The Teaneck Baseball Organization 14U travel team kicked off the PBI League playoffs with a 7-2 opening round rout of the favored Belleville Buccaneers. With a mix of exceptional pitching, crisp defense and timely hitting, the Teaneck team transformed what had started as a nail-biter into a warm-up for the semi-finals.

Caleb Wolin started for TBO, throwing an incredible five innings of two hit ball, striking out eight while only walking three and even picking off a runner at first. By the time he left the mound TBO was up 5-2. Eli Zaretsky, with his overpowering heat, pitched two 1-2-3 innings to seal the victory.

TBO’s defense was on full display throughout the game. Natan Solomon continued his stellar performance behind the plate and Dovid Uretsky made two exceptional put-outs in right field. Meanwhile, Abie Schwartz and Akiva Boyarsky continued their strong defense up the middle at shortstop and second base respectively, while Yehuda Teitelman and Tzvi Naor held down the hot-corner at third base.

But none of this would have mattered without the offense. Eli Saks continued to amaze at the plate, at one point fouling off half-a-dozen pitches before lacing an RBI double into right center field. First baseman Yis Kaminetzky made his presence felt with a multi-hit and multi-RBI game, and center fielder Joey Zelig continued his strong performance at the plate and in the field, knocking in a run as his teammates cheered.

Next week the TBO 14U team will play a semi-final game in Lyndhurst against the Bergen County Hawks, and coaches Stu Boyarsky, Chaim Schwartz and Moshie Solomon are looking forward to another competitive game.