PBLL starts fall games; Guiliano throws shutout

PBLL starts fall games; Guiliano throws shutout

The Pelham Bay Bandits opened up their fall season with a bang, as they swept a The Pelham Bay Bandits opened up their fall season with a bang, as they swept a doubleheader vs. New Rochelle.

In the first game, flame-throwing lefty Frankie Guiliano threw a 1-hit shutout, striking out 16 and walking none. Xavier Ruiz (2-2) provided the Bandits with the only run of the game, knocking in Kevin Hernandez with a line-drive single to right.

In game two, Nino Giardino (4 inn, 8 k’s) and Kevin Hernandez (2 inn, 5 k’s) combined on a 1-hitter. The offense was led by Kevin Hernandez (3-3, 2 RBI), Tony Rugova (3-4, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), (Xavier Ruiz 2-3, 3 Runs, 2 SB) and Eric Solero (2-3, RBI). Nino Giardino (4 RBI) hit a mammoth 3-run homerun, deep over the right-center field bleachers, clearing the 233 sign at Naclerio Field. The Bandits went on to win by the score of 12-3.

Manager Dom Caggiano said, “The only reason for fall ball is player improvement, working on their individual weaknesses. There is always work to be done, so we’re doing it.”