Astro Falcons winw NABF World Series

July 25, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

STRUTHERS

Trailing 4-0 and down to their last at-bat, the Astro Falcons did what they do best: get batters on base so that the meat of their order could do some damage.

And damage they did as they scored five times in the seventh inning to defeat Crab (Maryland) University, 5-4 and capture the NABF 18-U World Series Sunday at Bob Cene Park.

Jared Kapturasky, who pitched Astros (40-7) into the championship game, hit a two-run single to tie the game at 4-4. Noah Laster’s single past a pulled-in infield scored Kaptursky with the winning run.

“All I wanted to do was put the ball in play in order to give us a chance at scoring a run,” Laster said. “I was waiting for [pitcher Conor Grammes’] off-speed pitch, but got a fast ball and was able to drive it. This team showed a lot of heart all year, especially today in battling back from four runs down in our last at bat. We played a lot of great games all season, but this was by far the most gratifying and exciting.”

Kapturasky, who was named tournament MVP, also had two runs batted in and scored a run.

“This is without a doubt the crowning moment of my Astro Falcons career. We’re a group of guys from different schools that just came together and jelled as a team, having a lot of fun along the way,” Kapturasky said. “I am humbled to be named tournament MVP, but this does not happen without my teammates. They share this honor with me today as well.”

Manager Andy Timko called Kapturasky and Laster players who will battle right to the end.

“Jared is a winner, a real fighter and one of the toughest players ever to put on an Astro Falcons uniform. He had a very special career for us,” he said. “Noah just kept battling that last time up, fouling off pitches until he got the one that he liked. He came up clutch when we really needed him to.”

Crab U. broke the scoreless tie in the second inning when Jarret Faunce was hit by a pitch and Ryan Engh singled, both of whom later scored on an infield error.

After a four hour and 22 minute delay due to rain and lightning, Crab U. added to their lead with two more runs in the sixth to stretch their lead to 4-0.

Colin Bergh’s single up the middle plated both Engh and Vincent Walker.

In the seventh inning, Tyler Canova, Jacob Bonner and Matt Gibson each had infield singles to cut the score to 4-1.

Kapturasky’s single cut the led to 4-3 with Gunn scoring the tying run and Kapturasky moving to third base on a Crab throwing error.

That would set the stage for Laster’s game-winning hit and heroics.

ASTRO FALCONS 5, SAYO GRAYS 4, Semifinals

Astro Falcons advanced to the championship game for the second time in five years with a 5-4 decision over Sayo Grays.

Kapturasky threw seven innings in relief, allowing just one run, scattering six-hits and striking out five to pick up the win.

Astros took the early 2-0 lead in the opening frame on run-scoring doubles by Jacob Bonner and Kaprutasky.

Sayo scored three times in first inning for a 3-2 lead.

Astros then stretched their lead to 5-3 in the seventh inning on Kapturasky’s second single.

CRAB UNIVERSITY 5, WEST NEW YORK TIGERS 3, Semifinals

Crab University remained undefeated, winning their sixth game of the tourney as they eliminated the West New York Tigers, 5-3 to advance to their first ever championship game.