You wanted something wacky to happen. Christian Osmundsen to slip as he raced home, Frank Ulloa to somehow trade right arms with Jeff Francoeur and gun down Osmundsen at the plate, or the home-plate umpire to rule Joe Sessa’s sacrifice bunt had bounced off the plate.
Anything to change what your eyes told you – that an error was going to decide one of the best PSAL Class A title games in the league’s history – was the unfortunate and certain end to a glorious three and a half hours of baseball.
Osmundsen scored the winning run. He was mobbed by his jubilant teammates as Lehman ace Tyler Gurman stood a few feet from home, the same exact spot he fielded the ball and threw wildly at first, amazed at the sudden turn of events.
It was a surreal moment as Osmundsen scored the winning run. Personally, I didn’t want to see it end like that; nobody did, my deadline be damned. Gurman deserved better. So did Lehman. Heck, Tottenville did, too. This game needed a hero, somebody blasting a home run into the Coney Island night or lacing a double, even dropping down a suicide squeeze.
What we got was as imperfect as the 10 frames were classic. What a shame.
That being said, Gurman’s miscue hardly washed away what was a memorable evening. “It’s gotta go down as one of the best games I’ve been involved with,” Lehman coach Adam Droz told me.
Here are just a few thoughts and observations from yours truly.
— Memo to the PSAL powers that be: don’t change a thing for next year’s title games. I couldn’t have asked for a more enjoyable evening, a 180 degree turn from last year’s experience at Yankee Stadium. The teams were given locker rooms to change in, their pictures were put up on the big screen, even highlights shown. The atmosphere, thanks to the 2,300 fans in attendance, was electric. The game should be played at MCU Park for years to come. I understand there is the allure of big league ballparks, but the overall experience is better.
I mean, I had no complaints. That never happens.
— Zach Granite, Tottenville’s speedy center fielder, will be a star at Seton Hall. The kid saved at least two runs, in my estimation, with his legs. He’s so fast gap to gap. I think he cut off at least three extra-base hits, including Gabriel Pena’s rope into right-center with two men on the third. Granite is arguably a better offensive player, with a potent bat and great speed.
— The pitcher’s duel was memorable for several reasons. The game promised to be a slugfest, since both sides entering having scored in double figures on 12 occasions. Tottenville scored 23 runs in two semifinal victories over George Washington while Lehman totaled 32 in knocking off pitching-rich James Madison.
Yet, Gurman held down the explosive Pirates by mixing up his three pitches – two-seam fastball, curveball and changeup – and Tottenville’s John Silva did his best work with his overpowering riding fastball.
— My favorite moment of the night came in the bottom of the eighth inning. Tottenville had loaded the bases with two outs for cleanup hitter Kevin Krause. Gurman had balked earlier in the inning, moving runners up, and seemed to be unraveling. The slugging catcher laced the first pitch up the middle, seemingly ending the game. Shortstop Jhosse Estrella would have none of it, fielding the sharply hit three-hopper with a slide and flipped to Pena at second just ahead of the on-rushing Thomas Kain.
Once the second-base umpire put his right arm up, Estrella sprinted toward the dugout, broadly smiling, pumping his fist, as the Lehman dugout met him by the first-base line. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so energized watching a high school baseball game.
— Expect to see both of these clubs challenge to get back here next year. Lehman returns outfielders Jonathan Pagan and Angel Zapata – the first two hitters in its lineup – cleanup-hitting catcher Andy Ramos, and No. 2 starter Dymin Morillo.
Tottenville will be even more stacked, with first baseman Thomas Kain, catcher Kevin Krause, designated hitter George Kantzian, third baseman Gil Mendoza, and Sessa, the left fielder, all returning. Kain and Krause could form the top 3-4 combo in the city. Kantzian, the best eighth-place hitter in the city, doubled to start the 10th and decisive inning. Expect to see the power-hitting junior slot fifth in the Tottenville order next spring behind Krause.
— I’d also like to thank all the contributors to the wildly successful live blog. We received 396 comments – a record for any high school chat, which is saying something considering basketball’s popularity – and 119 readers. McKee/Staten Island Tech ace Matt Abramowitz, James Monroe right-hander Jesus Brito, and George Washington second baseman Xyruse Martinez took part in the festivities, too, offering their insight. I haven’t forgotten you either, Dee and Don. You kept me laughing all night.
