Under a bright, full moon over Marco Island, Joey’s Pizza did what no one else had been able to do all year. It defeated NeNe’s Kitchen in the championship game of the Marco Island Adult softball league 5-3.
In something you don’t see often in adult softball, the championship game was a defensive battle with both teams making great plays in the field.
The game started off as most this year with NeNe’s jumping out ahead as it held Joey’s, while scoring two runs on Brad Frazier’s double, which scored Eric Nagel and Wes Alberry.
Once again, with good fielding plays NeNe’s held Joey’s scoreless in the second inning while adding a run on Greg St. Amour’s single that plated JP Nachef. But it would be all the runs NeNe’s would score.
In the third inning Joey’s captain Santo Gentile started it off with a single. Shane Moore followed with a walk, and when Steve Pahr, with one of his 4 hits for the night, hit the ball deep to the outfield, Gentile scored on an over throw at the plate. Joey Oliverio then singled home Moore and Pahr to tie the game.
The fifth inning saw Pahr adding another hit and when Justin Hanna added his second hit of the night Joey’s moved ahead 4-3. Once again good defensive work by Joey’s Luke Lutkemeyer at second base and Santo Gentile, who played like a man possessed in center field, left NeNe’s in the unfamiliar position of being behind.
In the top of the sixth great defensive plays by NeNe’s Pat McGuire and Lee Vanderjagt held Joey’s in check and Joey’s responded with its own solid defensive work as neither team scored.
In the final inning Steve Pahr collected his fourth hit and scored on Justin Hanna third hit of the night, Joey’s added another run, moving ahead by two.
In their final at-bats NeNe’s had its heart of its batting order coming up. But Joey’s third baseman Mike Buis made a play on a hard-hit ball, then second baseman Zach Lutkmeyer and shortstop Parh turned a double play to end the undefeated streak for NeNe’s and gave Joey’s the championship trophy.
On behalf of the City of Marco Island I want to thank all the participants of this year’s adult softball League, Congratulations to regular season champion NeNe’s Kitchen who ended with a 17-1 record and Joey’s Pizza as the end of the season tournament Champion.
Have a great off season, and come out and watch some fun Co-Ed Softball, April 19 at Winterberry Park.
Marco Island Code Compliance Board
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 6
26yearsonmarco writes:
The baseball season is over, and Joey’s beat Ne Ne’s in the final game.
What happened after the game is a whole different story, and is a perfect example of poor sportsmanship, as shown on this link to a team member named Santo Gentile’s Face Book Page.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Santo-...
The team players are clearly seen giving the Ne Ne sign the Bird. If a member of any other Sports Team did this they would be suspended and the Trophy taken away.
Shame on them.
RayPray writes:
Watch some of this blowhard porky old guy softball at Winterberry Field and you can see, in terms of athletics, it's just one step up from being in a coma.
For some true action, check out wheelchair tennis instead!
2themoon writes:
Raypray, you're probably confusing the Marco Seniors league which I play in with the Marco Adult league which this article is about. Our league is known as the 'Fat' bellies and the adult league is known as the 'flat' bellies. First of all you obviously have never seen the seniors play or your to affraid to. We'd run circles around you old fart! Why dont you come tryout for our league next season if you are over 55 yrs or older and if your not dont even attempt to play in the Adult league they are fast powerful and talented atheletes. Also would just like to say that Ive followed the team from NeNe's this year and they are they best team by far in that league.
marcosunbum writes:
What is wrong with you people?! How about a congrats to the Joeys team for winning! What's wrong with a little celebration? I saw the facebook pic the other day, hilarious! Looks like couple of buddies having a good, fun, harmless time. Congrats Joeys softball for a big win!!! Also congrats to the Joeys senior team!
happy34145 writes:
LAME LAME LAME, first time blogger??? first blog is defending the Joey empire???. Joey, way to transparent...embarassing...
buckeyenut writes:
Well at least Ne-Ne can say they have way better food.
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