East Softball Rolls After Opening Playoff Win

The stakes have changed upon entry into the playoffs, but Sachem East's game remains the same. Clutch defense capped off by a spectacular double-play by Amber O'Malley halted visiting West Babylon's progress, as the Flaming Arrows edged out the Eagles 2-1 in the first round of the Suffolk County Class AA playoffs Friday afternoon.

O'Malley's diving catch off a center field drive, then quickly fired to second baseman Jess Catarano to out a returning baserunnner, was met with celebratory hollers and hugs.

For her part, O'Malley - who tallied 17 double plays for the season with Catarano - said she just reacted, and was as much in awe of the play as the crowd.

"I don't remember what happened," she said. "I didn't even think about it."

That game-closing play, and the sudden rush of victory that followed, helped make up for an earlier double-play attempt in the final inning had been ruled safe for both runners, to the obvious chagrin of the team.

"Two in one inning," said O'Malley, smiling. "The first didn't count, so I had to do it again."

Coach Ralph Forman congratulated his team, also tipping his cap to West Babylon for keeping the pressure on.

"Our defense has been winning a lot of games for us," he said. "But their pitcher was really good, she had prior playoff experience. I have to say they did a great job and gave us a heck of a game. They came ready to play."

West Babylon opened up scoring on a one-run single in the top of the third. Kellie Zeitler scored an unearned run for East off a wild pitch to tie in the bottom of the fourth. Preceding her big effort in the field, Catarano crushed the score-ending one-run single in the bottom of the fifth for the lead, sending Kristen Bagley home.

Lindsey Treanor pitched the game, retiring seven batters and allowing four walks.

East will face Riverhead next Tuesday afternoon at 4 p.m.