Sole, Garry Play in RTC Grand Slam Challenge

Only a week ago Sachem North’s majestic post-season baseball run came to an end at Farmingdale State.

Carey who beat Sachem in the Long Island championship, was on its way to Binghamton to play in the New York State Class AA semifinals, but Sachem was well represented at this year’s RTC Grand Slam Challenge, which took place on the same field at Farmingdale Friday evening.

Nassau County beat Suffolk, 12-8, behind slightly stronger hitting. Both teams put up seven or more runs in at least one inning during the contest.

Alec Sole went 3-for-3 with three singles, one RBI and scored one run. He was awarded the most outstanding hitter honor. Brendan Garry finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and scored one run. Sachem coach Tom Gambino was also on-hand as an assistant for Suffolk.

“They worked their backs off for three years and deserved to play in this game,” he said. “They are working to reach their highest potential. They have executed everything and got things done."

Two of Sole’s three singles came in a seven-run third inning that originally put Suffolk ahead. Garry hit a two-run double off the left field wall in that inning as well.

Playing well in the all-star game doesn’t erase their defeat in the Long Island title game last week, but it mends the pain.

“You have to look past that and move on,” said Sole. “Coming out here and going three-for-three makes it a lot better.”

“What we did was something special,” Gambino said, referring to his team’s Suffolk County championship, which no Sachem group has achieved since 1987. “They’re going to carry it with them forever.”

Sole will play college baseball at Saint Louis University, while Garry is headed to catch at Rochester.