This was one of those games that reminds us what makes Little League baseball so enduring. The 1:30 contest between Swifty’s and Andriano’s featured everything a player or spectator could ask for... great pitching, clutch hitting, dramatic moments, unexpected heroes,and an exciting finish. When it was over, Andriano’s held on for an important 7-6 victory over a real good Swifty’s squad. The game started quietly, with veteran hurlers Austin Fox and Henry Manley throwing fast strikes through two scoreless innings. Andriano’s grabbed a 3-0 lead in the top of the third, and still had a 3-2 lead with two outs and a runner on for Swifty’s in the home half of the fifth. Up to the plate came Matt Wise…on a 2-2 pitch Wise hit a very high, very long Home Run, which easily cleared the fence in right center. The Swifty’s dugout emptied to greet Matt as he touched the plate to give the home team a 4-3 lead. It was something to see. Things looked bleak for Andriano’s after two quick outs in the top of the sixth. But now it was Andriano’s turn to mount a comeback. Intermediate call ups Luke Carlson and Jason Gentile showed poise and determination, both hitting their way on base to keep the game alive. The fleet footed David Garcia then beat out a hit to knock in the tying run, and Andrew Luntz followed with a line single to left to knock in the go ahead run. Andriano’s plated two more runs to take a 7-4 lead into the bottom of the 6th. Sure enough, Swifty’s bounced right back, scoring 2 runs and had the tieing run in scoring position before closer David Garcia secured the final out. Both starters (Manley and Fox) were terrific in 5+ innings of work. The Swifty’s offense was led by Luntz, with a double , a single, 2 runs scored and 2 rbis. Garcia had 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and an rbi. Manley had a single, a run scored, and an rbi. Zach O’Brien had a double and made several fine plays in the field. Jimmy Gallagher had a well hit single, along with two quality at bats. Matt Gillespie also had good at bats to move runners into scoring position. Dermot McDonough did yeoman’s work behind the plate, and held on to a critical tipped third strike to end the game. Thanks to Swifty’s players and coaches for an exciting game.