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STAMFORD, Conn. Stamfords American Legion Junior Division followed the blueprint that has been successful for them the past two seasons. The result was a 5-1 win over West Hartford Thursday and a return trip to the state baseball championship game.
Randy Polonia fired a two-hitter and an opportunistic Stamford offense led the way. Stamford will meet Southington in Saturdays final at 5 p.m. at Muzzy Field in Bristol.
This has been what weve done all year, manager Scott Giorgi said. We were a little aggressive on the bases, we got great pitching and played great defense. Thats Stamford Legion baseball. We had it all together.
The centerpiece was a brilliant outing by Polonia. He allowed a one-out single in the first and an infield single in the sixth. He lost his command, and shutout, in the fifth when he walked two batters and hit another. He nearly escaped unscathed, but a two-out throwing error allowed West Hartford to score its only run.
My arm felt good and I felt like I was pounding the strike zone, Polonia said. Considering what was at stake, Id say it was my best game this season.
Stamford scored in the second when Kevin Stone singled, and took third when Ronnie Jackson reached safety on an error. Jackson Solis RBI gave Stamford a quick lead.
Stamford broke it open in the third with four runs. Ronnie Jackson delivered an RBI double, while Polonia and Brian Pollack also had RBIs. Polonia scored on an error, one of two in the inning by West Hartford. Stone had two hits and scored two runs for the game.
After Wednesdays nail-biting 5-4 win over Bethel, Stamford enjoyed a much less stressful win against West Hartford. Now it tries to nail down the one game it could not win last year.
It feels great, said Polonia, who was not on the team that played for the title last year. Were anxious to see if we can this one and bring it home.
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