Snow boosts Cobras

By MIKE TOMPKINS
Published April 9, 2005

HUDSON - Hudson's Tommy Snow pitched a complete-game three-hitter, striking out five and walking three as the Cobras cruised past Gulf 8-2 in a key Class 4A, District 10 matchup.

In snapping the Bucs' four-game win streak, Snow (4-1) pitched his third complete game of the season.

"It's easy to rely on the guy," Cobras coach Vince Ferlita said. "He's just a warrior. The best way I could describe him is to say that I want the game in his hands. He did it again against a good district foe who's riding some big-time success in the recent past. He's a gamer."

Hudson (7-6, 4-3 in the district) wasted no time getting their bats, and legs, alive. Leadoff hitter Andrew Collins led off the first inning with a single into rightfield. He advanced to second on a groundout before stealing his county-leading 12th base. After a strikeout, Collins then gave the Cobras a 1-0 lead when he scored on a Kevin Fagan wild pitch.

The Cobras added two more in the second inning. After a leadoff single by catcher Matt Rasinowski, designated hitter Danny Russo drove a one-hopper to the left-centerfield fence for a double, driving in pinch-runner Chris Connell. An attempt to throw out Connell at home allowed Russo to advance to third. After a strikeout, Brandon Armstrong reached on an error, driving in Russo. After a scoreless third, Hudson added three in the fourth on a single by Collins, an error and a sacrifice fly. Collins added his 13th stolen base. Gulf (8-8, 2-5) finally found some life against Snow in the sixth. With one out, Snow walked two consecutive batters. He then struck out Norberto Navarro before designated hitter Tony Gironda drove a 3-2 pitch to the rightfield warning track for a double, driving in Cory Paterson and Brandon Decker. The next batter, Kyle Trouton, grounded out to end the inning. Hudson got its six-run lead back in the bottom of the inning, when, following a single by Billy Dickert, Sam Donataccio smacked a 1-0 fastball over the left-field fence for his third home run of the year.

[Last modified April 9, 2005, 07:10:29]