The Alternative Press

UNION CITY, NJ - Livingston has had a long and cherished baseball history.  However, over the past decade, Livingston has come up short in winning a state championship on multiple occasions.  That drought continued on Tuesday for the Lancers as Union City defeated Livingston 4-1.

“It’s extremely tough to have it end this way,” Livingston senior Brady McLaughlin said. “We work so hard throughout the year and having it end this way isn’t fitting.”

McLaughlin once again shined for Livingston as he now looks forward to pitching at Towson University.

McLaughlin allowed four runs (one earned) on five hits while striking out five.

A combination of Edwin Hererra and Sayvon Williams baffled Livingston hitters all day as they only allowed one run on three hits.  The Lancers lone run came in the top of the first inning.

Brandon Levy and Jordan Farber both singled.  Connor Kimmel then followed with a walk to load the bases with no outs. McLaughlin trotted to the plate and grounded into a double play, but that allowed Levy to score, giving the Lancers their only lead of the game.

“Even though we only got a run, we have been fine with one run and Brady on the mound all year,” Kimmel said.  “Brady pitched well enough for us to only score a run today but our defense wasn’t as sharp as it usually is.”

Union City struck back and evened the game in the bottom of the second inning off the bat of Robert Hererra.  Hererra went 2-for-3 on the afternoon and crushed a fastball over the left field fence to tie the game.

After a failed rally in the top of the fourth inning, Union City capitalized and took the lead.  Due to two faulty defensive plays, Union City took a 3-1 lead.  An overthrow allowed Robert Hererra and Edwin Hererra to score.

Sayvon Williams came out and retired the next six Lancers in order as he continued to keep Livingston’s hitters off balance.

“Their two pitchers kept us guessing today,” McLaughlin said.  “Nothing overpowered us but they changed speeds and hit their spots.  If you have a strong defense behind you that is the key for success.”

Union City’s defense turned three double plays and there was not one error.

Union City did add one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning to increase their lead to 4-1.

The Lancers were retired in order as they attempted to rally in their final inning of play.

“This program has a lot of young talent and a lot to look forward to,” McLaughlin concluded.