Alpine All Stars' fall one run short in tourney Alpine All Stars' fall one run short in tourney (August 06, 2003)

By Alpine-West Menlo Staff

Falling one run short of victory against Belmont, the Alpine-West Menlo 9-10 All Stars were finally sent packing recently after a long win-streak in the District 52 All Star Tournament.

After swatting the first hit of the game, starting pitcher Bryan Munks enjoyed two "three-up, three-down" innings, fielding two bunts and two ground balls to nab five of the first six outs.

Brought face-to-face with a squeeze play in the third, Munks fielded the sacrifice bunt, looked the runner back to third, and fired to first baseman James Shaw for the out. The runner on third broke for home, prompting a bullet-line throw from Shaw to catcher Jason Cortella who tagged him out as he slid home for an inning-ending double play.

After a weak start, the Belmont boys exploded back, running away with a 6-1 lead by the top of the sixth inning.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Alpine loaded the bases with no outs and Marcus Prioste stepping up to the plate. Working a full count, Prioste drew a walk, followed by Jason Cortella who slammed a two-run double to make the score 6-4.

Munks drew a walk to load the bases once again, this time for .692 hitter Patrick McNamara. Plunked hard by the first pitch, McNamara took first base, scoring the runner from third, and pushing Alpine to within one run.

At that point, Belmont decided enough was enough, bringing in its No. 1 pitcher to seal the win, ending Alpine's largely successful season.