George Washington’s Edwin Corniel tossed six strong innings for the win. (Lauren Marsh)
Grand Street Campus has spent the spring proclaiming its lineup as tops in New York City. For good reason, many have agreed with this as fact, and the Wolves further championed their belief after putting up 13 runs in a PSAL Class A semifinal rout of John Adams.
Only fourth-seeded George Washington outdid Grand Street, bludgeoning No. 8 Telecommunications, 16-3, to sweep its semifinal best-of-three series, the third time in six playoff contests the Trojans reached double figures.
It all begs the question, who has the best lineup, Grand Street or George Washington? the two meet in the finals Friday at 7 p.m. at MCU Park in Coney Island.
“I think we have the better approach and the better hitters,” GW’s slugging catcher Nelson Rodriguez said.
Naturally, both sides feel theirs is superior, with depth, power and speed littered throughout each’s batting order. But this much is clear: the powerful Trojans have found their stride after an up-and-down regular season. GW (19-2) rapped out 14 hits, seven of the extra-base variety, in Saturday’s rout.
“We’re that kind of team,” Mandl said. “When we’re on, we’re tough. We can swing it. I would never expect that many runs, but they really came to play – they really want it.”
Alexis Torres hit a grand slam and had six RBIs, Marvin Campos also went yard, Randy Rodriguez had three hits and scored four runs and Henry Rodriguez had two hits, two RBIs and scored twice. The Trojans posted five runs in the second to blow the game open and added six runs in the seventh for good measure. Everyone in the starting lineup had at least one hit and either scored a run or drove one in.
Pitching on three days’ rest, ace Edwin Corniel carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning, struck out seven and allowed two runs in six innings for his third playoff victory.
“The way we played showed we’re very hungry and ready for anybody,” Torres said.
George Washington won’t be facing just anybody on Friday – it will be taking on loaded Grand Street, the only team in the PSAL that can match its firepower.
“I had a feeling it was going to be us and Grand Street in the finals,” Nelson Rodriguez said.
Telecommunications coach Ed D’Alessio faced both teams and thinks they are very similar. He feels George Washington is a little more patient at the plate than Grand Street, but said the Wolves leadoff man, Basael (Ralphy) McDonald, could be an X-factor because of his speed.
“They’re the two best teams by far,” he said. “It’s almost a pick ‘em type of game.”
As for his team, D’Alessio was pleased with the year. It finished the regular season with a flourish, going 3-0 over the final week to win Brooklyn A West, and upset No. 1 Cardozo in the quarterfinals to reach the semis for the first time in his 12-year tenure. Telecom (16-5) nearly had George Washington beat in Game 1 on Friday, falling 4-3 with a team featuring six starters who are either freshmen or sophomores.
“If they stay serious and stay committed and their mental approach stays the same,” he said, “we can be one of the best teams next year.”
George Washington, meanwhile, feels it is the best team in the PSAL right now. It hopes to prove that on Friday.