They had been battling head-to-head at the top of the league all season, but the Coast Industrial Construction Leftovers and Frank's Auto of the Kaien Island Slo Pitch League (KISL) finally came to an explosive head on Sunday's "A" division final.
The Leftovers, led by coach Mimmo Ciccone were in a dead-heat with Frank's, tied 3-3 going into the sixth-inning of the seven-inning affair when the Leftovers' Aaron Sampare blasted a three-run homerun to the opposite field, breaking the game open to make it 6-3 en-route to a fourth straight playoffs championship run for the Leftovers with a final score of 10-3.
Some outstanding infield defensive work from Krista Astoria, first-baseman Sandy Lowe and Desiree McNeill made sure the ball never left the scope of the diamond while Frank's was at bat in the final two innings. They also got on base a good number of times
"Our girls came through big-time," said Ciccone.
"All year long, we've always had the compliment of girls that we've needed every game and they've come through for us all year. With the bunts for us tonight and getting on base, [they played outstanding]."
Another three-run dinger by Sampare in the seventh put the game away for good for the Leftovers, who, in the regular season, tied Frank's once, lost to them once and beat them once; part of only two of three blemishes on Frank's terrific 30-2-1 (W-L-T) regular season record that put them atop the KISL standings.
"Just got lucky," said Sampare of his two home runs.
"I just played hard and that's about it ... the game was good. It's my first year with the team and it's a positive team – good players and a good group."
Frank's pitcher Trevor Girbav intentionally walked some of the Leftovers' bigger hitters but couldn't stymie Sampare in a good showing for the Frank's ace. Steve Joseph and Real Jones also contributed.
Jonathan Hunt sat down more than a few opposing hitters in an impressive showing on the mound for the Leftovers ,who were facing a bit of a depleted Frank's lineup.
"They had a couple injuries as well. I don't think they necessarily had their best team out there [with the hurt players out], but they're a good team. The [Sea-Sport] Sluggers are another up-and-coming team. It's their second year [in the league]; they just lost in the semi-finals to [Frank's], 13-12. It could have went either way for them.
The KISL year-end awards ceremony is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20.