Montclair Edges Out 2-1 GNT Victory Over Nutley
• Championship Game Tonight at Newark's Riverside Stadium
May 20, 2012 – Trailing Montclair 2-1 in the top of the final sixth inning of tonight's Greater Newark Tournament (GNT), it was Nutley's last chance to capture the crown jewel of the 2012 baseball season. And things really looked good at Riverside Stadium in Newark when Nutley loaded the bases in the top of the seventh and Nick Gariano, one of Nutley's heavy hitters was the next batter and the fans were off their seats.
The count grew to 3-2 before Garino belted a long high fly to deep center field and then in a flash the game was over. The potential extra base hitwas caught by Montclair's Brett Cooper and now it was the fans from Montclair who were jubilant with the cheers.
In the past 80-history of the tournament, Montclair has captured five title GNT victories. Nutley has played in five tournaments and has yet to win its first championship.
Nick Mercandante scored Nutley's only run. Nick also was the only Raider with two hits in the game. Other hits last night game off the bats of Austin Kunz Nick Liaci and John Llano.
Kevin Garfcia pitched all six innings for Nutley, striking out eight batters and giving up five hits and walking three.
Winning pitcher was Montclair's Elliot Gertner who gave up six hits while walking only one in the championship match.
