Pictured from left to right, beginning in the top row are: Sean Rule, Tim Brogan, Mason Diltz, Nick Filonow, Luke Skarkas, Tanner Viotto, Lucas Beers, Josh Gorlin, Will Nicoll, Asher Fateman, Jack Kehnle and Jared Melendez. And in front, from left to right are: Ivan Marrero, Braeden Burke, Joe Han, Jaxen Chiavaro, Joe Matise, Liam Hayes and Noah Brito. Evan Espinal and Dylan Nematz also are members of the Crusaders 12u baseball team. (
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The NYEB 2019 12u Fall postseason was held on Saturday, Oct. 26, at Kristi Babcock Memorial Park in New Windsor.
Crusaders 12u were the fifth seed heading into the NYEB 2019 Fall League Championship Playoffs.
In order to advance to the semifinals, Crusaders were tasked to play against the fourth seeded Mid-Hudson Tigers.
The game was close until the Crusaders put up seven runs in the top of sixth inning to seal the 12-6 victory.
Great pitching, stellar defense, and clutch hitting by entire team helped keep secure the Crusaders place in the semifinals.
The next opponent was the first-seeded Newburgh Knights who posted an impressive 9-1 fall record.
The Crusaders pulled off an upset as they beat the Knights 6-0 on a brilliant pitching performance by Nick Filonow (five innings and eight strikeouts) and timely hitting by Mason Diltz (2-3, double and and 2 2RBI).
The turning point in the game came in the thirrd inning when right fieldr Josh Gorlin made a diving catch with bases loaded with two outs, thereby preventing the Knights from scoring and taking the lead.
Needing one more win to be crowned champions, Crusaders now faced the second seed Dawg House from Milton.
The Crusaders gave a valiant effort as they fell short 4-0 and ending their underdog story. Lucas Beers pitched a great game (five inninfs, seven strikeouts), but Crusaders could not push across runs to help his effort.
The Crusaders were rewarded with 2019 Fall League Finalist Trophy.
The fall season came to an end but their team journey has just begun. This winter Crusaders 12u will continue to work hard as they prepare for 2020 Spring and Summer Seasons.
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