little League's mid-season champs, the East Lake Pirates, early and often Wednesday evening in their second game of the Lou Caprara Tournament in Largo.

The Red Sox's lost to Holiday in their first game 7-6.

“They (the East Lake Pirates) were heavy favorites going in,” Dunedin Red Sox Coach Hernando Gallegos said.

Apparently, no one told Red Sox second baseman Thomas Bujalski, who smacked a double down the third base line to set the tone of the game. The Red Sox put up five runs in the first inning, one each during the second and third, and four big ones to end the game 11-1 at four innings on the mercy rule.

“The pitching was there, heads-up base running, timely hits; it was a great game for us,” Assistant Red Sox Coach Dave Giora said.

Red Sox starting pitcher Aiden Gallegos was strong through four-and-a-third innings, only giving up one run and three hits.

Lead-off hitter Thomas Bujalski had a monster game. He led off the first inning with a double, the second inning with a triple and got an RBI on a fly ball during the third inning. He also scored two runs.

The play-by-play

The Red Sox were able to load the bases during the first inning with a walk (Aiden Gallegos) and a hit (Matt Vanatt), setting the stage for third baseman Buster Krebbs, who drew a walk to push in the first run. Then, catcher Brendan Hyland hit a grounder to second base that allowed two more runs to score.

After that, the pressure was on for the Pirates pitching.

Pirates starting pitcher Jake Hansen was pulled not long after the fourth Red Sox run to slipped in. Pirate Head Coach DJ Carney relieved him with first baseman Sean Carney.

“We needed somebody to come in and throw strikes,” Carney said.

Carney managed to stabilize things, temporarily. He held Dunedin to just one run in the second and third innings but by fourth inning, the Red Sox wouldn't be contained.

Red Sox starting shortstop Vincent Galante approached the plate with bases loaded and one out. He knocked one right at East Lake first baseman Kestler Harbuck. The ball tailed down, just under his glove, between his legs and into the outfield. Galante made it to second base and pushed in two runs ahead of him.

Again, Pirates Coach Carney brought in another reliever (Harbuck). Harbuck walked Matthew Moore to load the bases and it all came unraveled. Nicholas McIntosh drew another walk with his plate appearance, sending in a run. Brent Franklin was awarded another walk and the score was 11-1. The 10-run rule was applied and the win went to the Red Sox.

The Dunedin Red Sox move to 1-1 in their age group and play their final group game on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Largo. Teams are playing to advance into the elimination round.

Greater Dunedin Little League Update

• The AAA Jays took the top-team title in a 7-5 win over the Rays on May 11.
• The Senior White Sox lost their first tournament game by one run in extra innings on May 16. The White Sox and the Rays both play games at the on Saturday at 7 p.m.
• The Junior Jays defeated Oldsmar 14-3 on Tuesday in the Lou Caprara Tournament.