The Massapequa International Little League's Junior team overcame a difficult start to win the New York state tournament this weekend.
The Juniors came out of the loser's bracket to take the title, the league's first since 1995.
The team started strong, defeating defending champion Franklin Square in the opener, but then lost a game to Seneca North, according to the team's manager Joe Pinto.
Then Massapequa went on a run, defeating Highland 6-4 Friday behind the pitching of Kristen Moldovan and winning again over Franklin Square 5-1 with Mikey Cottone on the mound.
A 13-6 over Olean put them in the championship round, setting the stage for Sunday's heroics. Pat Clyne Drove in the go ahead run in a 3-2 win over Senaca, River, avenging Massapequa's loss and setting up one final game between the two teams for all the marbles.
With a shortage of pitching, Massapequa's Cole Masterson took the mound for the first time in two years, according to Pinto. He shut out Sennaca North for six innings.
Massapequa broke the game open in the top of the 7th as Andrew Ditzel and Greg Slator's back to back hits put them ahead 10-0. Matt Voyes went 2 for 2 and the final score was 13-4.
Massapequa goes onto the regionals in Freehold New Jersey with a game against Maryland at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Congratulations to the 2013 Massapequa International Little League Juniors:
Mgr. - Joe Pinto
Coach - Joe Amadio
Coach - Greg Slator
Players -
Mikey Cottone - 1B/P
Joe Imbriano - OF
Pat Clyne -OF/P
Dan Favicchio - 1B
Cole Masterson -SS
Kristen Moldovan -3B/P
Matt Pinto - C
Andrew Ditzel - OF/2B
Andrew Primm - OF/C
Joe Amadio - 2B
Matt Voyes -OF
Vinny Tossone - P
Greg Slator - 3B.
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