A Time Out for Baseball News!

In it's five-year program, four years since Coach Henry took the helm, the Kushner Baseball Cobras had yet to defeat the Frisch Cougars. A powerhouse in the Yeshiva Baseball League, the Cougars have had their way with both the New Jersey and New York divisions for some time. Going undefeated in 2008 and winning the championship two out of the last three seasons, the Cobras faced a tough task ahead. This young team came back from a tough challenge a week before to upset the two seed, the Heschel Heat, and looked to rewrite history on an overcast and gloomy day at Farleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck on June 13.

From the beginning, this proved to be a day where the pitcher would have the last word. Hard-throwing Sam S. (9 strikeouts and 3 hits) from Frisch battled long-time ace, Andrew M. (11 strikeouts and 4 hits) from Kushner. The first four innings went scoreless as each pitcher battled out of jams and over-powered hitters when needed. Both teams aided with flawless defense. This game showed sparks of a gem from the start!

The bottom of fifth began the excitement when the Cougars leadoff batter walked with one out, stole second base and reached third on an error by the catcher. A ground out to the third basemen brought him for the Cougars to go up 1-0.

It didn't last long for the Cobras to strike back. After a leadoff single by freshman Matthew S., a stolen base and passed ball, the Cobras were back in action. Sophomore catcher Josh G. walked as courtesy runner, and Jerry M. stole second base without a throw. No outs and runners on second and third, the Cougars brought their infield in to cut off the go-ahead run. Up stepped Senior Tri-Captain and designated hitter Jon L., who helped lead the comeback against the Heat in round one of the playoffs a week ago. First pitch was lined to left field bringing in Matthew S. as Jerry M. rounded third as the throw came in ... a little high and the catcher couldn't handle it, bringing the Cobras up 2-1, and advancing Jon L. to second base. After a close play, he stole third. The very next pitch, freshman, Jeremey S. placed down a beautiful squeeze bunt and the Cobras went ahead 3-1. The rest, as they say, was history!

The Cougars had the top of the lineup in the bottom of the seventh inning and threatened with two straight singles making it first and second. Andrew M. struck out the final batter for the win and a new redemption for Cobras' Baseball History! 

This win embarked on the single season win mark of 10, first time in 13 chances beating the Frisch Cougars, 30th win in program history, and a first appearance in the Yeshiva League Championship. All fitting to a spectacular career for Jerry M. and his teammates ... however, there is still one more game to go.

The Cobras will face the winner of Ramaz/Flabtbush from the New York division who play June 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Seaview Park in NY. The championship is slated for Sunday, June 19 at Newark Bears' Stadium at 5:30 p.m.

Note: This is also the first time Kusher has had two different sports teams make their championship games in the same year! Way to go Cobras!