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Sports

Royals Softball Clinches Playoff Spot

Port Jefferson baseball team need one more win to clinch playoffs as well.

The baseball team won a crucial series against Southold last week, defeating the First Settlers two games to one, with the key victory of the three-game series occurring last Friday afternoon at the Royals home field.

Port Jefferson, which fell behind in the first inning, rallied to pull off a thrilling 14-13 win after Alex Carlacci delivered the game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the seventh inning, snapping a 13-13 tie. It was a huge walk off hit for the first place Royals (9-3 in League VIII).

"We’re one win away from clinching a playoff spot and we were hoping to get it done this series, but hopefully we’ll wind up clinching against Greenport," said Royals head coach Jesse Rosen. "The season’s definitely progressing nicely as we thought it would. We’re getting big hits when we need to, we’re making big plays when we need to. We’re letting teams hang around a little bit more than I’d like but generally when it comes down to it, it seems like we’re winding up on the victorious end."

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Carlacci’s hit scored catcher Joe Gerbino with the winning run. Gerbino was a major offensive force in the game, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a solo home run (in the bottom of the fifth inning) three RBI and three runs scored. Much like he has all season, Gerbino’s defense from behind the plate stood out as Rosen noted how he saved three runs from scoring with his outstanding play.

"Joe catches three games each week for us and he’s done a fantastic job," Rosen said. "A good portion of the reason why our pitching staff is performing like it has is because of Joe."

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Carlacci, Port Jefferson’s superb centerfielder, also made several nice plays in the win over Southold and he drew the praise of his coach.

"Alex goes and gets absolutely everything and it definitely makes a huge difference for us," he said. "He and Joe help anchor our defense and our entire infield are returning starters and they’ve been solid as well."

Dan Serignese started game three on the pitcher’s mound for the Royals although Alex Tsunis recorded his league-leading sixth win of the season, entering the game in relief. Third baseman Billy Crowe helped spark the Royals four-run seventh inning, blasting a two-run home run (his second of the season) to tie the game 13-13.

“I think we definitely haven’t hit our full stride yet,’ said Rosen. “We’ve shown glimpses of it, both offensively and defensively, but I’d like them to get in the habit of winning every single inning.”

The Royals play at Greenport on May 10 in the first game of a three-game series and can clinch a playoff spot with one more victory. Port Jeff’s next home game takes place on May 11 at 4:30 p.m.

Lady Royals Clinch League VIII Title

The wins just keep on coming for the Port Jefferson softball team which clinched at least a share of the Suffolk League VIII title last week with a commanding 24-10 victory at Mattituck on May 7. Michiko McGivney was spectacular once again, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the plate, scoring six runs and collecting five RBI and her sister Molly McGivney added four hits, three runs scored and two RBI.

Michiko was also the winning pitcher, recording her team-leading sixth win of the season in a game which she struck out 12 batters.

The Lady Royals (11-2 in League VIII) play at Shelter Island on May 10 and host Southold/Greenport on May 11.

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