Cubs Carry Hot Streak Into Playoffs

Carmel’s Zach Smrek slides in safe at home, as Peekskill catcher Ken Jackson tries to block plate. SKIP PEARLMAN LaGrange scratched across five runs against Brandon Tong before Mike Palmiero and Joe Burns combined to pitch four shutout innings to close out the game. Palmiero stuck out two, while Burns had four strikeouts in his two innings of work.

“Our pitching was the main thing, there were no walks, it was unbelievable,” coach Bob Shofi said. “Joe was very impressive, it was his first game back in about 10 days, and he came back strong. He had a nice little outing.”

Offensively the Cubs provided their pitchers with plenty of support. Palmiero hit a three-run homerun, Joe Scapoli singled three times, while Tong and Mike Bello each had two hits.

“I’m proud of all these guys,” said Shofi. “They’re playing real well.”

Prior to their win over LaGrange, the Cubs closed out the regular season with their win over Peekskill.

Cody Nery of Carmel smacked a three-run homer and doubled in a win over Peekskill last week. Jackson tries to block plate. SKIP PEARLMAN Tong made the start for the Cubs and pitched two innings and struck out one. Mike Bello pitched two innings in relief and struck out four, while Stefan Sookedeo pitched the final inning and struck out two.

Cody Nery led the way offensively, he had a three-run homerun, and a double, he finished with four RBI. Palmiero had a triple, a single, and three RBI. The win made this year’s team the first Carmel team to finish with a perfect regular season.

“I told the guys, we’ve accomplished something, but we haven’t done what we set out to do,” Shofi said.

The Cubs next playoff game hasn’t been confirmed, but it was expected to be played Wednesday or today (Thursday) at Camarda Park. Should the Cubs win, the championship game is set for Saturday, August 14 at 12:30 at Lakeland High School.
Mike Palmiero of Carmel slides safely into second in win over Peekskill. SKIP PEARLMAN
Cubs hurler Brandon Tong delivers in a win over Peekskill last week. SKIP PEARLMAN
Mike Bello of Carmel had two hits in Monday’s playoff win over LaGrange. SKIP PEARLMAN
Rafael Santana watches fly ball in win over Peekskill last week. SKIP PEARLMAN