After an opening day offensive explosion, the Stallions of St. Aidan’s knew they were facing their toughest week in opponents in the Catholic Spirit League, playing games against perennial powerhouses St. Agnes of Rockville Centre and Kellenberg Latin School from Uniondale.

The Stallions traveled to Barasch Field In Rockville Centre to face St. Agnes on Monday, April 29. The Stallions bats, which were on fire opening day, fell silent as St. Agnes pitching kept the team off the bases. St. Agnes pitching held the Stallions to two hits.

Jack Willoughby drove in the only runs for St. Aidan’s with a single in the second inning. On defense, St. Aidan’s “made the plays” but too many walks doomed the St Aidan’s efforts in the 9-2 loss.

The Stallions welcomed the Firebirds of the Kellenberg Latin School to Tully Park on Thursday, May 2. The boys of St Aidan’s knew they had a challenge with the undefeated Firebirds but were focused and determined to end the Kellenberg winning streak. Behind another strong pitching performance by Mike D’Angelo, the Stallions kept the Firebirds in check all game.

The defense was led by Matt “gold glove” Forte, who made sliding catch in left field and a had couple of nice stops at second base. Other steady defenders were Jon Anthony Panaro, Thomas Nutley, Eddie Olsen, James Rolleson and Jake Grimm.

The Stallions battled the Firebirds all game, with D’Angelo striking out four and allowing three hits over five innings. A couple of timely hits gave the Firebirds the lead going into the last inning, however.

The Stallions of St. Aidan’s mounted a furious comeback and had the tying run at the plate. but the comeback was dashed. Both Joe Panaro and Eddie Olsen had RBIs, or runs batted in. The final score was 6-2 Firebirds.

General Manager Ken Solosky said he was very pleased with the boy’s strong fundamental baseball. In the two games, St. Aidan’s made only two fielding errors.

“Anytime you play St. Agnes and Kellenberg, you have to be at your best,” Solosky said. “These teams always play you tough.”

Field coach Patrick Solosky said the team came together to rise to the challenge.

“Having the two toughest teams on the schedule in the same week is a challenge; however my St. Aidan’s players rose to the challenge and played very competitive baseball,” Solosky said. “Although we lost, we made both teams beat us and didn’t give the game away”.

Story submitted by Ken Solosky.