Red Hawks Beat Vikings After Rain Cuts Game Short

baseball team walked away with a win over cross-town rival by a score of 5-3 after the game was called in the middle of the sixth inning due to rain.  

IN SHORT

The wind and rain picked up as the first pitch was thrown but it didn't dampen spirits for the players and many fans in attendance at this rivalry game. Both Red Hawks senior Clayton Cerrato and Vikings sophomore Connor Clark pitched solid outings in less than ideal conditions.

KEY PERFORMANCES

The Red Hawks were on the scoreboard first after Clayton Cerrato doubled and drove in Troy Hance who walked to begin the inning.

The Vikings answered back in the third after Greg Minardi walked, then stole second. Mike Comerford laid down a bunt to move Minardi to third, then Jimmy Grawehr drove him in to tie the game.

Par Hills had a chance to score in the fourth but left the bases loaded after a nice defensive play by Joey Magnusson ended the inning.

Two long fly balls into center by Pat Merrill and Troy Hance drove in three Red Hawks runs in the top of the fifth. They added another run in the top of the sixth.

Par Hills started to close the gap in the bottom of the sixth when Sam Fendler led off with a shot to short right, Andrew Cupo doubled to score Fendler, and then Cupo stole third and headed for home to make the score 5-3. Umpires, however, called the game due to rain.

THEY SAID IT

The Vikings players and fans were clearly upset with the umpire's decision to call the game. Head Coach Ray Santana said "this is unbelievable.  It's been raining hard since the fourth inning."

UP NEXT

Parsippany High vs. Dover on Monday at 4 p.m.
Parsippany Hills vs. Randolph on Monday at 4 p.m.