Streakin' Braves Baseball Marches Towards Playoffs

There is a saying that goes, depth is great until it’s needed. That’s certainly been the case for the Syosset Braves in the last few weeks, with an injury sidelining ace Brandon Varolian.

But much to the satisfaction of coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Braves bench has come up big in the face of misfortune. A 4-3 walk off win over Freeport Thursday was the Braves fifth consecutive win. 

It’s performances like the one Syosset got from Jake Laine on April 30 that ease the impact of losing Varolian. The sophomore tossed a complete game in his first varsity start, guiding the Braves to a 3-1 victory over Port Washington. Laine stuck out six and did not allow a walk.

“That’s impressive for anyone, especially a sophomore,” Fitzgerald said.

The Braves have struggled all season at the plate, scoring only seven runs in two games against Port Washington and Freeport (game one of the three game set), two teams that are having sub-par seasons.  

“I don’t think there’s any reason why we should be beating Freeport, 4-3,” Fitzgerald said. “Sometimes our bats just go cold.”

There have been bright spots for the Braves offense, however. Designated hitter John Tsiolis, shortstop Dan Ventricelli, catcher John Albanese and second baseman Kevin Kehne have all made solid contributions at the plate.

“It’s a different guy every day,” Fitzgerald said. “That’s what happens when you’re not getting big hits.”  

As for the playoff seeding, next week will be crucial. Prior to Thursday’s action, four teams (Oceanside, Massapequa, Farmingdale, and Syosset) stood at 7-4, tied for tops in Conference AA-I. Syosset holds the tie-breaker against Oceanside, but would lose out in the case of a tie with Farmingdale. Farmingdale holds the tie breaker over Massapequa, but Massapequa holds the advantage over Oceanside.

Translation: things are about to get real hairy.

“Our pitching and defense has kept us in it,” Fitzgerald said. “Had our hitting been more consistent we’d be in a better position.”

Syosset starts their final series of the year, a three game set with Massapequa, on Saturday. The series is ripe with playoff implications.

“My goal has always been to win the league to guarantee us one of the top four seeds (in the playoffs),” Fitzgerald said.

Conference AA is comprised of three leagues, the top 12 of which make the playoffs. The three league winners and the top second place team receive byes in the first round, avoiding a one game playoff on the first Saturday of the playoffs.

“Even if you win that (Saturday) game, you’re going into Monday with your (number two pitcher) against their one. You’re behind the eight ball before you begin,” Fitzgerald said of the implications surrounding a bye.  

First pitch on Saturday is set for 8pm at Burns Park in Massapequa.

Girls Badminton Looks to Send Individuals to County Playoffs

In the world of Nassau County girls Badminton, perfection is key - literally. Although the Syosset Braves stand at an impressive 8-1 in Conference IV, the team did not qualify for the playoffs. In Conference IV, teams must finish undefeated to earn a post-season bid.

Despite missing the team portion of the playoffs, Syosset will be sending some individuals to the County championships.

First singles player Jaime Oliveira is 8-1, her only loss coming in a match against Long Beach on April 29.

The Braves first doubles (Katie Skubina and Melinda Wang), second doubles team (Julia Day and Stephanie Lee), and third doubles team (Mimi Kaneeda and Morgan Fogel) are all in the hunt to go to counties. Head coach Jamie St. John will decide which doubles team to send based on how they do in the next three matches.

Syosset will play the first of those matches on Friday against West Hempstead at

 “The loss to Long Beach was tough, but I think we can win our last three,” St. John said.