Game 4 - Elliott, O'Rourke lead Westfield to Victory

A three run homer by Ryan Elliott in the first inning was all James O'Rourke needed as he pitched a 6 inning complete game gem in a 4-2 victory for Westfield over the Martinez Baseball Club Crush of California.

James O'Rourke at the top of his game

The game was well played by both sides. Westfield's defensive play of the game came in the top of the first as Brian Duffy killed a rally by catching a deep fly to center field and then throwing a strike to Kurt Kowalski to nail the runner tagging from third base.

(A little blurry yes but we assure you, that IS Brian Duffy making the play) FYI - the photographer had just returned from Happy Hour)

The Blue Devils received excellent infield defense from Jon Gribbin, Justin Ricardo and Charlie Scott as they charged the grounders induced by O'Rourke. Elliott, who broke out of a mild slump with his towering drive, raised his fist in celebration as he rounded first on his homer. The team needed his offense as they were shut down for the rest of the game, scoring only one more time on a bases loaded walk to Michael Mondon.

But the star of the game was O'Rourke, who after a shaky first inning, starting throwing tantalizing curve balls mixed in with an occasional heater that kept the Crush from scoring after the second inning. Asked after the game what he felt was the key to the victory, O'Rourke commented that he knew things were going his way when his father, Terry made a superb play on a foul ball down the left field line.

The Westfield team faces the Marshall County Monarchs from West Virginia in a web televised game on the 4th of July at 11 Am - field 8. Westfield will be the home team and wear red as they seek to maintain their undefeated record in web - games. (1-0).