The Rutherford Americans advanced to the Section 2 finals of Little League tournament play – farther than any borough team has ever gone – before bowing to Elizabethport, 11-4, at Union.
One step away from the New Jersey state tourney, Rutherford’s American League All-Stars jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the top half of the first inning, then went scoreless the rest of the way while stranding a dozen runners on the bases.
Gus Boisits led the locals at the plate with three hits. Nick Tria and Guy Indyk each had two safeties, including a double, and Vinnie DeCesare also contributed a double.
But the winners unloaded a 13-hit attack against three Rutherford hurlers: Tom Ferullo, Boisits and Rich Kuprat. Winning pitcher Marcus Butler belted a home run and a double. Jose DelSol also homered and doubled and Ken Gonzalez added a round-tripper.