The outcome of Tuesday’s matchup between Harrison and Rye might not have had a significant impact on the league standings or eventual sectional seeding determinations, but it was a game of tremendous importance nonetheless. On May 10, the two rivals squared off in the 7th annual Andrew Gurgitano Memorial Game, a yearly tradition to celebrate the life and honor the memory of Gurgitano, a former Harrison pitcher who passed away in 2014 at the age of 16.
Rye took this latest meeting, winning 11-0 behind a five-inning shutout effort from senior right-hander Derek Woods. No stranger to participating in the memorial game, Woods explained how vital this event has become for both communities.
“It’s always a big game every year,” said Woods. “My first game ever was the ‘Gurg Game’ when I was a freshman; it was a huge deal for me then and it’s a huge deal now.”
The Garnets were able to strike for two runs in the top of the first inning against Harrison starter Luke Burden, capitalizing on walks and errors to jump out to an early lead. According to Woods—who struck out four in five scoreless innings while scattering four hits—taking the mound with a two run cushion helped him attack the Harrison bats with confidence.
“Luke’s a great pitcher and putting a few runs up against him early, we were just able to go from there,” said the senior. “Usually you’d rather be pitching at home, so when you’re away, if you get some runs, set the tone early that can help.”
Woods also shined at the plate, driving in a pair of runs on the day. DH Tyler Canna also collected two RBIs, while shortstop Tyler Winderman went 3-for-3 with an RBI and two stolen bases.
The Garnets—who beat Harrison 1-0 last week—managed a second-straight shutout over the Huskies.
“I think it’s just worked out for us,” said Woods. “They’re a really good team, they’ve got some good players but I think we’ve just played well and gotten a little bit lucky.”
At 12-6, Harrison will look to bounce back in their regular season finale on May 11, after press time, when they take on Byram Hills (12-6-1). That matchup should have postseason seeding implications as the two teams currently sit at the No. 4 and No. 5 slots in the Class A playoff picture.
Rye (17-2) will likely be capture one of the top two seeds in the bracket, heading into their season finale against Pelham riding a three-game winning streak which also included head coach Mike Bruno’s 200th career victory on May 9.
“It’s great, but it’s not about me,” said Bruno after the milestone win. “It’s a testament to all the players I’ve gotten to coach and how great it’s been here at Rye.”
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