New York Astros

Astros Battle Until the Final Out, Fall in Heartbreaker to Sundevils in Championship Opener

By NY Astros Staff Writer

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The New York Astros' remarkable championship run has been defined by resilience, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Saturday's MSBL Championship Series opener was no different.

Although the Astros came up just short in a heartbreaking 12-11, 10-inning walk-off loss to the Long Island Sundevils at Eisenhower Park, they once again demonstrated the qualities that have defined their season: a team-first attitude, a next-man-up mentality, and the belief that every player on the roster has a role to play.

It has become the Astros' identity.

Every game seems to produce a new hero. With injuries continuing to test the club's depth, players have consistently answered the call whenever their number has been called. On Saturday, veterans and role players alike stepped into pressure-packed moments. Vinnie Lucarelli, Mike "Gator" Meilak, John Blanchfield, and Patrick O'Donnell all delivered significant contributions, reinforcing the culture that has carried New York to yet another championship series.

The game itself was an instant classic.

The Sundevils struck first when Steve Quiroz doubled home a run in the opening inning before Jerry Belfiore added another RBI single in the second to give Long Island a 2-0 lead.

The Astros answered in the third. Vic Lara lined a clutch RBI single down the right-field line, igniting the offense and tying the game before the Sundevils responded with a four-run bottom half to regain control.

As they have all season, however, the Astros refused to fold.

New York rallied in the sixth inning, reclaiming a 7-6 advantage behind a sacrifice fly from Joe Lankford and an RBI single by Erik Maldonado. The lead was short-lived as the Sundevils answered in the bottom of the inning to move back in front, setting the stage for another back-and-forth battle.

The Astros again fought back in the eighth. Frank Sansonetti, who has become one of the club's most dependable offensive weapons throughout the postseason, ripped a run-scoring double before Dalton Young followed with a game-tying RBI single.

Extra innings only added to the drama.

In the top of the tenth, John Blanchfield—continuing the recent string of clutch performances — lined an RBI double to put New York ahead. Moments later, Patrick O'Donnell lifted a sacrifice fly to extend the Astros' advantage to 11-9, appearing to give New York the cushion it needed.

But the defending champions had one final answer.

Long Island rallied in the bottom of the tenth, capitalizing on timely hits and patient at-bats before Frank Buongervino delivered the walk-off single that sealed the 12-11 victory.

Despite the loss, the Astros' offense produced another outstanding performance, pounding out 18 hits.

Vic Lara led the attack with three hits, while Dalton Young, Omar Norris, Cory Levy, Erik Maldonado, and Scotty McMillan each recorded multiple-hit games. The relentless lineup continued to pressure the Sundevils throughout the afternoon, refusing to allow the game to get away despite multiple momentum swings.

On the mound, Tommy Conley started before Vic Lara delivered an outstanding relief effort, pitching 3⅔ innings while striking out five and helping stabilize the game. Sansonetti was charged with the loss after entering during the decisive final rally.

The Sundevils finished with 16 hits and were led by Jerry Belfiore's three RBIs and a four-hit afternoon from Rob Figueroa.

While Game 1 ended in disappointment, the Astros walked off the field knowing they had once again displayed the grit and determination that has become their trademark. Throughout this remarkable season, adversity has never defined New York—it has revealed its character.

The clubhouse remains confident because the formula has not changed. Trust your teammate. Stay ready. Answer the call.

The Astros will look to even the series when they face the Sundevils in Game 2 of the MSBL Championship Series on Sunday, with another opportunity to showcase the championship culture that has made this one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history.

Astros Rally Past Sewanhaka in Walk-Off Thriller to Capture 2026 L.I. Stan Musial 44+ Championship

By NY Astros Staff Writer

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The New York Astros completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent league history Thursday night, rallying for a dramatic 6-5 walk-off victory over the Sewanhaka Indians at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School to capture the 2026 L.I. Stan Musial 44+ Championship in the organization's very first season in the league.

It was a championship earned through perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Over the past week alone, the Astros survived four elimination games between two different leagues, defeating the Patriots, twice overcoming the Indians, and finally capturing the Stan Musial title. Time and again, New York refused to let its season end, embracing the same team-first attitude and next-man-up mentality that has defined the club all season.

While championships often produce individual heroes, this title belonged to the entire roster.

Manager Frank Parisi was forced to navigate one of the most demanding stretches of the season, making difficult lineup and personnel decisions nearly every game as injuries and scheduling continued to test the club's depth. Yet every player accepted his role, trusted the process, and contributed when called upon. That selfless approach ultimately carried the Astros to a championship.

The team is the story.
It has been a truly memorable season for New York, and every member of the roster earned a standing ovation for the grit, sacrifice, and determination displayed throughout the season and championship run.

The Astros struck first with a four-run second inning. David Brohman drove home the opening run with a single before Omar Norris added another RBI hit. Erik Maldonado then delivered the biggest swing of the inning, lining a two-run double to give New York a commanding 4-0 advantage.

But the Indians, as they had throughout the season, refused to go quietly.

Sewanhaka chipped away with a two-run home run by Kirk Johnson in the fourth before tying the game in the fifth on an RBI groundout and a clutch single by Polo Rivera. Rivera then stunned the Astros crowd with a solo home run in the top of the eighth, giving the Indians a 5-4 lead and placing New York three outs from elimination.

The Astros answered one final time.

Frank Sansonetti, who has become a force in the middle of New York's lineup throughout the postseason, tied the game in the bottom of the eighth with a clutch single. Moments later, Scotty "Mac" McMillan once again delivered in the biggest moment, lining the game-winning RBI single to complete another unforgettable comeback and send the Astros pouring onto the field in celebration.

McMillan's game-winning hit was simply the latest example of a different Astro stepping into the spotlight. Throughout this postseason run, the heroes changed nightly, but the results remained the same.

On the mound, McMillan battled through six innings, allowing four runs while striking out eight before handing the ball to Dave Rivera.

Rivera closed the door in spectacular fashion.

The left-hander earned the victory with two dominant innings of relief, allowing just two hits and one run while striking out two. He also made his presence felt defensively before taking the mound, patrolling center field with two highlight-reel catches that robbed the Indians of extra-base hits and preserved critical outs in what proved to be a championship-saving performance.

Maldonado finished with two RBIs, while Brohman, Norris, Sansonetti, Rivera and McMillan each contributed timely hits. Pat Smith drew two walks as the Astros continued their patient offensive approach, while the club's aggressive baserunning produced eight stolen bases, constantly putting pressure on the Sewanhaka defense.

The Indians were led by Polo Rivera and Kirk Johnson, who each drove in two runs. Rivera collected two hits, including his go-ahead eighth-inning home run, but the Astros answered when it mattered most.

For New York, the victory represents far more than another championship trophy.

It marks a successful debut season in the L.I. Stan Musial 44+ League, validates the club's championship culture, and rewards a roster that never stopped believing—even when elimination stared them in the face time after time.

In the end, the Astros didn't simply win a championship.

They earned it together.

The season is not over. Next up the MSBL Championship Series. Game One Saturday..

Astros Walk It Off Against Cardinals, Advance to League Championship

By NY Astros Staff Writer

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Championship-caliber teams find different ways to win, and on a sweltering Sunday afternoon at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School, the New York Astros once again proved why they remain one of Long Island's toughest postseason clubs.

Joe Lankford delivered the game-winning hit in the bottom of the ninth inning, lifting the Astros to a dramatic 14-13 walk-off victory over the Massapequa Cardinals in Game 3 of the MSBL semifinal series. The win sends New York to the league championship, where the Astros will meet the defending champion L.I. Sundevils, who are seeking their third consecutive title after defeating the Astros in each of the past two finals.

The victory was another chapter in what has become the Astros' defining characteristic throughout the postseason: a relentless team-first attitude and a next man up mentality. Different players have answered the call in every playoff game, and Sunday was no exception.

The game itself was a classic postseason battle, with momentum swinging repeatedly between two evenly matched clubs. Both teams traded punches for nine innings, refusing to give an inch. In the end, it was the Astros who delivered the final blow.

Credit also belongs to the Massapequa Cardinals, whose players competed with tremendous heart from the opening pitch to the final out. They battled until the very end and left everything on the field in one of the season's most entertaining contests.

Adding to the challenge were brutal playing conditions. Temperatures soared with oppressive humidity and virtually no breeze, creating a grueling afternoon that tested both clubs physically and mentally.

Massapequa struck first, scoring twice in the opening inning before extending its advantage to 3-1 in the second.

The Astros responded immediately.

Joe Reznick's two-run single highlighted a three-run second inning that pushed New York in front, and the offense erupted again in the third. Dalton Young, Cory Levy, Omar Norris and Reznick all drove in runs during a five-run rally that appeared to put the Astros firmly in control.

But the Cardinals answered with perhaps the biggest inning of the afternoon.

Massapequa exploded for eight runs in the fourth inning, fueled by a three-run double from Desi Gonzalez, turning a four-run deficit into an 11-9 lead and shifting momentum back to the visitors.

Rather than fold, the Astros continued to battle.

New York reclaimed the lead in the seventh inning when Cory Levy and Omar Norris delivered clutch RBI singles to make it 13-12.

Massapequa refused to go quietly, tying the game once again in the top of the ninth on Jim Gross' RBI single to center field.

That only set the stage for another Astros hero.

With the game tied and the championship berth hanging in the balance, Joe Lankford lined a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Patrick O'Donnell, sending the exhausted Astros out of the dugout to enjoy another unforgettable postseason victory.

While the offense stole the headlines, the pitching staff delivered when it mattered most.

Frank Sansonetti was outstanding out of the bullpen, providing 4⅓ critical innings of relief while allowing just two runs (one earned). His ability to stabilize the game after Massapequa's explosive fourth inning gave the Astros every opportunity to climb back into contention.

Equally impressive was John Blanchfield, who was asked to pitch for the first time all season and was immediately thrown into one of the highest-leverage situations imaginable. Blanchfield calmly recorded the final two outs he needed without allowing a hit, earning the victory and exemplifying the Astros' "next man up" philosophy.

The Astros finished with 19 hits, led by Omar Norris, Frank Sansonetti and Cory Levy, who each collected three. Reznick, Norris and Levy drove in three runs apiece, while Dalton Young added two hits. Dave Brohman contributed aggressively on the bases with two stolen bases as New York continued to pressure the Cardinals throughout the afternoon.

Massapequa also swung the bats well, collecting 12 hits behind three-hit performances from Jim Gross and Frankie Sibiano. Gonzalez drove in three runs, while Frank Stolla added two hits. The Cardinals drew 10 walks and stole six bases in a determined effort that nearly carried them to victory.

Now the Astros turn their attention to one final challenge.

After surviving elimination multiple times and winning another dramatic postseason thriller through contributions up and down the roster, New York has earned one more opportunity to chase a championship. Standing in its way are the L.I. Sundevils, the two-time defending champions who have denied the Astros in each of the past two league finals.

With the way these Astros continue to answer adversity, one thing has become clear: every game brings a new hero, and every player is ready when his number is called.

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Big Third Inning Powers NY Astros Forcing Winner-Take-All Championship Showdown

By NY Astros Staff Writer

EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — Facing elimination for the second time in the 2026 Long Island Stan Musial 44+ Double Elimination Playoffs, the New York Astros once again proved that resilience has become their identity.

Behind a relentless offense, dominant pitching from Dave Rivera, and another complete team effort, the Astros defeated the Sewanhaka Indians 12-4 Thursday night at Eisenhower Park, earning a spot in Monday's winner-take-all championship game for the league title.

For a club that has embraced a "team first" mentality all season, Thursday's victory was simply another example of a different group of players answering the call. Just days after Mike "Gator" Meilak, Vic Lara, and Erik Maldonado carried the offense in an opening-round playoff victory, it was Rivera, Maldonado, and Cory Levy leading the charge this time. Meanwhile, Ryan Hayden, Omar Norris and Scotty McMillan continued to provide steady production in the heart of the lineup, giving the Astros one of the tournament's most balanced offensive attacks.

While the offense has drawn headlines, New York's veteran leadership has quietly been just as important. Christian "Aggie" Aguilera, Greg Visco, Vinny Lucarelli and Patrick O'Donnell have served as invaluable field generals throughout the postseason, anchoring an Astros defense that has consistently delivered timely plays in the biggest moments.

The Astros wasted little time taking control.

New York erupted for five runs in the opening inning. Cory Levy opened the scoring with an RBI single before Frank Sansonetti added another run with a base hit. Dave Rivera followed with an RBI fielder's choice, and Scotty McMillan capped the rally with a two-run single to give the Astros an early 5-0 advantage.

Any thoughts of an Indians comeback disappeared in the decisive third inning.

The Astros exploded for seven runs, turning the contest into a rout. Rivera ignited the inning with an RBI double before Omar Norris lined a two-run single. Mike Meilak forced in another run on a fielder's choice, Erik Maldonado added an RBI single, Christian Aguilera drew a bases-loaded walk, and Cory Levy was hit by a pitch to force home another run as New York built an overwhelming lead.

Rivera was equally effective on the mound, earning the victory after allowing four runs—three earned—on seven hits over six innings while striking out four and walking two. Aguilera closed the door with a scoreless seventh inning to seal the victory.

The Astros pounded out 15 hits in another balanced offensive performance. Rivera, McMillan, Norris, Maldonado, Aguilera, and Ryan Hayden each collected two hits. Rivera, McMillan, Norris, and Levy each drove in two runs, while Aguilera added two stolen bases as New York swiped four bags and continued to pressure the Indians throughout the night.

Sewanhaka was paced by Mike Meahan, who collected two hits from the leadoff spot, while Polo Rivera and Meahan each drove in a run. However, the Astros' combination of timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and fundamentally sound defense proved too much to overcome.

Now, after surviving elimination twice in one remarkable week, the Astros have earned one final opportunity.

Monday night's championship game will decide the 2026 Long Island Stan Musial 44+ title in a winner-take-all showdown. For a team that has overcome injuries, relied on contributions throughout its roster, and embraced a "next man up" mentality all season, the formula remains unchanged.

Every game has featured a different hero.

The Astros are hoping they have one more left.

Astros Stay Alive With Gritty Comeback, Advance to Championship Round

By NY Astros Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 4, 2026

East Meadow, N.Y. — With their season hanging in the balance, the New York Astros once again proved that resilience has become their trademark.

Facing elimination in the L.I. Stan Musial 44+ Double Elimination Tournament, the Astros rallied for a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Patriots Tuesday night at Eisenhower Park , earning the right to advance to the championship round.

The win was another example of the Astros' team-first philosophy, a culture that has defined their 2026 season. Every game has featured a different hero stepping into the spotlight. Just two days earlier, it was Mike "Gator" Meilak, Vic Lara, and Erik Maldonado leading the charge in the Astros' MSBL playoff victory. On Tuesday night, the torch was passed to Scotty McMillan, Frank Sansonetti, and Dave Rivera.

Despite continuing to battle injuries and the absence of key contributors, the Astros have embraced a true "next man up" mentality. Every player on the roster has accepted their role, and every victory has been fueled by collective effort rather than individual performances.

The Patriots jumped out quickly, scoring three runs in the top of the first inning on RBI hits from Rob Gonzalez and Chuck Voorhees, along with a sacrifice fly by Steve Liesau.

The Astros answered immediately.

Cleanup hitter Frank Sansonetti erased the early deficit with one swing, launching a three-run home run to right field in the bottom of the first inning to tie the game and ignite the Astros' dugout.

The contest remained deadlocked until the bottom of the sixth when Scotty McMillan delivered the biggest hit of the night. The veteran right-hander helped his own cause by ripping a clutch RBI double, scoring the go-ahead run and giving New York a 4-3 lead.

McMillan then finished what he started with another gritty performance on the mound. The right-hander worked six strong innings, allowing three runs—only two earned—on six hits while striking out two and walking four to earn the victory.

When the game reached the final inning, manager Frank Parisi turned to veteran left-hander Dave Rivera, who calmly shut the door to record the save and preserve the Astros' season.

Although the Astros managed just four hits, they made each one count. Sansonetti drove in three runs with his first-inning blast, while McMillan's clutch sixth-inning double proved to be the game winner. Rivera, McMillan, Sansonetti, and Erik Maldonado each recorded one hit.

The Patriots collected six hits, led by Chuck Voorhees, who finished 2-for-3. Rob Gonzalez, Steve Liesau, and Voorhees each drove in a run, while the Patriots displayed patience at the plate with seven walks and stole four bases.

Now 2-1 in tournament play, the Astros have earned another opportunity to continue their postseason run.

Their reward is a championship-round showdown against the undefeated Sewanhaka Indians (2-0), where the Astros will once again need the resilience, unity, and "next man up" mentality that has become the identity of this remarkable team.

For a club that refuses to quit, Tuesday night's victory was more than just survival—it was another chapter in a season defined by perseverance, teamwork, and the belief that on any given night, someone new will answer the call.

He's Back !

Maldonado's Four RBIs Power Astros to Thrilling Game 1 Victory Over Cardinals

By NY Astros Staff Writer
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Farmingdale, N.Y.

The New York Astros opened their MSBL best-of-three playoff series in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon, overcoming multiple deficits with timely hitting, clutch defense, and contributions from throughout the roster to defeat the Massapequa Cardinals, 14-12, at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School.

In a game that featured 31 combined hits and several momentum swings, the Astros once again demonstrated the team-first philosophy that has become the foundation of their success. Throughout the 2026 season, a different player has stepped into the spotlight each game, and Game 1 was no exception. Every inning seemed to produce another hero as the Astros combined power, speed, defense, and depth to seize a 1-0 lead in the series.

Leading the charge was Erik Maldonado, who drove in four runs while going 3-for-5 with a double, two singles, and two stolen bases. His two-run double in the opening inning erased an early deficit, while RBI singles in the sixth and eighth innings helped fuel the Astros' relentless offense.

Massapequa struck first with three runs in the opening inning before New York answered immediately. Joe Reznick lined a two-run single, and Maldonado followed with a two-run double to give the Astros a quick 4-3 advantage.

The Cardinals battled back, scoring in both the second and third innings to reclaim a 7-4 lead. But rather than pressing, the Astros stayed true to their approach—one quality at-bat at a time, trusting the next player in the lineup to deliver.

That patience paid off in spectacular fashion during the bottom of the sixth, when New York exploded for seven runs on seven hits. The inning featured contributions from throughout the lineup, highlighted by John Blanchfield's clutch two-run single that ignited the rally. As the game entered its closing stages, the Astros' depth continued to shine. Blanchfield and veteran Dave Brohman each came through with key late-game pinch hits, extending innings and keeping relentless pressure on the Cardinals' pitching staff when every baserunner mattered.

The Astros also made one of the game's biggest defensive plays. With Massapequa threatening to score, right fielder Omar Norris delivered a perfect throw to the plate, where catcher Cory Levy applied the tag to cut down the runner and preserve a crucial out. The momentum-changing play energized the Astros' dugout and proved to be one of the afternoon's defining defensive moments.

The victory showcased what has made this Astros club so dangerous throughout the season. One game it's the offense, another it's the pitching staff, another it's the defense, and often it's a role player coming through in the biggest moment. Sunday's opener reinforced the belief that every player on the roster is capable of changing a game, and that collective mindset continues to fuel the club's postseason run.

Mike Meilak earned the victory with four outstanding innings of relief, allowing just four hits and two runs while stabilizing the game after the Cardinals' early surge.

Perhaps the most encouraging sight of the afternoon came when veteran ace Joe Lankford took the mound. Making a significant step in his comeback, Lankford closed out the victory to earn the save, providing both a boost to the pitching staff and an emotional lift to the Astros as they continue their playoff journey.

Vic Lara paced the offense with four hits, while Frank Sansonetti and Cory Levy each added multiple-hit performances. The Astros also showcased their trademark aggressive style, stealing 10 bases, drawing six walks, and turning a timely double play.

Massapequa finished with 14 hits, led by Brian Yuen's four RBIs and Jim Caridi's three-hit afternoon, but the Cardinals were unable to match the Astros' balanced attack and timely ex*****on.

With the victory, New York carries a 1-0 advantage into Game 2 of the best-of-three series. The Astros will travel to Massapequa on Saturday looking to close out the series, while the Cardinals face a must-win game to keep their season alive.

For the Astros, Game 1 served as another reminder of what has defined their 2026 season: every game brings a new hero, every player is ready when called upon, and together they continue to prove that team baseball wins late in the season.

https://www.teamtriton.com/team-stores.html #!/NY-Astros/c/165781001

Hayden's Grand Night Lifts NY Astros Past Patriots in Playoff Thriller

By Staff Writer

The New York Astros continued their impressive 2026 campaign Thursday night, defeating the Long Island Patriots 8-7 in a hard-fought Long Island Stan Musial Midweek League playoff game at Weldon E. Howitt Middle School.

The victory was fueled by a breakout performance from Ryan Hayden, who drove in four runs and delivered the game's biggest swing—a three-run home run to left field in the third inning. Hayden later added an RBI single in the fifth, helping the Astros build what proved to be a decisive five-run advantage.

The Patriots struck first in the opening inning, but the Astros answered immediately when Cory Levy grounded out to drive in the tying run. New York seized the momentum in the second inning as Erik Maldonado and Justin Builes each delivered RBI singles to give the Astros a 3-1 lead.

After the Patriots evened the score in the third, Hayden's towering three-run homer quickly shifted the momentum back to the Astros. New York added another insurance run in the fifth before withstanding a late Patriots rally to secure the victory.

Scotty McMillan earned the win, allowing just three runs—only one earned—over four strong innings while striking out five. Dave Rivera closed the door to record the save.

The Astros once again showcased the aggressive, team-oriented style that has become their trademark throughout the season. They worked seven walks, stole eight bases, and received key contributions throughout the lineup. Maldonado reached base consistently and swiped two bases, while every player embraced the club's team-first approach.

The Patriots refused to go quietly, collecting nine hits behind a 3-for-3 performance from cleanup hitter Chuck Voorhees, who drove in three runs, but the Astros' timely hitting and relentless pressure on the bases proved to be the difference.

The victory was another example of the chemistry that has fueled the Astros' success all season. Every night, a different player rises to the occasion, while the club continues to play for one another with an unselfish, team-first mentality.

The Astros now turn their attention to Tuesday night's game at Eisenhower Park, where they will await the winner of the remaining first-round playoff matchup.

One Team. One Family. One Goal.