SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
This past week the Monte Irvin Minors youth baseball team out of Orange captured the Newark League Championship after beating the Newark Ivy Hill team in a Best of 3 game series. Both teams were evenly matched, with the Minors taking the title game by the final score of 5-4.
Parents and others gave great support to the players, and coaches Sharief Williams and Weldon Montague led beautifully. Leading the Minors in the title game it was Mitchell Johnson and Eli Chavis who combined to lead their team to victory. A key moment in the game was Chavis getting a big hit to win the game. Previously, the Minors beat Elizbeth in the semifinal round 4-2.
As for the more seasoned players, the American League defeated the National League 3-2 in the annual MLB All-Star Game. This marked the ninth straight time the AL won the Midsummer Classic.
The NL took a 2-0 lead early, thanks to an RBI from Mookie Betts to drive in Ronald Acuna, Jr. and a Paul Goldschmidt solo homer. Then, Yankees slugger belted a 457 ft. two-run blast to tie the game at 2, before Twins star Byron Buxton – who was an injury replacement for NJ native Mike Trout – went back to back with a home run of his own. Both long balls were hit off of Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin.
For his efforts, LA native Stanton took home MVP honors at Dodgers Stadium, while Astros pitcher Framber Valdez was credited with the win. Cleveland reliever Emmanuel Chase got the save, while Gonsolin was on the hook for the loss.
On the previous night, Mets big man Pete Alonso was unable to win an unprecedented third straight Home Run Derby. Although Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez put on a show, he would eventually lose to Nationals star Juan Soto in the finals. This marked the first time Soto has won the competition.
