WALL — The South Wall Little League Baseball team has absolutely dominated its competition in the District 11 Tournament for coastal Monmouth County teams so far this summer. Is there talk of a trip to Williamsport and Little League World Series? The team's first baseman gave a short and simple answer.
“Yes, 100%,” said Michael Lutkiewicz, 11.
The World Series is a long way off - if South Wall emerges as District 11 champs, there are section, state and regional tournaments ahead all leading to the World Series.
But Monday night provided another look at the team's ability - a 10-0 over victory over Neptune in the final round of the district tournament. The game ended in four innings due to the mercy rule, something South Wall knows all too well.
The past five games South Wall has outscored opponents 67-2 with four shutouts. South Wall plays North Wall, also undefeated, on Wednesday in the tournament semifinal.
“I think they have the talent to go really far,” said South Wall’s head coach Jeff Baker. “As long as they keep playing good ball we’ll keep playing pretty far into the summer hopefully.”
The road ahead
Like many young players who’ve seen nothing but success, their goals get greater and greater with each accomplishment. However, it’s one game at a time for the high-scoring team.
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“It’s been good, successful so far,” said Baker. “Long way to go but we take it one game at a time. Execute on the fundamentals. We’ve been together since a month ago, we pretty much practice everyday, the kids are putting in the work, our game is all about putting the ball in play, putting up tough at-bats and running the bases like crazy.”
South Wall's bats got hot early
The game against Neptune began with South Wall bats getting hot from the top of the first inning. Starting pitcher Jack Harr started off the scoring with an RBI single to bring Tyler Baker home. Then a Lutkiewicz fly ball out to left field brought teammates Joe Cocco and Nate Waitzel home to jump out to a 3-0 lead.
In the very next at-bat for South Wall, they kicked up their offense. Frankie Racioppi had an RBI to bring Joseph Pollio home and stole home himself to extend the lead 5-0. In the same inning, Harr brought Mikey D’Addario home to make the score 6-0. Then a slew of errors in one play brought home Cocco, Harr, and Baker home to extend the lead 9-0. The final run came off a Pollio RBI to bring Dustin Zoino home in the third inning.
With a string of convincing victories, Baker makes it a point of emphasis to keep his team focused.
“I’m a big believer in thinking big and I coach them to think big as well,” said Baker. “But then you got to pull them back and reel 'em in and focus on one step at a time and whatever is in front of you is what’s next.”
Harr shines on the mound and at-bat
Harr, 12, also had four strikeouts in just two innings. He was hot as a hitter and ran the bases with lightning speed. His coaches said he worked hard to get at the level he’s at.
“I’ve coached Jack since he was seven,” said Baker. “He’s always been a talented kid and he puts in the work. If you come to the fields any given day, even when we’re not practicing, he’s out here with one of his brothers or sisters putting in time. Working on his swing or his ground balls. He’s one of our leaders, he’s always at the top of the lineups, he’s one of our infielders, he’s one of our captains on the team.”
Harr is laser-focused and knows there’s more to work on as a unit.
“Played well, we need to work on some things,” said Harr.
Lutkiewicz has full confidence in his team. He believes he has the best fastball and curveball on the team. You may also find him in different positions on the field.
“Michael is pretty much our utility guy, he can play pretty much anywhere on the field,” said Baker. “He’s very valuable in that regard and he’s slotted in as our five hitter.”
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Little League World Series is far off but powerhouse South Wall team dreaming big
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