The James Monroe-DeWitt Clinton rivalry has always been one-sided. It remained that way this week – only the two teams traded roles.
Clinton, toiling in mediocrity entering the week, shocked previously undefeated Monroe twice, beating the Bronx A East-leading Eagles 3-1 on Monday and 8-6 on Wednesday for its first series of sweet of its borough rival since 1998.
“I’m surprised to say the least,” Clinton coach Dennis D’Alessandro said. “This is only my third year coaching the varsity and I never beat them. The last time we beat them was four season ago and before that I think [assistant coach] Felix [Villalon] was the pitcher.”
In Wednesday’s win, Jordany Aquino was the hitting star, with three hits and two RBIs. Raphael Pichardo also drove in two runs, Danny Casado had two hits, scored twice and added an RBI and Hansel Castillo chipped in with three hits. Raul Sweeney allowed three earned runs over six innings and struck out seven for his third league win.
“We knew once we found the right mix and got everyone going, things would turn around,” D’Alessandro said. “I didn’t expect this. Once we beat them the other day, there was a different look on everyone’s faces. We walked around the building today confident – not that we felt we would win, but we could hang with them.”
Clinton (7-4) has seen its fortune change over the last week. It received two victories when division rival Walton was handed down nine forfeits for using a fifth-year player and then swept rival Monroe. The Governors are now just a game behind Taft for second place in Bronx A East with a favorable schedule the rest of the way.
“Now we believe we can beat anyone,” D’Alessandro said. “We have a lot of work to do. All this does is put us in position to make a big charge in the home stretch. But when it comes to seeding, we got a break from the forfeits, but we swept Monroe and beat Lehman. We can’t be disrespected if we go and handle our business the rest of the way.”