Chalk One Up For American League

One day after the Fort Lee National Little League major league team Fort Lee AC defeated the Fort Lee American Little League’s Fairway Market in extra innings at the National League field to capture the Mayor’s Trophy, Fort Lee American’s minor league team Unico came from behind to beat Post Cards R Us of the National League Wednesday evening at the American League field to capture the minor league Mayor’s Trophy.

Unico’s head coach David Epstein said his team trailed Post Cards R Us by a score of 5-1 in the fourth inning, “but with the clutch hitting of Matthew Nabong, Warren Wilkerson and Toby Blumenkranz, we scored eight runs in the fourth inning.”

“Andrew Kang pitched the last 2 innings to maintain the victory,” Epstein said.

The final score was 9-5.

The victory capped off a season full of highlights for the team, according to Epstein, including his son, Matthew Epstein, pitching two no-hitters. In one of those games, the young Epstein struck out all 15 batters he faced. Dylan Samson also pitched a one-hitter this season. Offensive highlights included five home runs and 27 RBIs by Matthew Epstein, Dylan Samson's .690 batting average and 26 RBIs and Andrew Kang's 23 RBIs, according to Epstein.

"I had two coaches, Mike Kelly and Warren Wilkerson, who were a vital part to our team's success," he said. "Their dedication to each individual was definitely noticed by others, and it was evident to the improvement and success to our team. Arturo Andrew, our full-time catcher was a big part of our offense and did a great job behind the plate. Alan Sourek and Paul Kim had big hits and were very important to our team's memorable season. Alkira Jefferson worked the counts and led our team in walks, while Rommie Solimon always gave 100 percent effort in his support to the team."

Unico had defeated what Epstein called a “very tough opponent” in Twin Towers to capture the American League’s minor league title, two games to one.

“In our deciding third game of the Championship where we won 3-0, Matthew Epstein hit their first pitch of the game for a home run to get the ball rolling,” Epstein said. “Conor Kelly hit a big RBI double to increase the lead to 3-0 and  Dylan Samson and Matthew Epstein pitched the combined shutout to hold off  Twin Towers, who are a very well coached team by William Mattei, Julio Lasval and Marty Picinic. There were no losers in this matchup. Their team was a class act and we were privileged to play them.”