Written by Matthew Levine, hicksville@antonnews.com Thursday, 22 May 2014 00:00

The Hicksville Comets had been there before. They found themselves in another close game, this time against the Massapequa Chiefs.

Down a run and with two outs, the Chiefs had the bases loaded as Comets senior Michael Riley was vying for a complete game.

Up stepped Griffin Sullivan, looking to add to his two RBIs. However, this time Riley was able to get out of the jam unscathed with a ground ball as the Comets won 3-2.

I knew I had to get that guy. I knew I couldnt give him anything too good to hit. I had to really locate my spots and make the right pitches. That was it and I ended up getting him, said Riley after the game.

It wasnt just Rileys arm that helped lift the Comets to victory. His bat and legs were equally crucial.

With the Comets down a run entering the fourth inning, they eventually loaded the bases on Chiefs pitcher Alex Cosenza, who threw six innings. Riley hit what looked to be an inning ending double play, but was able to beat out the throw, allowing a runner to score and keep the inning alive.

It was the smart base running that allowed the Comets to gain the advantage. Riley drew a pickoff attempt and was able to avoid getting tagged just long enough for the runner from third to cross the plate.

That was planned to bring the runner in from third to score, said Riley.

Head coach Frank Ciaramitaro added, Those are things we practice. But you cant really coach the innate ability to do what Matthew did, which he stayed in that run down. He was able to kind of go back to first, which allowed the winning run to score.

Continued here:

Comets Conquer Massapequa