Carey Downs Sachem in Long Island Championship

Heading into the New York State Regionals Sachem North knew little of Carey. They knew of pitcher John Daddino, that he has a high strikeout average and throws hard.

The Flaming Arrows learned all too well about Daddino’s ability by the end of Sunday's contest at Farmingdale State College. Carey defeated Sachem, 5-3, behind Daddino’s 13 strikeout-performance and advances to the New York State Class AA semifinals Saturday in Binghamton, N.Y.

“We knew we had to keep the score low and we did,” said Sachem coach Tom Gambino, “but to score five off him is tough.”

Carey (20-6) opened the game in stride, tagging Sachem starter Mike Vitale for three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Tom Rydzewski hit a triple on the first pitch of the game. Steven Marino hit a two-run single, and Nick Safuto singled in Marino later in the inning.

“It happens,” said Sachem’s Alec Sole of the early hole, “but you have to look past that.”

Sachem’s (21-5) first run came when Sole, who finished 2-for-4, hit a one-run single in the top of the third, scoring Steve Kowalski.

Sole relieved Vitale two batters latter into the third, and allowed an RBI-single from Harry Smith, making it 4-1.

Carey added another run in the fourth and Sachem gave one last push of offensive production in the top of the seventh when Sole hit a two-out two-run single.

“Alec’s a really good hitter,” said Gambino. “He hasn’t gone a game all year without a hit. We fought to the end and that’s all you can hope for.”

Sachem had one of its best seasons ever, winning a Suffolk County title for the first time since 1987.

“It’s something that no one can take away,” Gambino said. “I told them to show up at school with their heads up. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.  It was a hell of a year.”

Winning Pitcher: John Daddino

Losing Pitcher: Mike Vitale

Sachem: Sole (2-4), Carlo (0-3, HBP), Garry (1-3), Teta (0-3), Hennelly (1-3), Scarlato (0-3), Santangelo (0-3), Kowalski (1-3), Vitale (0-2, BB)

Carey: Rydzewski (1-4), Eymold (2-4), DeMeo (1-2, BB), Marino (1-2, BB), Young (1-3), Smith (2-3), Safuto (1-3), Licata (0-3) and Zeppieri (0-3)