The Harlem Has squared off against the Central Park Champion, Brooklyn Dukes in a 9 inning nail bitter and came out on top 6-5.

Making his fall debut on the mound, Matthew Leonte threw 3 innings not allowing any runs along with 4 strikeouts and a HBP for the Ha’s.

The offense took the lead in the 3rd inning with Carlos Cruz scoring off a single for the first run of the game. Followed by a double down the left field line by Michael German to bring in Chris Garcia, Ha’s up 2. (2-0)

Leonte passes the baton to Jayden Vasquez in the fourth who ran into a bit of trouble. After four hit batters the Dukes put up 2 runs in his 2 innings of work to tie the ball game. (2-2)

Top of the 6th and here comes Matt Doncell to the bump. Doncell had a strong outing throwing 3 2/3 innings with 6ks, but the Dukes were relentless.

In the 7th inning the Dukes took the lead with a base hit to right field to bring home a run. (2-3)

The Has answer right back in the 8th with Chris Garcia leading off with a single followed by Michael German and Mario Padron with singles of their own.
The Dukes wanted a bit of pay back as they hit the next two batters HP and Pacheco to bring home another run.
Now 7 batters have been hit in the game so far, Ouch. (4-3)

Top of the 9th and the Dukes were down to their last 3 batters. First batter smashes a double in the Gap and then swipes third base. Next pitch, hot shot to third and Garcia scoops the ball and fires a rocket to home plate gunning down the runner, but the Dukes weren’t done. A bit of control issues led to a walk and 2 more hit batters which resulted in 2 more runs. Jose Vasquez come in to stop the bleeding as he throws 1 pitch to get out of the inning. (4-5)

Bottom of the 9th, Carlos Cruz smashes a line drive down the left field line for a single and then swipes the bag next pitch, tying run at 2nd base. Wesly Waite flys out to right moving Cruz to 3rd base. Garcia walks and German hits a ground ball to 3rd base but hustles down the line to prevent the double play. The pressure must have been too much for the Duke’s pitcher as he intentionally walks Mario Padron to get to Joey Randazzo bases loaded. After 8 pitches Joey works a walk that brings home the tying run and next batter was Honario Pena. 1st pitch of the at-bat right into his shoulder and the rest is history. (6-5)

Coach Padron always says “It’s a baseball not a monster” but the ball this game might as well have been a monster, hurting 10 batters. Good thing we got Ice.

The Ha’s square off against the Lions next.

CHECK OUT the @harlemhas instagram page for exclusive post game interviews and Mic’d up moments throughout this epic game.

-M.Leonte