The Branford Hornets baseball team broke into the win column for their first win of the season last week with a 5 – 1 victory over their SCC rival, the East Haven Yellow Jackets.
“It’s a new start for us”, said first year coach Steve Malafronte after the win. The Hornets lost their first three games to Law, Sheehan and FCIAC member Brian McMahon of Norwalk.
“Good win today guys”, coach ‘Mal’ said to the team after the game. “Let’s keep it going”.
Sophomore pitcher Zane Kmietek pitched an impressive two hitter allowing the Easties only one run. “He was strong today and was in command of his game,” Malafronte said.
The Hornets didn’t take long to score as junior Nikko Ligouri opened up the bottom of the first with a triple down the right field line, then scoring on a grounder.
They added two more in the bottom of the third after East Haven tied the game in the top half of the inning.
The final two runs were scored in the fourth and sixth innings.
The Hornets had their hitting shoes on as they banged out 15 hits against losing pitcher Nick Guarino. Liguori went 3 for 3 including a double and the triple and scored two runs.
Junior Jordan Botte went 4 for 4 with a double and two runs scored.
Seniors Luke DiStasio (pictured)and Devin DeRenzo chipped in with two hits each.
Since this game the Hornets defeated North Haven 5 – 4 last week and lost to Shelton 4 – 1. Their next game is tomorrow when they play Hand H.S.
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