Sunday, June 28 was the perfect day for Rockaway Little League’s Pee Wee Seniors championship game. The sky was sunny and dotted with big puffy clouds. The fields at Fort Tilden were perfectly lined and manicured. All that was needed was for the Jets Towing and Breezy Wine & Liquor teams to bring their A game. The boys did not disappoint, with Jets prevailing in a nailbiter, 7-4.
Breezy Wine & Liquor, who finished in first place during the regular season, made it to the championship game by edging a tough Burn Fitness squad 5-3 in the semifinals. Burn Fitness had a strong playoff run that began with a 10-4 victory over Barista Station. Jets Towing had a resounding win in their semifinal contest against TK Foundation. They carried that momentum into the championship game, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning.
Jets Towing’s pitchers limited Breezy’s response to one run in the bottom of the first but were under Breezy pressure the entire game. Mickey McGuinness made a strong start for Jet. Luca Magniccari threw two scoreless innings to protect the lead. Trailing 4-2 in the bottom of the fourth, Breezy looked to rally after a leadoff single. However, amazing defense kept them at bay. Two consecutive apparent base hits were turned into force outs when the leftfielder Thomas McCann fired to second base to get the lead runners. These rare 7-6 putouts preserved the lead.
The Breezy Wine & Liquor boys did not hang their heads. In the bottom of the fifth, they scratched out two runs to tie the score at 4. Excellent relief pitching by Jets Towing enabled them to escape the jam and leave the bases loaded. In the decisive final frame, the Jets Towing offense came to life. A three-run outburst made the score 7-4. Breezy tried to respond in kind, getting two runners on with two outs but the game ended with the tying run at the plate. Joe Hayden earned the save for Jets.
Standout players for Breezy included Jude Coyle, who went 2-for-3 with a walk and three runs scored. Keagan Palmer struck out six batters in two innings pitched. Daniel Geary added two hits and two RBIs. Avery Lind also had two hits.
The Pee Wee Senior championship game was a fitting cap for Rockaway Little League’s 73rd year that saw 38 teams compete in seven divisions. RLL will return in the spring of 2027, assuming they are able to sign a new lease with the National Park Service.
Mike McGuinness and John Dwyer coached Jets Towing. John Coyle, Daniel Geary and Ricky Palmer coached Breezy Wine & Liquor.
Check our extended coverage, including videos and more game photos on www.rockawaytimes.com.
