Gritty Snug Harbor falters in season opener

DOVER, Del. – Snug Harbor failed to protect a 7-4 lead and lost a heartbreaking 8-7 decision to Keystone LL (Pa.) in the opening round of the Little League 13-Year-Old Intermediate Division (50/70) East Regional Saturday at Dover LL.

Manager Danny Lee’s team will once again have to run the table out of the losers’ bracket to claim the regional crown. Snug was able to accomplish that feat in the New York State tournament, but Lee knows it will be a tough task for his club. They return to action Sunday at noon against Brandywine LL (Delaware).

“The teams are tough here, but we’re taking it one inning at a time, one game at a time; we can do it,” Lee said. “Today was a tough day and the kids are a little down and understandably so, but they’re a resilient group that’s come from behind before.”

Keystone jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after an inning and added another run in the second for a three-run bulge. But Snug, as it has done all summer on the tournament trail, fought back to tie the score at 3-3, and its four-run fifth gave the Islanders an even 7-4 lead.

Joe Bonura pitched well for SH, throwing 5.1 innings, striking out eight and scattering six hits. He was cut after reaching the 95-pitch limit.

He also had a solid day at the plate with two hits and two runs scored. Andy Brandon had a pair of safeties and drove in two, while Amaru Hansen had a hit, two walks and an RBI. Hudson Menoni contributed with an RBI hit and Mike Grimaldi reached base three times on walks.

“We have Xavier Sher as a starter and Kenny Danielsen is available as well, so that’s good for us,” Lee noted of his options for Game 2 on Sunday. “I’m confident this team can bounce back.”