The 2010 Rye Recreation Men's Softball A League Championship trophy went to Poppy's Cafe after a 12-11 win over High Intensity at Rye Recreation Park Wednesday.
After an easy 11-3 Game 1 victory Monday, Poppy's had to pull through for the 12-11 game two victory and the series sweep.
Poppy's clinged to an 8-7 lead after five innings until High Intensity went ahead 9-8 in the top of the sixth.
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Steve Ramsey hit two home runs in addition to a single that brought in Poppy's John Castellano to tie the game in the 6th inning, 9-9.
The game was suddenly close when High Intensity went up 11-9 off an Anton Hios triple to bring in Rick Lanza in the top of the seventh.
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But High Intensity's glory would be short-lived, when Poppy's came back in the bottom of the seventh to win 12-11 off Frank Luciano's sacrifice fly to right center scoring Rich Falcone for the championship game-winning run.
Head Coach Steve Massinello was proud of he and his teammates' hard work throughout the evening.
"It was a complete team effort," he said. "We needed every single person to win this game."
"Our strategy was to win every inning and play very good defense," Massinello said.
High Intensity Catcher T.J. Demattia said his team played hard, but fell short of extending the series to three games.
"The team fought hard all year long," he said. "But we didn't get it done."
"Give credit to the other team," he said.
Demattia said his team's goal is to be back in contention for another chance at the trophy against Poppy's next season.
"We look forward to hopefully meeting them in the same season in the same place for a shot at the title," he said.
John Castellano had no walks or strikeouts in seven innings pitched for Poppy's.
High Intensity's Jim Pugelise walked four batters, striking out no one in seven innings pitched, as well.
Joe Ceruzzi led High Intensity with four hits in four-at-bats. Rick Lanza was three for four. Pugelise, Anton Hios, and John De Marco each had two hits in four at bats.
Wednesday's win was Poppy's fourth championship in six years, which is quite an accomplishment considering they didn't make the playoffs last season.
The team last won back to back championships in 2005 and 2006 before winning it again in 2008.
Luke Walsh, Poppy's first base coach and general manager, was voted team inspiration, with Bobby Roman-Chuk receiving honorable mention.
"If he comes, we win," Massinello said of Roman-Chuk. "He was instrumental in us winning the entire playoffs."
Poppy's Café beat Tony's Legacy two games to one to reach the finals.
It was the same for High Intensity, who defeated Tony's Legacy two games to one in another hard-fought series.
Poppy's finished the regular season in third place at 7-6 while High Intensity beat T&J's in the first round of the playoffs.
